Georgia Weather: Snow, Sleet, Ice Timeline in Metro Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Metro Atlanta began to feel the impact of a winter storm Friday afternoon, as rain began falling hours in advance of what was forecast to become sleet, ice and upward of four inches of snow.

Safety officials were calling rush hour a success, with few of the time-consuming traffic snarls that have accompanied previous winter storms in the region. But they were making clear early Friday evening that the worst was yet to come.

The latest forecasting model from the National Weather Service was calling for temperatures to dip below freezing at about 10 p.m.

• Rain, which started in the early afternoon in much of the metro area, was predicted to continue through the evening.
• The change-over from rain to snow was forecast for around 10 p.m., when temperatures freeze. IT's expected to last until almost 10 a.m. Saturday.
• Freezing rain was pelting parts of north Georgia starting around 5 p.m. and was expected to continue until snow starts around 10 p.m.
• Similarly, sleet was forecast to fall from early evening until about 10 p.m.

Shortly after 5 p.m., temperatures were hovering just above freezing.

The National Weather Service declared a Winter Storm Warning, in effect for the area from 4 p.m. Friday until 1 p.m. Saturday.

The warning called for accumulations of 2-4 inches of snow throughout north Georgia, with more possible in some areas.

Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in Gerogia as of noon — hours before a cold front from the northwest was forecast to collide with precipitation being pushed up from the Gulf of Mexico to form the storm.

Deal ordered state agencies to be prepared for up to 4 inches of snow in 78 Georgia counties.

"I am issuing this executive order to implement protective measures to ensure the public health, preserve the safety of the public, keep property damage to a minimum and to minimize the social and economic impacts of this event on the citizens of Georgia," Deal said in a news release.

"We will continue monitoring the forecast models and make appropriate adjustments as necessary. Georgians should stay calm, make the appropriate preparations and stay aware of a potential change in weather conditions."

Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Transportation had begun treating roads and interstates ahead of potentially icy conditions. Local governments were making their own preparations as well as coordinating with state officials.

Many metro Atlanta school systems dismissed early on Friday, hoping to help avoid the mass traffic jams Atlanta has experienced during previous winter storms — most notably the "Atlanta Snowpocalypse" of 2014.

In sharp contrast, rush-hour roadways on Friday were flowing freely, offering clear evidence that many had heeded warnings and gotten home earlier in the day.

Travel could become dangerous later due to ice, heavy snow and winds forecast at 15-25 mph. with gusts up to 30 mph.

"Roads, including bridges and overpasses, will become slick, making travel extremely hazardous ... especially late tonight into early Saturday morning," the NWS wrote in a 1:35 p.m. report. "In bands of heavy snow, visibilities will be reduced to less than 1/2 mile.

"Travel could quickly become dangerous. Exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary."

Wind chill could also be an issue for folks who spend too much time outside, the weather service said, especially in far north Georgia.

The low temperature Friday night is predicted to drop to around 24 degrees, and as much as 3-5 inches of snow is possible.

Georgia DOT On Winter Storm: We're Ready This Time

Saturday morning brings a 40 percent chance of more snow, mainly before 9 a.m. After that it will be mostly sunny, but the high is only predicted to hit a sub-freezing 31 degrees, meaning there's a chance that snow and ice on the ground will stick.

Metro Atlanta could see another half-inch of snow Saturday morning, according to the forecast.

Sunday won't be much warmer, with a high around 35 and the low Sunday night dropping to 21. But skies should be clear, forecasters say.

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