Winter Storm Warning: GDOT urges drivers to avoid unnecessary travel

FOREST PARK, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is working tirelessly to prepare for an approaching winter storm expected to bring hazardous road conditions to parts of the state starting Friday. Crews have been treating roads in North Georgia since Wednesday, with efforts ramping up across the metro Atlanta area and Northwest Georgia.

"This storm system appears, based on what we’re hearing from meteorologists, to be an icy situation," said GDOT spokesperson Natalie Dale. "We are seeing less chances of snow, which is unfortunate, and more chances of that ice."

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Crews began dispatching brine tankers to treat roads in Northwest Georgia last night, and started brining state roads and highways in the metro Atlanta area Thursday morning. The treatments aim to create a layer of protection on roads before ice begins to form.

"We will continue throughout the day brining, so you can stay off of the roads now," Dale explained. "We realize it’s sunny out there and nothing is coming down, but our crews are working to get a good saturation of brine down."

The latest weather models predict icy conditions that could begin Friday morning and persist into Saturday. To meet the challenge, GDOT has mobilized additional crews from South Georgia and scheduled 12-hour shifts for road workers statewide. Preparations are also ongoing at GDOT’s Forest Park facility to ensure resources are distributed efficiently.

"This is the first winter storm of the season, and the first phase of GDOT’s winter plan is well underway as we prepare for tomorrow’s icy weather," Dale added.

GDOT officials urge motorists to stay off the roads during the winter storm to avoid accidents and allow crews to work efficiently. 

"It’s just going to be a few days — 24 to 48 hours — but ask yourself, is this an essential trip?" said Dale. "There may be icy patches, especially on neighborhood streets and shaded areas that hold water. We want everyone to be safe, and part of that is staying off the road. It’s just as simple as that."

Motorists are advised to monitor weather updates and heed all safety warnings as GDOT continues its efforts to keep Georgia’s roads as safe as possible during the storm.