Arctic Blast Brings Winter Weather Threat to Atlanta Area

ATLANTA – A blast of Arctic air has descended upon metro Atlanta, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season and the potential for wintry weather by the end of the week. The FOX 5 Storm Team is closely monitoring the situation as wind chills drop into the teens and a winter storm system approaches the Southeast.

Wind chills are expected to remain below freezing throughout Tuesday, with the coldest air yet to arrive. The FOX 5 Storm Team predicts a mixed bag of precipitation, including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and cold rain, as a winter storm system moves into the region late Friday morning and persists through early Saturday. While the exact track and intensity of the storm remain uncertain, confidence is growing in the potential for significant winter weather impacts in north Georgia.

“We are tracking a southern track low that could bring a chance of wintry weather to parts of north Georgia at the end of the week,” said the 11Alive Weather Impact Team. The storm is expected to develop in the western Gulf of Mexico and move eastward, with cold air already in place increasing the likelihood of winter precipitation.

Local authorities are preparing for the extreme cold and potential winter weather. DeKalb County has opened four 24-hour warming centers, while Gwinnett County and Gilmer County are also providing overnight warming shelters. Frontline Response has established warming centers for men, women, and children, with intake beginning Monday evening. Peace Baptist Church in Decatur is serving as a warming center for women and children, while Frontline Response’s shelter on Gresham Road is open to men and single fathers.

Residents are urged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and prepare for possible travel disruptions. The FOX 5 Storm Team and 11Alive Weather Impact Team will continue to provide updates as the storm system develops.