In an update issued early this morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) is alerting residents of Northwest Georgia to prepare for potentially hazardous winter weather as the likelihood of winter precipitation increases later this week. The latest data indicates that a weather system could bring freezing rain and snow to the region, raising concerns about travel and utility disruptions.

An Arctic high-pressure system will settle over the Southeast, leading to the coldest temperatures of the week on Thursday morning, with readings expected to dip into the upper teens in much of North Georgia and low 20s in other areas. As temperatures struggle to rebound, highs will only reach the upper 30s to low 40s in the north, while areas to the south may see temperatures near 50 degrees. The real concern arises as we approach the end of the week.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring an upper trough that is deepening over the central United States, which will merge with a low-pressure system forming over the northern Gulf of Mexico. This combination is projected to bring moisture into Georgia beginning Thursday night into Friday. Forecasters anticipate that light snow will be the predominant form of precipitation across North Georgia, while a rain-snow mix may occur in the southern regions. As the system progresses, a transition to mixed precipitation, including sleet and freezing rain, is likely, particularly across the northern counties. While specific accumulation forecasts are still uncertain, the potential for significant snow and a glaze of freezing rain is becoming more probable, especially along and north of Interstate 20. Residents are urged to prepare for a challenging winter weather scenario from Friday through Saturday morning. Travel could be severely impacted, with conditions worsening as the precipitation moves in.

The NWS is also cautioning that if freezing rain becomes widespread, there could be additional concerns about power outages and utility disruptions. The winter weather is expected to dissipate by midday Saturday, but chilly temperatures will linger, with highs struggling to reach the mid to upper 30s. Refreezing may also pose challenges on Saturday night, as temperatures are projected to remain subfreezing.

Northwest Georgia residents are advised to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions and to take necessary precautions for travel and safety as this winter weather event approaches.