ATLANTA — A winter storm is moving through north Georgia Saturday, bringing snow, strong winds, and dangerous cold temperatures to the region.
Snow is falling across parts of north metro Atlanta and North Georgia as temperatures remain below freezing. Meteorologists say snow is being reported in North Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Hall counties, with activity continuing to shift east and southeast through the day.
The greatest impacts from this winter weather are expected farther east, where heavier snowfall is possible. Some eastern counties could see several inches of snow, while metro Atlanta is expected to see lighter amounts.
Even where snowfall totals remain low, cold air will allow any snow that reaches the ground to stick. Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing for an extended period, increasing the risk of icy conditions.
Strong winds are also becoming a major factor. Wind gusts are expected to reach 30 to 40 miles per hour later Saturday, driving wind chills down sharply. Forecasters warn wind chills could fall into the single digits or lower overnight.
The combination of snow, extreme cold, and strong winds is expected to persist through the weekend.
Warming centers are opening across metro Atlanta, including in Gwinnett County due to the weather.
According to Flight Aware, there have been 202 delays and 611 cancelations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as of 2:40 p.m.
Police in Flowery Branch are warning motorists that road conditions throughout the area “have become very slippery and, at times, dangerous.”
Officers are currently responding to multiple traffic crashes and disabled vehicles in various locations.
Flowery Branch Police offered the following tips:
• Please stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary
• Reduce speed and increase following distance if you must drive
• Remain patient as officers work to assist motorists and clear hazards
“We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work through these conditions,” police officials said. “Your safety is our top priority. Stay safe, stay warm, and stay home.”
Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Natalie Dale says the department has nearly 800 pieces of equipment ready to assist.
“That includes dump trucks, plow trucks, and our brine trucks,” Dale said. “Our F-150s can also be fitted with plow blades. We really make the best use of all of our equipment.”
The U.S. Postal Service are also reminding residents in metro Atlanta to help clear a path to and around mailboxes where snow may fall this weekend.
Officials say any amount of snow and ice can cause a dangerous situation for letter carriers, so they’re asking customers to make sure they have safe access to mailboxes and front porches for deliveries. They say carriers will continue to deliver mail and packages where it’s safe to do so.