Acting on the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that state government will delay opening until 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11. The National Weather Service has warned that counties north of I-20 may have black ice on roads as temperatures drop below freezing overnight.
“Out of an abundance of caution and following the latest update from the National Weather Service, state government will delay opening for non-essential personnel until 10 a.m. tomorrow,” said Deal. “Our top priorities are to ensure the safety of Georgians and to allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to keep our roads as safe as possible. I encourage those in affected areas to remain off of the roads early tomorrow morning. We will continue monitoring the weather and will provide updates as necessary.”
According to the National Weather Service, the following counties could have icy spots and black ice starting Monday night and going into Tuesday morning.
Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Floyd, Bartow, Cherokee, Forsyth, Hall, Banks, Jackson, Madison, Polk, Paulding, Cobb, Gwinnett, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Haralson, Carroll, Douglas, Fulton, DeKalb, Rockdale, Walton, Newton, Morgan, Heard, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Spalding, Henry, Butts, Troup, Meriwether, Pike
Temperatures Monday night will drop into the upper 20s to lower 30s across north and portions of central Georgia. The colder temperatures combined with moisture left on surfaces from recent precipitation will lead to slick or icy spots on roads as well as other surfaces such as porches, decks, and sidewalks Tuesday morning. The most likely locations for black ice on roadways will be secondary or untreated roads as well as bridges and overpasses.
The threats for black ice and slick spots will diminish through the morning hours as temperatures are expected to warm through Tuesday afternoon to well above the freezing mark. Motorists are urged to use caution and allow extra time to reach their destination if traveling late Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The city of Atlanta has followed the state’s lead and will be delaying opening of all City of Atlanta offices until 10 a.m. as well.