Live Atlanta winter storm updates: Heavy snow and ice cover Georgia

ATLANTA - A powerful winter storm is moving into metro Atlanta and North Georgia on Friday, bringing snow, sleet, freezing rain, and hazardous road conditions. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until Saturday morning, with significant disruptions expected. The FOX 5 Storm Team has declared Friday and Saturday as Storm Alert Days.

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Snowfall of 2 to 4 inches is predicted north of Interstate 20, with up to 6 inches in extreme North Georgia. Metro Atlanta could see up to 3 inches of snow and a quarter inch of ice. 

Driving will be dangerous, with slick roads and potential power outages due to ice on trees and power lines. Residents are advised to avoid travel and keep emergency supplies ready.

Keep up with the latest by downloading the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5StormTeam on Twitter

FOX 5 Atlanta is working to get the most up-to-date information on the storm. Here is the latest:

Friday

1:27 p.m. - DeKalb County officials say work crews are working 16-hour shifts until Saturday at 7 a.m. to respond to incidents caused by the snow. 

1:06 p.m. - The Georgia Department of Transportation is asking motorists to stay home while they work to prepare the roads for tonight's freezing temperatures.

GDOT officials say the combination of dropping temperatures overnight and the melting snow on the roads could cause dangerous black ice. To counter this, crews are plowing the limited travel lanes of major roads so that they can be re-treated. 

"Georgia DOT will continue to monitor conditions overnight into Saturday morning to re-treat roads and hit any black ice patches," the agency told FOX 5 in a statement.

The Interstate 75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes and the Interstate 75 South Metro Express lanes remain closed until further notice.

For safety, officials are asking drivers to limit all travel as much as possible until midday Saturday.

12:54 p.m. - FOX 5's Eric Mock spotted a car flipped over on the side of Interstate 985.  

Officials say no one was injured in the crash.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office shared photos with Deidra Dukes of multiple damaged construction vehicles overturned on the side of a road in Acworth.

12:25 p.m. - GDOT spokeswoman Natalie Dale says the agency has seen some good success plowing lanes on metro Atlanta's interstates. Crews are now working to clear accidents and overturned tractor-trailers and brining the roads before the freeze occurs overnight. 

12:13 p.m. - A spokesperson for Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines says the company is working with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials to safely open runways and resume operations as soon as possible. The airline canceled around 500 flights on Friday. Officials say more schedule adjustments could be possible.

Delta customers who are experiencing significant delays or cancelations can re-book their itinerary on the Fly Delta app or My Trips on delta.com. Customers who do not ebook will receive a full refund from Delta after a 24-hour waiting period.

12:12 p.m. - Chamblee Dunwoody Road between E Nancy Creek Drive and Gramercy Circle is back open in Chamblee after the road was shut down for hours. The Clairmont Bridge still remains closed.

12 p.m. - The city of Lawrenceville says its crews continue to sand and plow the main city roads, including those to the hospital and across bridges.

11:57 a.m. - More than 2,000 homes across metro Atlanta are without power, according to new numbers from Georgia Power. These outages are expected to be fixed by 3 p.m. Friday.  

11:50 a.m. - The snow has stopped and temperatures are warming in metro Atlanta. In some parts, the freezing rain that has left roads slick and slippery is calming down.

While it appears like things have calmed, the melting snow and freezing temperatures coming up later in the day will lead to icy conditions across metro Atlanta. 

Officials say if you should keep staying inside as much as possible and stay of the roads. 

11:31 a.m. - Truist Park has shared a photo of the ball field and stands covered in snow.

11:28 a.m. - The ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been extended to 2 p.m.

11:21 a.m. - Cobb County police have blocked Johnson Ferry Road at Columns Drive due to multiple cars stuck on the roadway.

11:10 a.m. - Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said that the city is monitoring every major street and the airport while the storm continues.

"We're out here making sure everyone is safe," Dickens said.

The mayor said residents can call 311 if they see anyone in need of help.

Like Gov. Brian Kemp, Dickens said that Atlantans should stay off the roads as much as possible. If you have to drive, go slow and drive as carefully as possible, he said.

"If you don't have to take a trip, don't take that trip," he said.

11:05 a.m. - Four passengers on a Delta flight were injured after they had to evacuate their plane using emergency slides at the Atlanta airport.

