Much of Georgia is starting this Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, with freezing rain and sleet, but for folks here in Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, the main issue early today has been heavy rain. Temperatures around daybreak were near to slightly above freezing, helping keep most roads wet instead of icy to start the morning. Even so, the steady rainfall can still create hazardous travel, especially with reduced visibility, standing water in low spots, and slick conditions where oil and debris collect on the roadway.

Rain remains the story through the day, with showers expected primarily through the afternoon. The rain could be heavy at times, and that’s important because saturated ground and fast runoff can lead to ponding on roads and rising water in ditches and smaller creeks. Winds will also be up out of the southeast, with occasional gusts that can make driving more difficult—particularly for high-profile vehicles. For many of us, this is the “wet” side of the storm today, but conditions change quickly in North Georgia, and even a short drive can bring you into a very different situation.

That’s especially true northeast of our area. In Dalton, the morning has included freezing rain with temperatures below 32 degrees, creating a higher risk for ice buildup on bridges, overpasses, trees, and power lines. Anyone traveling from Chattooga County toward Whitfield County and points northeast should be ready for a rapid transition from wet roads to slick, glazed surfaces. Even if your driveway and neighborhood look fine in Summerville, Trion, Menlo, Lyerly, or across rural parts of the county, travel conditions can deteriorate quickly the farther northeast you go.

The next big headline arrives tonight, when temperatures begin to fall sharply. Today’s rain may be mostly a nuisance during daylight hours, but once readings drop into the 20s overnight, the concern turns to refreezing. Wet pavement can turn icy late tonight and early Monday, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and shaded areas that cool faster. Drivers should be cautious heading out for early Monday commutes, school travel, or work shifts, because black ice can be difficult to see until it’s too late.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory from 4 AM to 10 AM Monday, warning of very cold wind chills across a large portion of the state. That level of cold is especially dangerous for anyone dealing with power outages or inadequate heat, and it can become a serious concern in a short amount of time. Officials urge residents to limit prolonged exposure outdoors, dress in layers with hats and gloves, and check on older family members, friends, and neighbors. If you rely on supplemental heat, make sure it’s used safely, and keep in mind that improper heating practices can be as dangerous as the cold itself.

As we move through the workweek, the good news is that precipitation chances drop off after today, but the cold air sticks around. For Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, that means the focus shifts from rain and icing concerns today to hard-freezing temperatures and potentially slick spots tonight into Monday morning. WZQZ will continue tracking conditions across Chattooga County and the greater Northwest Georgia region as this system exits and the cold settles in.