A wave of frigid air is sweeping through North Georgia, leading to a Cold Weather Advisory effective from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday. Residents of Fannin, Union, and Towns counties can expect wind chills as low as 2 degrees below zero, with areas above 2,000 feet potentially receiving light snow and experiencing black ice conditions. Warming centers have been activated in various counties, including Atlanta, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett, to provide relief for those in need.
In anticipation of the severe cold, Fannin County Schools have transitioned to a virtual learning day, closing school buildings while allowing flexibility for staff and students facing difficulties with remote learning. Gilmer County Schools have also announced a two-hour delay for Thursday.
Forecasters predict that prior to this major cold snap, light snow showers will hit the far north Georgia mountains tonight into Thursday morning, but significant travel disruptions are not expected. Travelers should nonetheless be cautious, as minor snow accumulations and black ice could create hazardous conditions, particularly on secondary roads, bridges, and elevated areas.
The cold front will substantially lower temperatures across metro Atlanta, with wind chills expected to plummet into the teens by midnight and into single digits during the morning. A high of only 38 degrees is forecast for Thursday, but strong northwest winds will make it feel much colder throughout the day.
Looking ahead, while this system brings limited moisture, there is the potential for another brief wintry mix late Friday into Saturday morning in the mountains, although experts believe the risk for significant impacts remains low.
As temperatures fall, local governments have opened several warming centers. In Atlanta, locations such as Central Park Recreation Center and Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center will be available overnight. Cobb County’s MUST Ministries Hope House will also provide shelter, and additional warming stations are set up throughout Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for the cold weather by ensuring their homes are equipped with necessary supplies, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and readying their vehicles for wintry conditions. With the community coming together to provide support, this challenging weather period presents an opportunity for neighbors to look out for one another and showcase local resilience.