Ga DOT cautions in opposition to nonessential journey as warnings from National Temperature Services broaden

The Georgia Department of Transportation issued the press launch reprinted underneath warning Georgia residents who dwell in the affected zone, which include Cobb County, to avoid nonessential vacation till the wintry problems have passed:

ATLANTA, GA – Ga Office of Transportation crews ongoing emergency operations Saturday evening as the Nationwide Temperature Services(NWS) issued a Winter season Storm Warning for places north of Interstate 20. The NWS also issued a Wind Advisory, Flood Warning, Superior Wind Warnings, supplemental Winter Storm Warnings, Wintertime Weather conditions Advisory and Ice Storm Warning for further counties in Georgia beginning now and expiring on or in advance of January 17, 2022. The NWS warnings follow Gov. Brian Kemp’s point out of unexpected emergency declaration for 91 counties in north and central Ga and metro Atlanta.  

A wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow is currently bearing down on north Georgia with predictions of rain followed by potentially considerable quantities of ice and snow in afflicted areas and gusty winds from 35-to-50 mph. Ga DOT emergency crews will be carefully checking the wind conditions for impacts to trees and electrical power strains, and urges the public to keep off the roadways – for motorists’ have protection as nicely as that of to start with responders and essential get the job done crews.

GDOT crews and their companions are skilled at addressing impacts of inclement climate to roads, highways and bridges. On the other hand, ailments this kind of as really large winds can be so unsafe to worker and general public basic safety that particular functions may possibly pause right until safe conditions resume. GDOT crisis personnel and frontline personnel are on spherical-the-clock staffing for the period of the storm.

“The safety of the public and our crews is our initial priority,” explained Russell R. McMurry, Ga DOT Commissioner. “In addition to the opportunity for accumulations of ice in some parts, winds of anyplace from 35-50 mph imply there is an ongoing hazard from falling trees, limbs and electricity strains. Crews will do the greatest they can though problems make it possible for for them to properly do their employment, no matter if it is clearing particles this kind of as downed trees or limbs or managing and…