Severe weather swept through Georgia early Monday morning, prompting numerous severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings. In the aftermath, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for multiple counties in North Georgia, including Cherokee County, Fulton County, and Sandy Springs.
As temperatures are expected to drop from the morning high of 66 degrees into the 40s this afternoon, residents are urged to prepare for colder conditions. A Freeze Warning will take effect at 11 p.m. tonight, with overnight lows anticipated to reach the widespread 20s.
According to the FOX 5 Storm Team, a low of 28 degrees is expected Monday night, which is below freezing. On Tuesday, temperatures will remain cold, with a high of 48 degrees and a low of 30 degrees forecasted.
In addition to the temperature drop, wind gusts up to 70 mph were reported during the severe thunderstorms, prompting a Wind Advisory that will remain in effect through 2 a.m. Tuesday morning. Residents are advised to be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses due to potential icy conditions.
Snow showers and heavier squalls are expected to develop between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, with visibility potentially dropping to 1/4 mile during heavy snow showers accompanied by gusty winds. However, road surfaces should remain just wet due to earlier warm temperatures.
Accumulations on grass and elevated surfaces could be generally a quarter-inch or less. Despite the wet weather, the pollen count remains high going into next week, although the rain may help alleviate some allergy symptoms by bringing pollen down.
Warming centers will open in Atlanta on Monday and Tuesday nights to assist those in need during the cold snap. As the situation develops, officials continue to monitor the weather closely and provide updates as necessary.