Extreme cold temperatures are forecast to affect North and Central Georgia beginning Monday evening and lasting through Tuesday morning, according to the latest weather update. A Cold Weather Advisory will be in effect from 8 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to drop as low as 5 degrees in parts of far northeast Georgia, while east-central areas may see lows around 20 degrees. Northwest winds between 6 and 12 mph will make it feel colder, with wind chills ranging from -5 to 5 degrees across much of north Georgia and between 5 and 15 degrees in central Georgia. Sunny skies should allow temperatures to rise above freezing by early Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities warn that “patches of black ice could result in minor travel impacts, particularly on bridges/overpasses or untreated roadways.” They add that “hazardous travel conditions and scattered power outages continue across Northeast Georgia.”
The cold is also increasing risks for pipe bursts and illnesses related to low temperatures, especially where power outages persist. The statement notes this “could potentially impact any cleanup efforts.”
Clayton County schools have seen changes recently amid these conditions. Enrollment dropped by 2.5% during the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/), with a total enrollment of 61,644 students reported for that period (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students comprised only about two percent of the county’s student body during the same year (https://www.gadoe.org/).
Residents are advised to use caution when traveling overnight into Tuesday morning due to possible icy roads and ongoing cold weather hazards.
