Georgia DOT provides update as winter weather moves into Georgia, snow flurries are here

ATLANTA – As a winter storm continues to move across the state, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is actively responding to changing conditions and monitoring impacts statewide. 

Snow is currently falling in several north and northeast Georgia counties, and additional bands of snow are expected to move farther south and east as the storm continues to evolve. Updated forecasts suggest that some locations previously expected to receive heavier snowfall may see little to no snow or reduced accumulations, while other areas remain at risk for winter weather impacts. Georgians are urged to remain apprised of local conditions and not assume roads are clear in their area. Snow can accumulate quickly, even on treated and previously plowed roads. Currently, winds are increasing across affected areas reducing visibility and active GA Alerts have been issued for several locations in Gilmer, Murray and Towns counties due to icy conditions, with slick spots also reported in Gwinnett and Forsyth counties.

Active Operations, Coordination and Monitoring
Georgia DOT plow crews are actively plowing roads in north and northeast Georgia as snow continues to fall and accumulate on interstates and state routes. In other regions, crews are closely monitoring weather conditions and roadway temperatures and are prepared to begin plowing operations as conditions warrant.

With Governor Kemp’s issuance of a State of Emergency for North and Central Georgia, the department remains in close communication with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), law enforcement, and local officials to support coordinated response efforts. Georgia DOT is also closely monitoring National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts and updates as the storm evolves.

In addition, Georgia DOT officials are actively monitoring Roadway Information Sensor (RWIS) data statewide as temperatures drop, providing real-time awareness of pavement temperatures and changing roadway conditions. Roadway temperatures are expected to continue falling later today as extremely cold air moves into the state, increasing the potential for slick spots, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways.

Motorist Safety and Traffic Conditions
Motorists are strongly encouraged to remain off the roads whenever possible, especially in northern portions of the state where isolated slick conditions have already been reported. Reduced traffic volumes are helping crews work more efficiently; traffic counts across the state are currently 20% to 30% lower than normal on average.
 
Georgia DOT urges drivers to help keep roadways clear as crews continue winter weather operations.Motorists who must drive should use extreme caution, reduce speeds, and allow extra following distance. 

Express Lanes and Emergency Response
All Georgia Express Lanes facilities are currently closed and are being continuously monitored for conditions. Lanes will reopen only when it is safe to do so.

HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) units will continue 24-hour operations on interstates in metro Atlanta, while CHAMP (Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Patrol) units have transitioned to 24-hour service on interstates outside of metro Atlanta this evening to assist stranded motorists until further notice. Call 511 for HERO or CHAMP support.

Local and county roads are managed by local authorities, and treatment schedules may differ from state-maintained routes. If motorists have to venture out on roadways, they are encouraged to contact local officials for current conditions before traveling.

Stay Informed
Georgia DOT will continue monitoring conditions and adjusting operations as needed throughout the storm. Motorists should continue to stay informed by checking 511ga.org for up-to-the-minute road conditions, closures or to report an incident. Motorists are also encouraged to stay informed and check road conditions before traveling by contacting 511GA for up-to-the-minute information or to report an incident.