Wednesday, January 8, 2025–4:30 p.m.

-National Weather Service-

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service held a briefing on Wednesday afternoon, and here’s what we know.

The onset of precipitation is expected from west to east sometime in the very early morning hours of Friday generally between 4 and 10 a.m.

Travel impacts could develop fairly quickly with temperatures pretty cold near the surface as the light wintry precipitation starts to move in.

The roadways will begin to be brined starting tomorrow morning according to Rome Public Works Director Chris Jenkins.

Floyd County Emergency Management Agency Director Tim Herrington recommended to school representatives that schools should be closed or at-home learning on Friday. The representatives agreed and said it was probable that the announcement would be made soon. Polk School District campuses will transition to a Learn-from-Home day for Friday.

Warming shelters are incoming, and the Salvation Army extending policy on how long the homeless can stay before being released. United Way will plan a warming area (more details to come). 

Local churches in northwest ga are being encouraged to contact the EMA in their county to see if they can provide warming shelters.

Floyd and city government buildings are considering closing –  to be announced Thursday.

Potential accumulations of 3-6 inches possible for Northern Georgia with lower amounts the more south you go.

There is also the possibility of ice