So you’ve seen the weather report. WINTER STORM hitting North Georgia Thursday afternoon.
While we believe that Atlanta and North Georgia residents should be prepared for a winter storm, it is important to know the facts.
Winter Storm details from Weather.gov as of 4:45pm EST 1/16/13:
“…WINTER STORM POSSIBLE ACROSS NORTH GEORGIA THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY MORNING… .A STALLED SURFACE FRONT THAT CONTINUES TO BRING WIDESPREAD RAIN TO MOST OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA IS EXPECTED TO SHIFT SOUTH AS A COLD FRONT ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON. BEHIND THE FRONT…A COLD POLAR AIRMASS WILL BEGIN TO SPREAD INTO GEORGIA. AT THE SURFACE…A LOW BEGINS TO STRENGTHEN ACROSS EAST GEORGIA. AS THIS LOW TRACKS TO THE NORTHEAST…WRAP AROUND MOISTURE SHOULD SWING INTO THE COLD AIR MASS AND CAUSE THE RAIN TO CHANGE TO SNOW ACROSS NORTH GEORGIA THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO THURSDAY EVENING. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL SHOULD BE IN THE NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS.”
Mari Ramos, fellow Atlanta Mom and CNN Meteorologist, says it is important to keep in mind that “a winter storm watch means that wintry conditions are possible“. “Snow accumulations are possible for us tomorrow but no widespread traffic problems are accepted”, Ramos continues.
Mari Ramos states that “if it does snow tomorrow (Jan. 17th, 2013) it is not expected to accumulate on the roads because the ground is so warm right now, but it will stick on grassy areas and roof tops.” She also reminds us that “the forecast can change”. Ramos goes on to tell us that “the amount of cold air that comes in could be nothing or could be a lot more than what is forecast right now which is why we have a watch. Not enough cold air, and all we get is rain. More cold air than forecast and we get more snow”.
This all seems pretty straight forward but Atlanta has a history of panicking when these ‘storms’ hit so let’s make sure we keep ourselves informed and aware of the reality of the situation.
How to stay in the know when it comes to severe weather:
Mari Ramos, fellow Atlanta Mom and CNN Meteorologist, recommends that smartphone owners download a reliable weather app. In addition, following websites such as Weather.gov will ensure that you are getting the most up to date weather related news. National weather websites like Weather.gov allow users to input their zip code for very targeted information. Check news websites like CNN for weather related news and updates.
If you are on Twitter, search for “atlanta weather”, “atlanta severe weather”, and “atlanta winter storm” to see what others are saying about the weather as it’s happening.
Here are a few safety precautions you should take in the case of any weather emergency:
- Make any trips to the grocery or hardware store before the storm is due to hit your area
- While driving watch for black ice
- Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible
- Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously
- Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warmer
- Make sure your children are dressed appropriately before playing in snow
- Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water
- In the case of a potential or current power outage, avoid unnecessary opening of doors or windows, which will let warm air out of your house
Most importantly, stay safe and have fun!
