This story was updated on Jan. 8, 2025, at 7:16 p.m.
A winter storm watch has been issued for most of North Georgia including metro Atlanta beginning Friday morning, according to National Weather Service Atlanta.
The agency braced residents to “expect significant accumulations of snow, sleet and freezing rain that will lead to hazardous travel conditions.”
North Georgia is anticipating the greatest snowfall accumulation out of all regions within the state. Beginning early Friday evening, sleet or freezing rain may occur as well.
Snow is expected to fall in metro Atlanta early Friday morning, and may mix with freezing rain or sleet. Later in the evening, the forecast is expected to change over to freezing rain or rainfall.
According to NWS, there is an increasing chance of seeing at least 2 inches of snow accumulation in North Georgia.
The National Weather Service Atlanta also issued a cold weather advisory from Wednesday 11 p.m. to Thursday 9 a.m. for parts of north and central Georgia.
Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday released an advisory on what to expect during the freezing conditions ahead.
Kemp said he has instructed several major state agencies, including the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the Georgia Department of Public Safety, to monitor weather conditions and prepare accordingly in the case of an emergency.
“As with any weather system that might impact Georgia communities, we are actively monitoring the approaching winter storm and taking action now to ensure our communities are prepared for any possible impact,” Kemp said in the release. “Along with state agency leaders, I’m urging Georgians to stay weather aware, especially as they make plans for the coming days.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that they are “actively preparing and coordinating brine operations, equipment, materials and staffing plans” to ensure safety on the roads.
“Prior to the weather system’s arrival, crews will apply brine solution to interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses in anticipation of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow,” the release states. “Brine is a solution of salt and water used to decrease the probability of freezing under certain conditions.
While residents are encouraged to limit travel as much as possible on Friday and Saturday, motorists who will be behind the wheel are asked by the department to allow GDOT crews the space on the roads to perform their jobs safely.
The Atlanta Department of Transportation is also treating roadways with brine on Thursday from 1:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Garbage and recycling pickup could be delayed on Friday, and bulk pickups set for this Friday will be postponed one week, according to the city.
Georgia Power released a statement on Wednesday announcing plans to monitor upcoming temperatures and to have crews prepared amid a “severe weather emergency.”
In addition, the company provided customers with advice on minimizing the impact of cold weather, including optimizing heating, checking their insulation, adjusting their thermostats and utilizing natural heat.
“Whether exploring new ways to save energy or preparing for severe weather and potential power outages, resources available on GeorgiaPower.com and the company’s social media channels include useful tips for weathering the storm,” the statement read.
Customers can report power outages by calling 1-888-891-0938 or going online to Georgia Power’s Storm Center.
The City of Atlanta’s offices will be closed and city employees will work virtually on Friday.
Warming centers remain open
Earlier this week, five metro Atlanta counties announced plans to keep their warming centers open on Monday and several other days within this week.
In Fulton, two warming centers will be open. The men-only warming center is located at Central Park Recreation Center, located at 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta 30308. The women- and children-only warming center is located at the Selena S. Butler Park at 98 WM Holmes Borders Dr. SE, Atlanta 30312. The operating hours for both are as follows:
Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 8:00 p.m. – Thursday, Jan. 9 at 6:00 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 9 at 8:00 p.m. – Friday, Jan. 10 at 6:00 a.m.
The Old Adamsville Recreation Center and Emergency Shelter will serve as overflow locations. Every night, the county will provide transportation from the Gateway Center at 8:00 pm.
Four DeKalb warming centers will be open 24 hours a day “until further notice,” according to the county on Monday.
The respective locations are Frontline Response International at 2585 Gresham Rd., Tobie Grant Recreation Center at 593 Parkdale Dr., Mason Mill Recreation Center at 1340 McConnell Dr. and Exchange Recreation Center at 2771 Columbia Dr.
Transportation pickups will be available to Frontline International at the following locations:
• Chamblee Library, 4115 Clairmont Rd., Chamblee, 5:40 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• North DeKalb Senior/Community Center, 3393 Malone Dr., Chamblee, 7:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.
• Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Dr., 9 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
• Avondale Fire Station No. 3, 100 N. Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates, Pick up No. 1, 6:20 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.; Pick up No. 2, 7:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.
• 2027 Candler Rd., Decatur, 8:40 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• D&K Suit City Parking Lot: 5239 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, 6:20 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.
• 2724 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur, 7:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.
• Exchange Park Intergeneration Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur, 8:40 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In Gwinnett, warming centers will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6 and Tuesday, Jan. 7.
On Monday, Cobb officials announced that the Hope House Shelter, operated by the county-based MUST Ministries, will open its doors for the next five days, Jan. 6 – Jan. 10, to men, women and children.
The county states that is partnering with MUST to provide transportation to individuals needing shelter during the upcoming inclement weather. Hope House is located in Marietta, at 1297 Bells Ferry Rd.
Beginning Tuesday, Clayton officials announced the opening of seven warming centers and shelters to help shield residents from cold temperatures.
The Clayton County Police Headquarters in Jonesboro will open its doors at 11 p.m. and close daily at 9 a.m. until Jan. 11.
The other six locations will also run from Jan 7. – Jan. 13, with hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The respective facilities are embedded below.
Editor’s Note: The story was updated to reflect that the Central Park Recreation Center warming center is now men’s only.
