Atlanta Braces for Icy Aftermath as Winter Storm Transitions to Freezing Rain
ATLANTA — “The snow is over,” declared Severe Weather team Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz, but the threat of hazardous conditions remains as Atlanta transitions from snow to a significant ice threat.
“We’re now starting to transition to more of an ice threat,” Nitz explained.The snow high in the atmosphere is melting as it falls,only to refreeze before hitting the ground. This phenomenon, known as freezing rain, is already causing significant icing in the northern and northeastern metro areas, with accumulations of up to 1/10 of an inch expected to increase in the coming hours.
The Ice Threat Intensifies
Areas along I-85 and I-985, especially in Gwinnett and Hall counties, are forecasted to experience some of the worst ice accumulations.“In particular, the northern and northeastern metro is already starting to see pretty significant icing,” Nitz said.
The freezing rain is expected to dissipate throughout the evening, but as temperatures drop after sunset, the situation will worsen. “After 8 p.m., and certainly after 11 p.m., all of the more widespread precipitation moves out, and we’ll dry out overnight and into the morning,” Nitz added. However, the real danger lies in the refreezing of slushy and wet surfaces. “Everything that is slushy and wet out there now is going to freeze,” Nitz warned.
Ice Accumulations and Hazards
The ice amounts will vary across the metro area. Moast of the southwest metro will see about 1/10th of an inch of ice, while the northeastern part could experience up to 1/4 of an inch. The most severe conditions are expected between Lawrenceville, Gainesville, and Athens, where ice accumulations could reach up to 1/2 inch.
“The spots that get up to 1/2 an inch of ice, do not drive. Just as simple as that,” Nitz cautioned. These areas are likely to face downed trees and branches,widespread power outages,and treacherous driving conditions.
What to Expect on Saturday
As the region moves into Saturday afternoon, there will be some relief. Breaks in the clouds are expected, and temperatures will rise above freezing for several hours. However, the icy conditions overnight and into the morning hours will leave a lasting impact.
residents are urged to stay off the roads in affected areas and prepare for potential power outages. For real-time updates, download the Free Severe Weather Team 2 App to receive alerts wherever you are.
Key Ice Accumulation Areas
| Location | Ice Accumulation |
|—————————-|———————-|
| Southwest Metro Atlanta | Up to 1/10 inch |
| Northeast metro Atlanta | up to 1/4 inch |
| Lawrenceville-gainesville-Athens Corridor | up to 1/2 inch |
as the winter storm unfolds, we want to hear from you.Share your weather photos with us here and help document this historic event.
Stay safe, Atlanta, and remember: when it comes to ice, it’s better to stay home than risk the roads.
As Atlanta transitions from snow to freezing rain, the city faces important ice accumulations, power outages, and treacherous road conditions. To better understand the situation, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a climatologist and winter weather expert, to discuss the impacts of this historic winter storm and how residents can stay safe.
the Transition from Snow to Freezing Rain
Dr. Carter,can you explain the transition from snow to freezing rain and why it’s so dangerous?
Absolutely. When snowflakes fall through a layer of warm air, they melt into rain. If the surface temperature is below freezing, that rain refreezes upon contact, creating a layer of ice. This phenomenon, known as freezing rain, is particularly hazardous as it coats everything—roads, trees, power lines—in a slick, nearly invisible layer of ice. Even a small amount of ice can make travel extremely dangerous and lead to widespread power outages.
Key Areas at Risk
Which areas in Atlanta are most at risk for severe ice accumulations?
The northeastern metro areas, particularly along the I-85 and I-985 corridors, are expected to see the worst of it. Locations like Lawrenceville, Gainesville, and athens could experience ice accumulations of up to half an inch. These areas are likely to face downed trees, power outages, and extremely hazardous driving conditions. In contrast, the southwest metro areas will see lighter accumulations, around 1/10 of an inch, but even that can cause significant problems.
Impacts on Infrastructure and Safety
What are the primary risks associated with this level of ice accumulation?
The biggest risks are to infrastructure and public safety. Ice can weigh down tree branches and power lines, leading to widespread outages. Roads become incredibly slippery,increasing the likelihood of accidents. I cannot stress enough how critically important it is indeed for residents to avoid driving in areas with significant ice accumulation. It’s simply not worth the risk.
What to Expect on saturday
Will conditions improve on Saturday, or will the ice continue to cause problems?
There will be some relief on Saturday afternoon as temperatures rise above freezing and we see breaks in the clouds. However, the damage from overnight freezing will linger.Roads may remain icy in shaded areas, and power outages could persist. residents should remain cautious and avoid needless travel until conditions fully improve.
Preparing for the Storm
What steps can residents take to prepare for the storm and its aftermath?
Preparation is key. Stock up on essentials like food, water, and medications in case of power outages. Charge yoru devices and have a backup power source if possible. If you must travel, ensure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies like blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Most importantly, stay informed by downloading weather apps like the Severe weather Team 2 App for real-time updates.
Documenting the Event
How can residents contribute to documenting this historic event?
Sharing photos and experiences is a great way to help document the storm. Platforms like WSBTV’s weather photo submission page allow residents to contribute to the collective understanding of the event. These contributions can also help meteorologists and emergency responders assess the situation more accurately.
Key Ice Accumulation Areas
| Location | Ice Accumulation |
|---|---|
| Southwest Metro atlanta | Up to 1/10 inch |
| Northeast Metro Atlanta | Up to 1/4 inch |
| Lawrenceville-Gainesville-Athens Corridor | Up to 1/2 inch |
As the winter storm unfolds, we want to hear from you. share your weather photos with us here and help document this historic event.
Stay safe, Atlanta, and remember: when it comes to ice, it’s better to stay home than risk the roads.
