A powerful winter storm is impacting North Georgia and the Atlanta metro area, bringing dangerous icing conditions, freezing rain, and worsening travel hazards. An Ice Storm Warning remains in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday, with forecasters warning that conditions could deteriorate rapidly and linger into the Monday morning commute.
Meteorologists expect ice accumulations ranging from a quarter-inch to as much as one inch, accompanied by wind gusts reaching 30 mph. Emergency management officials warn that the combination of ice and wind could result in widespread power outages lasting several days, particularly across the northern half of the state.
Travel Strongly Discouraged
Authorities across multiple counties are urging residents to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel, warning that road conditions have already become hazardous and, in some areas, impassable.
Georgia Emergency Management officials say even elevated surfaces that appear untreated may suddenly glaze over, creating dangerous slick spots. Several local governments echoed the same message on social media, with one police department bluntly stating: “PLEASE STAY HOME!”
Power Outages Increasing
As of early Sunday morning, Georgia Power reported more than 1,200 customers without electricity, with the Chastain Park neighborhood among the hardest hit. Georgia EMCs also confirmed additional outages across the state as ice continues to weigh down trees and power lines.
Officials caution that outages may expand significantly as ice accumulation continues and temperatures remain below freezing.
Transit Adjustments Across Metro Atlanta
MARTA is operating under an inclement weather service plan:
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Rail Service begins at 6 a.m. with trains arriving every 20 minutes
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Red Line: North Springs to Lindbergh Center
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Gold Line: Doraville to Airport
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Blue Line: Indian Creek to H.E. Holmes
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Green Line: Bankhead to Vine City
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Bus Service: Limited lifeline routes operating on special schedules
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Mobility Services: Only pre-booked medically necessary trips honored as conditions allow
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Streetcar Service: Shuttle vans operating on a delayed Sunday schedule
MARTA’s Customer Information Call Center remains open to assist riders.
Trees Down, Roads Closed
Multiple counties are reporting downed trees and blocked roadways, including areas near I-285 and Cascade Road. Pickens, Hall, and Cherokee counties confirmed worsening surface street conditions overnight, with ice continuing to settle.
Several state highways were closed due to icy patches, including portions of SR 60, SR 11, and SR 136, with reopening times dependent on weather conditions.
Airport and Weather Conditions
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport confirmed freezing rain, adding to concerns over travel delays. Meteorologists report that a solidified cold-air wedge over the region is keeping temperatures below freezing, allowing rain to freeze on contact.
Impacted areas include Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Sugar Hill, Roswell, North Fulton County, and much of the I-85 and I-985 corridors.
Bitter Cold to Follow
While precipitation is expected to taper off by Sunday afternoon, forecasters warn of a secondary surge of Arctic cold Sunday night into Monday. Temperatures are expected to plunge into the teens and low 20s, with wind chills dropping into the single digits or below zero in some areas.
A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for Rabun County, where wind chills could reach 5 degrees below zero, increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
Officials Urge Caution
Emergency officials stress that just because freezing rain has not started in one location does not mean the storm has weakened. Conditions can change rapidly, and untreated roads may freeze suddenly.
Residents are advised to:
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Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary
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Prepare for extended power outages
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Use safe heating sources
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Check on vulnerable neighbors
Officials warn the most significant impacts could persist well into Monday morning, even after the storm system exits the region.