10:37 a.m. - Police have shut down Johnson Ferry Road at Riverside Drive in Sandy Springs after multiple vehicles stalled in the area. 

10:26 a.m. - McMurry said GDOT's HERO team has responded to more than 200 traffic incidents on Georgia's roads since the storm started.

"We really want to make sure that we don't have to work those events … stay off the roadways - especially this afternoon and evening," he said. 

10:15 a.m. - GDOT has brined more than 20,000 miles of roadway ahead of Friday's storms.

GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry said that the agency will be going 24/7 to plow and re-brine the roadways to prevent as much icing as possible.

"Remember to slow down and drive very conservatively," McMurry said.

10:10 a.m. - Gov. Brian Kemp said Georgia is ready to deal with whatever damage Friday's winter storms may cause. 

Kemp issued a state of emergency for the storm on Thursday. He said the government will continue to monitor and respond to issues whenever they can.

GEMA Director James C. Stallings said Georgia Department of Transportation crews have been working extremely hard in preparation for the storm, and that multiple agencies are collaborating to quickly respond to problems.

Stalling said that they were appreciative that many Georgians remained off the roads, which made rescue responses easier.   

The agency has generators, blankets, and food ready to be delivered to areas in need, he said.

10:01 a.m. - Emory University has announced all its campuses will be closed on Saturday and the university will continue to operate remotely. Students with in-person classes that are scheduled for Saturday should contact their professors.

See all school closures here. 

9:55 a.m. - After a brief lull, snow has begun to pick back up in Calhoun. FOX 5's Marc Teichner reports the snow is beginning to stick over the parts that melted an hour ago.

9:51 a.m. - Snow is piling up on the side of Interstate 20 in Douglas County. The interstate remains wet, which could lead to dangerous conditions if the temperatures stay low. 

9:37 a.m. - The snow has turned to sleet in Buckhead. FOX 5's Brooke Zauner estimated that there were around 2 inches of snow accumulated on the ground.

9:32 a.m. - Gwinnett County police say they've had multiple vehicles stuck on the road and are dealing with numerous accidents in the last hour.

Authorities shared a list of the road issues they've been experiencing on Friday morning on X.

9:26 a.m. - Many Atlanta residents headed to Piedmont Park for their snow day and brought their sleds.

9:21 a.m. - The ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been extended until noon. FOX 5's Dana Fowle was at the airport and saw a high number of cancelations on the departures board.

9:14 a.m. - Traffic is sparse on the Downtown Connector as snow continues to fall in Atlanta. HERO trucks are parked on the side of the interstate with caution messages.

9:10 a.m - The Paulding County Sheriff's Office says all roads in the county are "currently impassible."

9:05 a.m. - MARTA has suspended all bus service due to hazardous conditions on the roads. Officials say bus service will resume as the road conditions improve.

Rail services are operating on a weekend schedule, with Green Line service running from Bankhead to Vine City.

Streetcar service is also suspended.

8:56 p.m. - The Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Oconee County Sheriff's Office have joined the law enforcement agencies asking Georgians to stay off the roads if possible due to the ice and snow. 

8:52 a.m. - Deidra Dukes reported that the wintry mix with heavy snowflakes is giving way to a more steady snowfall in Cherokee County. The snow is sticking to all the roads and surfaces. Britney Edney spotted multiple GDOT trucks coming off of Georgia 400 on their way to work on the roads.

MORE: Atlanta road conditions: GDOT says road conditions are deteriorating

8:50 a.m. - Calhoun residents Kaytlyn, Sophie, and Chase Bohannon said they were "cautiously optimistic" when they heard about the possible snow. When they saw the snow coming down, they had to go for a walk with their dog, Polly.

"For such a small city, they've been doing really well," Kaytlyn Boahannon said about Calhoun's response to the weather. "Now we can just stay home and enjoy how beautiful it is." 

8:41 a.m. - Gwinnett County police say they have responded to "numerous road issues and vehicle accidents" on Friday morning and are encouraging drivers to stay off the roadways unless absolutely necessary.

8:30 a.m. - The FOX 5 Storm Team's Joanne Feldman says she's watching to see if the heavy snow keeps ground temperatures down and whether we'll see a change in the amount of snow versus the amount of ice. If so, that could cause more issues on the roadways.   

