According to local weather models, a high impact winter storm is forecasted to hit Atlanta this weekend, bringing with it the potential for dangerously cold weather, ice, snow, power outages, and more. As a precaution to keep Georgians safe, Gov. Kemp has placed the entire state under a State of Emergency. Keep scrolling for all the details on what we know so far.
How cold is it going to be in Atlanta this weekend?
This weekend is expected to be very cold, according to The Weather Channel. And with the expectation of precipitation (although we’re not exactly positive what kind, yet), it’ll feel even colder.
- Saturday:
- High – 45°
- Low – 30°
- Sunday: (ice / rain expected)
- High – 44°
- Low – 21°
- Monday:
- High – 34°
- Low – 15°
Of course, temperatures are subject to change, but right now, we’re expecting an exceptionally cold weekend in Atlanta. The Weather Channel also notes that on Sunday, we’ll see “Freezing rain in the morning changing to rain in the afternoon. Potential for some icing. High 44F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 100%.”
Is it going to snow in Atlanta?
Predicting the weather isn’t nearly as easy as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, especially with a storm that’s changing as much as this one. Current weather models show precipitation beginning on Saturday afternoon, and becoming heavier on Sunday. Some models are predicting freezing rain, while others predict light snow.
Will there be bad ice in Atlanta?
The threat of ice is very real for this weekend, especially since Monday’s temperatures will not get above freezing, causing the potential for re-freezing during the night.
Atlanta is under an Ice Storm Warning from Saturday at 1pm – Monday at 10am, issued by the National Weather Service.
The Weather Channel states,
Expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice. Travel could be impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.
Ice can make travel very dangerous, especially when you don’t know it’s there. Practice extreme caution when driving, walking or otherwise traveling in Atlanta this weekend. For the safest bet, try your best to stay inside and off the roads as much as possible.
Should I continue travel this weekend?
If you can, you should avoid travel this weekend. Delta is actually letting passengers change their flights over the next several days with no fees, to ensure safety while traveling.
The airline reportedly said,
The safety of Delta customers and our people remains first and foremost as we closely monitor forecasts to determine necessary schedule adjustments
This no-fees wavier applies to already-booked flights. If you’re thinking about changing your flight, you can update travel plans on the app or Delta’s website, here.
How should I prepare for the winter storm?
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, or GEMA shares tips for what Atlantans should do to prepare for the winter storm this weekend. Some tips include:
- Keep up with weather updates by following along with local news outlets or government sites (like GEMA)
- Have a ‘ready kit’ for at least 3 days of self-sufficiency
- Water At least 3 gallons per person, for drinking and sanitation
- Food At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Can opener For food, if kit contains canned food
- Radio Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle To signal for help
- Face mask To help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties For personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers To turn off utilities
- Local maps
- see more on their website here
- Make sure you have a cell phone with an emergency charging option (car, solar, hand crank, etc.) in case of a power failure.
- Plan to check on elderly/disabled relatives and neighbors.
- Plan to bring pets inside.
- Fill a gallon container with water and place them in the freezer to help keep food cold.
- Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
- minimize travel / driving during winter weather conditions
Continue to stay safe, Atlanta. And check back in. As we know more about the winter weather, we’ll let you know.