Winter Storm Brings Down Trees, Power Lines In Cherokee County

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA -- Public Works crews around Cherokee County continue to monitor road conditions and address any hazards to make travel as safe as possible for the motoring public. The first winter storm of the 2017-18 season arrived Friday, with most areas of the county receiving several inches of snow.

While it's been beautiful to watch and fun to play in, local law enforcement officials and city leaders are reminding residents how this weather can make for dangerous conditions. Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sgt. Marianne Kelley told Patch the agency has had numerous trees that have been brought down around the county. These trees, she added, have caused temporary road closures, and deputies and firefighters with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services are working to remove trees "as long as power lines aren't involved."

Fortunately no serious accidents were reported overnight Friday and into Saturday. Sgt. Kelley said residents heeded the warning to stay off the roads. However, as cabin fever settles in and citizens get restless, they are beginning to venture out, "which is ultimately causing more issues," she said.

"As the day continues we are having more road issues due to tree limbs and trees falling on the roadway," the agency said. "If you don't absolutely have to be out then stay home. Main roads may be clear, but side roads and neighborhood roads are still causing lots of issues."

The city of Woodstock is warning residents that several traffic signals are not functioning properly, particularly those along Highway 92. Of course, approach each intersection with caution and treat these areas as if they are four-way stops.

"Be careful as accidents have occurred," it said.

Canton residents who need to have trash collected should note that Waste Management will not be making the rounds on Saturday to collect what was missed when service was suspended Friday.

"Customers will be picked up on their normal day next week and WM is suspending the rules on collection amounts next week to catch up," the city added.

The Police Department, which said early Saturday morning that the area received anywhere from 6 to 8 inches of snow, said Canton's main roads were passable and its secondary roads were a little more dicey.

"We continue to answer reports of fallen trees and there are numerous power outages throughout the city," it added. "With that said, please stay home and do not travel today. Our Emergency Operations Center, officers and Street Department crews are currently working to keep roadways clear of snow and any trees that come down. Stay tuned for further updates and thank you for your patience as we get through this together."

As of 12:30 p.m., the number of Cherokee County customers without electricity are: Cobb EMC, 6,132; Georgia Power, about 11,000; Amicalola EMC, 4,926; and Sawnee EMC, 1,817.

Across metro Atlanta, Georgia Department of Transportation crews have treated more than 3,000 lane miles, distributed 172,000 gallons of brine overnight and have plowed and salted all bridges, ramps and overpasses.

"We will work diligently throughout the day in Northern Georgia in preparation for the low temps tonight," the agency added on its Facebook page. "Majority of our interstates are in good shape and we will be hitting I-20 West (especially Carroll County) hard today as it is one of our hardest hit areas."

Photo 1: E. Cherokee Drive just south of Union Hill Road near Canton

Photo 2: Highway 92 at West Wiley Bridge Road in Woodstock

Photo credits: Cherokee Sheriff's Office