8:22 a.m. - Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Natalie Dale says over a thousand employees are on call to help with the roads affected by today's snow.

"We have switched into a plowing posture," Dale told Good Day Atlanta. "We have about a hundred plows out now, but that takes time because they have to go through every lane one at a time."

She said road conditions have deteriorated, but crews are working around to make them safe. 

8:20 a.m. - A ground stop is in place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The stop is estimated to be lifted at around 10 a.m., but it could be expanded.

"We’re monitoring the forecast and conditions and working with our partners to address any challenges posed by the inclement weather. We’ve implemented our winter weather protocol and remind our passengers to monitor their airlines’ social media channels and apps for flight information," a Hartsfield-Jackson spokesperson told FOX 5.

8:16 a.m.: Parts of metro Atlanta have seen about an inch of snow as the winter storm continues moving through Georgia. In Buckhead, snow has been coming down heavily for more than two hours, leaving the streets covered.

8 a.m. - While there have not been widespread power outages due to the storm so far, here's what you should do if you lose power in the future.

7:48 a.m. - The Spalding County Sheriff's Office is asking drivers to avoid traveling until conditions improve due to the ongoing snow and sleet.

MORE: Atlanta winter storm: Flight cancelations, delays at Atlanta airport

7:40 a.m. - FOX 5 viewers have been sending in photos and video from across North Georgia as the snow continues to fall. Beth from Newnan captured heavy snow sticking to the ground. Dan Moriarty in Atlanta saw a street covered in snow in the city's Garden Hills neighborhood. Babi DeFebbo reported heavy snowfall in Lithia Springs.

You can submit your own snow photos using the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app.

7:35 a.m. - On Georgia 400, traffic is light as snow flurries begin to stick off the highway, Brittany Edney reports.

7:23 a.m. - Snow is covering the ground and roads in Douglas County near westbound Interstate 20.

7:15 a.m. - While snow is falling in Calhoun, it's not sticking to the roads. Marc Teichner expects that will change when the snow gets heavier in the next hour.

7:09 a.m. - Snow has come down heavily in Midtown Atlanta, blanketing the road and covering cars, Aungelique Proctor reports.

6:56 a.m. - Coweta County law enforcement reports that they are spotting heavy snowfall building up on roads. Residents should avoid driving as much as possible.

6:48 a.m. - Crews have blocked off part of Peachtree Avenue near Pharr Road after a water main break overnight. While the break has been fixed, crews are concerned that the standing water will turn into ice and create hazardous conditions.

6:33 a.m. - Brooke Zauner reports that heavier snow and sleet has started to come down in Buckhead. 

6:18 a.m. - Snow is now falling over Douglas County. Fayette County's roads have become very icy as rain and snow falls in the area.

6:15 a.m. - Viewers around the metro Atlanta area are reporting a variety of precipitation. Kathy in Loganville is seeing light sleet. Ravan says there are snowflakes as big as her hand in Douglasville. Mendie is reporting heavy sleet in Snellville. Nicolette said she saw sleet for about an hour and it is now snowing. Holly said there is a mix of snow and leet on Highway 5 between Lowell and Whitesburg. Christina's dogs didn't want to go outside because the icy rain and sleet off Highway 138 in Stockbridge. Amanda sent a video of snow in Fayetteville. Lauran reported sleet and snow in Hiram. Jacqueline is reporting sleet and ice in Conley. Amber is also reporting huge snowflakes in Villa Rica. Spring says it's snowing in Draketown and Tasha says it's snowing in Rockmart. Go to Facebook to tell us what's happening in your neighborhood! 

6:16 a.m. - Over 550 flights in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have been canceled due to the winter weather. Delta Air Lines has canceled 10% of its flights and delayed 21%. Nearly all of Frontier's flights (97%) have been canceled. If you are traveling on Friday or Saturday, check your airline to see if you are affected. 

6:11 a.m. - Henry County has activated a non-emergency phone line for residents to report hazards on the road or non-life-threatening incidents. You can call (470) 710-0101 to report issues like black ice or downed trees.

6:06 a.m. - Douglas County has started to see sleet and snow pick up. Lindsay Tuman was able to collect a small pile of snow that had fallen on her vehicle. She spotted Georgia Department of Transportation Trucks heading to treat spots on Interstate 20.

