Cherokee Battles Snow, Ice; Residents Urged To Stay Off Roads

CANTON, GA — If you don't have to get out on the roads Wednesday, then you should stay home. That's the message law enforcement and city personnel are stressing to Cherokee County residents who are pondering if it's safe venture out to work or other destinations.

The winter weather that blew through the county late Tuesday has left a blanket of snow and ice on county roadways, thus presenting dicey traveling conditions for anyone seeking to get outside. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office said on its Facebook page that motorists should use extreme caution "if you have to be out on the roads today."

"Some roads are passable, but many more have icy patches," the agency added.

Public works crews in Woodstock have been working all morning to make sure the city's main roads are clear for travel. Of course, there are slick spots around the city, and residents are encouraged to stay off the roads so those crews can treat those areas. Fortunately, city spokesperson Brittany Duncan said traffic is lighter than normal in the city and "we appreciate citizens heeding our warning to stay off roadways if possible."

Olde Rope Mill Park is currently closed, and Woodstock Public Works and Parks and Recreation department crews are treating the roadways. No major accidents have been reported at this time, she added. However, the city did say the traffic signal on Highway 92 at Main Street is malfunctioning and the Georgia Department of Transportation has been alerted to the problem.

Tuesday's winter weather forced the Cherokee County School District, Cherokee Charter Academy, Reinhardt University and Chattahoochee Technical College to cancel classes and close its offices for Jan. 17. Cherokee County government initially planned to open at noon Wednesday, but decided to remain closed for the day.

The city of Woodstock is closed all day Wednesday, as are Cherokee County Health Department offices. Canton delayed opening its offices until 11 a.m. while Holly Springs opened to the public at noon. Waste Management has also suspended trash service for Canton and Woodstock residents for the day.

City of Canton spokesperson Angela Thompson said the two areas crews have treated so far have historically been problematic due to the terrain. Canton officers responded to two minor crashes during the winter weather period.

"It appears citizens have heeded the warnings to stay off the roadways, which has helped to minimize our calls for service and helped Public Works crews to be able to treat thoroughfares without interruption from traveling motorists," she added.

Holly Springs City Manager Rob Logan said no "serious trouble spots or accidents" have been reported around the area at this time. The city's Downtown Development Authority meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled due to the weather.

The conditions that have gripped much of north Georgia propelled Gov. Nathan Deal to declare a state of emergency for 83 counties impacted by the weather. The state government will also remain closed for non-essential personnel for Thursday, Jan. 18 in these affected counties.

"Our top priority is to ensure the safety of Georgians and to allow the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to continue doing its job," said Deal. "Due to yesterday's winter weather and continued freezing temperatures, ice continues accumulating on our roadways. GDOT is responsible for the maintenance of more than 17,900 miles of state roads and interstates. Currently, there are more than 12,800 miles remaining to be cleared and treated. In light of this, I urge people to stay home, stay safe and remain off our roadways. We will continue monitoring the weather and will provide updates as necessary."

While the threat of additional winter weather accumulation is now over, the dangerously cold temperatures that have settled into the area are here to stay for several more hours. The National Weather Service says the high temperature for Wednesday will reach 25 degrees. However, winds will be out of the northwest around 15 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Of course, these gusts will make the temperature feel like it's closer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wednesday's low will bottom out to 15, and the wind gusts will remain as high as 25 mph. Thursday's forecast call for the high temperature pushing to 41 degrees while the low dipping back down to about 23 degrees.

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Images: photos of the roadway at Univeter Road at New Light Road, New Light Road at Hickory Road and Marietta Highway in front of the Cherokee County Tax Commissioner's Office in Canton; Credit: Cherokee Marshal's Office