Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of north Georgia; snow possible this weekend in Atlanta
CBS News Atlanta is tracking the chance for snow across north Georgia and possibly parts of metro Atlanta this weekend.
Will it snow in Atlanta this weekend?
This will not be a sleet or freezing rain event like the storm that moved through last weekend. Forecast models show temperatures cold enough from the upper atmosphere down to the surface to support snow only.
There is still uncertainty about how much snow will fall and exactly where it will accumulate.
While forecast models agree precipitation would fall as snow, not sleet or freezing rain, they differ on how much snow could reach northeast Georgia.
The forecast depends on an area of low pressure expected to develop in the Gulf of Mexico and move off the coast of the Carolinas. That system would spin counterclockwise and pull moisture inland.
There is plenty of cold air already in place ahead of the system, which could allow measurable snow in the Carolinas and possibly north Georgia.
The American forecast model brings a couple of inches of snow to areas such as Blairsville, Gainesville and Athens on Saturday. The European model has been more aggressive, showing higher snow totals across eastern and northeastern Georgia by late Saturday.
Snow would begin Saturday morning and continue through the afternoon and evening.
Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of Georgia
The National Weather Service says the winter storm watch now covers a broader stretch of Georgia, including north, north-central, northwest, central, and east-central parts of the state, and does include portions of the metro Atlanta area. The watch remains in effect from Friday evening through Sunday morning.
Forecasters say heavy snow is possible, with 2 to 4 inches expected across parts of northeast and east-central Georgia, including the North Georgia mountains, Gainesville, Athens, Blairsville, Dahlonega and Washington, with locally higher totals possible. In metro Atlanta and surrounding counties, including Cobb, North Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cherokee, Forsyth, Clayton and Henry counties, snowfall totals are expected to be up to 2 inches, though localized higher amounts cannot be ruled out.
Cities potentially impacted range from Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur and Lawrenceville to Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Dawsonville, Milledgeville, Covington, Eatonton, and Monroe. Gusty winds of up to 35 mph could accompany the storm, increasing the risk of blowing snow and reduced visibility.
The National Weather Service warns that roads, bridges and overpasses are likely to become slick and hazardous, especially during periods of heavier snowfall. Forecasters also caution that dangerously cold air will follow, with wind chills dropping to as low as 5 degrees below zero Saturday, and as low as 10 degrees below zero Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Meteorologists continue to monitor the track and strength of the low-pressure system along the Carolina coast. Any shift farther west or an increase in storm strength could result in higher snowfall totals, particularly for north and metro Atlanta areas.
Extreme Cold Watch Saturday, Sunday
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for all of north and central Georgia, in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Forecasters warn of dangerously cold wind chills, ranging from 10 degrees below zero in the north Georgia mountains to single digits above zero in central Georgia, creating hazardous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors. Officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves, pets, and exposed pipes as the frigid air moves in.
Stay with CBS News Atlanta for the latest updates on this weekend's snow potential.