The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for northern Georgia as a significant winter weather event is now entering the region, creating hazardous travel conditions and the potential for power outages.  Reports of snow starting to fall at Cloudland on Lookout Mountain in Chattooga County were received by WZQZ News shortly before 5 AM. According to the latest forecast, ice accumulations ranging from 0.15 to 0.40 inches are anticipated in north Georgia, raising concerns for downed trees and power lines.

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...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...A mix of multiple winter precipitation types are expected.
  Total snow and sleet accumulations up to 3 inches and ice
  accumulations up to one third of an inch are possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central,
  northeast, northwest, and west central Georgia.

* WHEN...From 5 AM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
  likely become slick and hazardous. Significant ice accumulation on
  power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting
  power outages. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
  ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions
  could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Ice accumulations have been increased across
  portions of the I20 and I85 corridors.  Additional changes to ice
  and snow amounts are possible with future forecast updates.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

The Trion City Schools Board of Education has decided to opt out of the state homestead exemption as provided for in House Bill 581 (HB 581), a newly enacted statewide floating homestead exemption.

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Earlier this week, a local man went the Summerville Police Department to file a complaint of harassment against a family member. The complainant claims that the harassment began shortly after a verbal altercation involving, which took place in the county. According to the complainant, the family member has been persistently contacting him via Facebook Messenger, delivering a series of threatening messages, including a chilling threats of physical harm, the next time they meet. The situation has caused significant distress for the complainant, prompting him to seek help from law enforcement. Summerville Police assured the complainant that a formal report would be filed regarding the matter.

A coordinated effort is underway to find those responsible for an attempted theft of an ATM machine at the United Community Bank on Monday morning. The incident, which happened before dawn, has led investigators and local law enforcement to diligently work on the timeline of events.

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen is looking to secure a crucial election this March that could significantly impact the county’s financial future. With the current 1-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) set to expire later this year, Allen is urging voters to participate in a vital renewal vote on March 18.

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Two inmates, 33-year-old Willjarvis Tyrell McIntosh of Hartwell and 30-year-old Justin Domonique Bingley of LaFayette, are accused of planning to smuggle contraband into Floyd County Prison on December 30. They allegedly used the prison’s phone system to arrange the delivery of over 243 grams of tobacco, 471 grams of marijuana, six sheers of suspected strips, and rolling papers to be smuggled inside. A prison investigator found the contraband before it could be brought in. Two civilians were also involved in the conspiracy. McIntosh and Bingley face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony and felony possession of marijuana.

The Superintendent of Walker County Schools, Damon Raines, has alerted everyone about a cybersecurity issue involving the district’s Student Information System vendor, PowerSchool. This incident occurred on December 28, 2024, when PowerSchool discovered unauthorized access to customer data through their support portal.

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, along with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), announced significant budget recommendations for the state’s prison system, totaling over $372 million. These recommendations follow an independent assessment by Guidehouse, Inc. and are part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Georgia. This move aims to combat crime more effectively, improve support for law enforcement, and build on over $1. 6 billion invested in public safety since Governor Kemp took office.

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214 PM EST Thu Jan 9 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...A mix of multiple winter precipitation types are expected.
  Total snow and sleet accumulations up to 3 inches and ice
  accumulations up to one third of an inch are possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central,
  northeast, northwest, and west central Georgia.

* WHEN...From 7 AM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
  likely become slick and hazardous. Significant ice accumulation on
  power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting
  power outages. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Ice accumulations have been increased across
  portions of the I20 and I85 corridors.  Additional changes to ice
  and snow amounts are possible with future forecast updates.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use
extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.