6:03 a.m. - Roads have started to become icy in Fayette County, Doug Evans reports. Travel is slow as drivers try to navigate the slick roads.

5:57 a.m. - FOX 5's Marc Teichner has seen light sleet falling in Calhoun, Georgia. While the sleet is not sticking to the road currently, that could change as the cold weather system continues its path into Georgia. 

5 a.m. - Winter Storm Warning in Georgia now in effect. READ MORE

1 a.m. - Atlanta Department of Transportation crews begin to brine the roadways. READ MORE

Thursday

11:32 p.m. - More than 200 flights (about 21%) have been canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to FlightAware.com.

10:59 p.m. - In Hall County, ice is a major concern, potentially causing downed trees and power outages. The county's terrain and proximity to Lake Lanier increases the risk of dangerous road conditions, especially on bridges and hills. Crews will pre-treat roads with a brine solution, and emergency staffing will be increased to handle potential incidents. Residents are encouraged to stay home to protect themselves and facilitate quicker emergency response times. READ MORE

10:30 p.m. - The Winter Storm Warning has moved up to being at 5 a.m. on Friday. Originally, it was from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday. READ MORE

10:03 p.m. - GDOT is actively preparing for an approaching winter storm expected to bring icy conditions to parts of Georgia starting Friday. Crews have been treating roads in North Georgia since Wednesday, with brine tankers dispatched to Northwest Georgia and metro Atlanta to prevent ice formation. Additional crews from South Georgia have been mobilized, and 12-hour shifts are scheduled for road workers statewide to address the storm's challenges. READ MORE

9:51 p.m. - Emergency crews and residents in western Georgia are preparing for a winter storm expected to bring freezing rain, ice, and gusty winds. The Douglas County Emergency Management Agency is prioritizing road safety, with salt trucks ready to address icy conditions as they develop. Local stores, such as Ace Hardware in Lithia Springs, are experiencing high demand for winter essentials like shovels, heaters, and rock salt. READ MORE

9:30 p.m. - Public transit services across metro Atlanta are adjusting operations in response to the forecasted severe winter storm expected to impact the region starting Friday. MARTA will implement an inclement weather service plan, with rail lines operating on a 20-minute schedule and streetcar services suspended until conditions are safe. CobbLinc will suspend all services on Friday and Saturday due to hazardous conditions, with plans to resume on Sunday if weather permits. Ride Gwinnett will stop all services on Friday, with limited paratransit and local bus services resuming on Saturday at 10 a.m. READ MORE

9:21 p.m. - South Fulton offices will close on Friday, but a virtual emergency operations center will manage responses. Fire Chief Chad Jones highlights that crews are preparing for an ice event, despite the city not frequently experiencing such conditions. Icy roads remain a concern due to weather conditions that can wash away pretreatment solutions, prompting officials to advise residents to stay home. Two warming centers, Welcome All Park and Burdett Park, will be open for residents needing shelter or warmth, with transportation available for overnight needs. READ MORE

9:12 p.m. - Atlanta is preparing for a winter storm with extensive road pre-treatment and the opening of warming centers for the unhoused. Crews began applying brine to major roads at 1 a.m., deploying 50 pieces of equipment and 200 employees working 12-hour shifts. The city plans to distribute 20,000 gallons of brine and 5,500 tons of salt to manage hazardous road conditions. Residents are urged to stay off the roads to allow crews to work effectively, learning from a past snowstorm that left many stranded. READ MORE

5:11 p.m. - The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced the closure of two express lanes facilities, the I-75 northwest corridor express lanes northwest of metro Atlanta, and the I-75 south metro express lanes south of metro Atlanta, at 11:30p.m. Thursday evening.

3:32 p.m. - Ice and snow are on the way with this winter storm. Stores across metro Atlanta are having a hard time keeping rock salt and ice melt on the shelves. Many are trying to find alternatives to help prevent ice accumulation on driveways and sidewalks. READ MORE

11:15 a.m. - A winter storm will impact North Georgia and the Atlanta metro area on Friday and Saturday. Effects of the storm will likely be felt in the following days. Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency. It will remain in place through Jan. 14, 2025. READ MORE