Fulton Schools Make Decision On Jan 8 Classes

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Due to the weather forecast calling for freezing rain to move into the area and "traffic challenges" presented by the SEC Championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Fulton County School System said it will cancel classes and close up shop for Jan. 8.

Along with the Winter Weather Advisory issued for the area, the system's decision also took into account the countless number of fans, spectators and President Donald Trump's motorcade expected to descend onto downtown Atlanta to watch the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Alabama Crimson Tide at 8 p.m. The school system expressed concerns that these events could have an impact on its ability to transport students home from school in a timely fashion.

Fulton County has been added to the National Weather Service's Winter Weather Advisory that will go into effect from 5 a.m. to noon Monday. Forecasters are expecting light freezing rain to develop overnight and into Monday morning, NWS states.

Total ice accumulations could range from a light glaze to less than a tenth of an inch for metro Atlanta and north Georgia, including Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and Paulding counties.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that "periods of freezing rain will cause travel difficulties," so motorists and residents need to be prepared for slippery roads.

NWS notes the freezing rain will result in "difficult" travel conditions during Monday morning's commute. Elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses will be most susceptible to icing, the bulletin states. If you must travel, please slow down and use caution while driving.

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