Snow, ice, or rain in Atlanta? Winter Storm Watch issued for North Georgia
ATLANTA - From rain, sleet, ice and even snow, metro Atlanta and North Georgia are expecting to see it all this weekend. The FOX 5 Storm Team has declared Friday and Saturday Storm Alert Days due to the threat of winter weather in our region.
MORE: North Georgia school districts delaying classes over below-freezing weather
Those who experience freezing rain are expected to see power outages, especially in areas with power lines above ground.
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Please note that FOX 5 Storm Alert Days are rare and are only issued when serious weather is approaching North Georgia. The last time one was declared was when Hurricane Helene moved through Georgia in September.
Winter Storm Watch issued for Georgia
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for metro Atlanta and the majority of North Georgia beginning at 7 a.m. on Friday.
The watch will remain in place until early Saturday morning.
The FOX 5 Storm Team's Alex Forbes says metro Atlanta could see 2 to 4 inches of snow, while Georgia's mountains could see 4 to 6 inches.
Making matters worse, the snow will have ice mixed with it, which could cause slippery road conditions.
Across the state, the Georgia Department of Transportation and local governments are preparing to pre-treat roads to reduce the possible damage.
Officials say now is the time you should start preparing to ensure you're ready to handle power outages.
Kemp calls for statewide winter prep
On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp instructed all relevant state agencies to monitor the winter weather progression closely and be prepared to take immediate action in order to keep citizens safe.
RELATED: Snow, ice headed for metro Atlanta | How Georgia prepares for winter weather
When will it snow in Georgia?
As of Tuesday late afternoon, the winter storm system had not fully developed yet, but computer models continue to show a winter storm impacting the Southeast by Friday and Saturday.
First, temperatures will plunge from the low 40s to mid-to-low 30s. Below-freezing temperatures will set the north up for almost pure snow, with freezing rain and possible ice in the south.
FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley believes we'll have a more precise forecast by Wednesday, and certainly by Thursday.
As the storm approaches, residents are advised to stay informed through future updates, which will provide more detailed information on the timing and locations of the expected winter weather. Check the latest FOX 5 Storm Team forecast here.
MORE TIPS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER:
- How Georgia prepares for winter weather
- How to prep your driveway for ice, snow
- Make sure you have these things in your car
- What to do if you lose electricity
- How to ensure your pets stay warm and safe
- Prepare now for winter... fun?
Did we miss something? Email us at newstipsatlanta@fox.com.
Snow in Georgia: What to do if your power goes out
- The important thing for a power outage is preparation. Try to have your cell phone charged and a flashlight with extra batteries on hand.
- Make a kit with at least three days of supplies. That includes water, food, a flashlight, and medicine. You can find a full list of recommended items here.
- Keep your freezer doors closed. Georgia Power says frozen food will be able to keep for two or three days without power.
- Report all power outages and downed lines to Georgia Power or your local power company.
- Download the FOX Local App in the Apple App or Google Play store for news updates.
Keep up with the latest by downloading the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5StormTeam on Twitter
My pipes burst, now what?
As the temperatures continue to drop, there's also the risk of frozen and bursting pipes.
How can I avoid frozen or bursting pipes?
When the weather begins dropping to freezing or below temperatures, this is the time to take a couple of precautionary steps to avoid a disaster in the future.
- Leave your heat running, even when you are not at home.
- Open up any cabinets and room doors to allow the heat to flow through the house freely.
- Keep a slow trickle of water running through your faucets overnight. That extra water bill for the month may be a lot cheaper than a bill to repair a pipe, or worse.
- Ask a plumber about insulation around your pipes to keep them warm during icy weather.
How do I know if my water pipes are frozen?
Did you wake up without water? Gently check the faucets on the kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as the tub by turning them on slightly. You can even try flushing the toilet. If there's absolutely no flow of water, or a slow drip throughout your home or apartment, chances are good that your pipes are frozen.
Does your place stink? Other experts say a frozen pipe can cause a bad smell. Blocked up waste that didn't quite make it down the drain can fill a room with an odor.
What do I do if my pipes burst?
Do not call 911 for issues that are not affecting public areas. Instead:
- Locate your main water supply and shut it off immediately.
- After the main water supply has been shut off, turn on your faucets to let out any water that was still left in any drains.
- Use towels to sop up any minimal flooding, cups, bowls or buckets to remove whatever excess water may have collected in the room. You want to avoid all the water damage that you can.
- Call your landlord now. It is very important that your landlord or management company is aware of the issue. They have a responsibility to maintain the live-in quality of your apartment or condo, and cannot do that if they don't know there is a problem. Your landlord or building management may also have a plan in place for when something like this happens that could take a lot of unnecessary stress off of yourself.
- Try your best to identify the source of the burst. If you can see which pipe the water is coming from, it may help a plumber or emergency maintenance team locate and remedy the problem quicker. Pro-tip: Keep those areas (cabinets and closets) open for warm air circulation to help thaw them out.
- Make your neighbor aware of the burst and any flooding as soon as possible. Your neighbors may be affected next and could use the heads-up.
- Get in touch with a water damage restoration company or plumber.
- Move your stuff off the ground--especially any valuable items, financial, legal or medical documents. You can put them up on a higher shelf, or store them temporarily with a trusted individual.
- Document the damage. Take photos or videos of anything you can that shows how your home and belongings were affected. You may need this proof later for insurance, etc.
- Call your insurance company. Whether you're a renter with renters insurance, or an owner with homeowners insurance, this is the time to find out if you can be compensated for any damages.
Who is responsible when a pipe bursts: Tenant or Landlord/Owner or City?
Renters and homeowners may be wondering if they could be held responsible for this kind of incident. Unfortunately, that answer is not always clear.
The first thing you can do is determine whether the burst and resulting damages were caused by your own negligence.
If you're a renter, the second thing you can do is check your lease. There is usually language that explicitly states what the landlord is responsible for.
Related stories:
- Do not call 911; What to do if your frozen pipes burst
- Local plumbers receive thousands of calls to pipe bursts across Metro Atlanta
- What to do when water pipes burst in your rental
- Arctic Blast: Busted pipes ruin Christmas for some
The Source: This is an original weather report by FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alex Forbes.