Updated Friday 7 p.m.
Here’s the latest forecast, and how Cobb DOT is preparing to treat the roads Saturday.
Updated Friday, 1 p.m.
Here’s a running list of cancellations/closures in the East Cobb area.
Original post:
Cobb County and metro Atlanta have been included in a winter storm watch that could bring thick layers of ice, freezing rain, sleet and snow.
Wednesday’s watch area that included North Georgia was expanded by the National Weather Service Thursday at 2 p.m., and after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency.
The watch period is from 1 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday; the state of emergency through the entire state extends through Thursday.
The potential for dangerous ice accumulations is the overriding concern, and local and state officials are urging citizens to prepare for the worst—impassable roads, power outages and bone-chilling temperatures.
The latest NWS forecast has Cobb with a heightened chance of getting at least a quarter-inch of ice, and some areas in the watch area could get a half-inch or more.
Stores already are being swamped with shoppers loading up on food and other necessities; the worst of the weather in the Cobb area is being forecast for Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday morning.
The Cobb County School District said all Saturday and Sunday extracurricular activities have been rescheduled, and a decision on holding Monday classes and activities will be made by Sunday afternoon.
A few closures, cancellations and delays in events are being announced; East Cobb News will have a separate post on local closures when those are announced as well.
Cobb County government said in a release that Cobb DOT officials will hold a press briefing Friday morning to detail plans, as well as provide updates on road closures.
“Most of the storm’s impact is expected to involve icy conditions, which can be especially challenging to address,” the Cobb statement said.
“Drivers are urged to avoid travel if roads become slick, both for their safety and to give crews the best opportunity to stay ahead of deteriorating conditions.”
Cobb Police have also posted a social media message urging motorists “if you can stay home: Do it. Pajamas. Couch. Zero shame.” But “If you HAVE to drive: Please drive slow and watch our video for tips from one of our Police EVOC instructors as he gives tips on how to actually drive in snow and ice without ending up in the ditch.”
Citizens are encouraged to finish their preparations before the weekend, to cancel or adjust plans and to prepare to get emergency alerts and for the possibility of being without power.
Utility companies also have set up outage channels to provide information and take outage reports from customers.
Here’s the link to Georgia Power’s storm center; and here’s the link to Cobb EMC’s storm center.
East Cobb News will have new posts on Friday as more detailed plans for the storm emerge.
Let us know what’s going on in your area—e-mail us at editor@eastcobbnews or text/call 404-219-4278.
For more local weather information, click here.
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