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Community Corner

🌱 Atlanta's Winter Storm Watch Preparations Set + MARTA CEO Dies

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Atlanta.

Kathy Cioffi, Community Contributor
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(Patch)

Happy Sunday, people of Atlanta! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Some snow in the morning. High: 39 Low: 29.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Atlanta today:

  1. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for portions of northwest and northeast Georgia, with heavy mixed precipitation expected through late tonight. Based on the most recent weather forecast, the City of Atlanta recommends that residents stay off the roads if at all possible. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are anticipated, with possible ice accumulations of up to one quarter of an inch. Wind gusts could reach as high as 35 mph. Due to the anticipated heavy snow and ice, power outages and tree damage are likely, with travel nearly impossible. (Press Release Desk )
  2. The City of Atlanta is opening two warming centers as a winter weather advisory has been issued for the area along and north of I-20. With frigid temperatures in the 30s expected, the city opened its warming centers Saturday night through Tuesday at 7 a.m. at the Old Adamsville Recreation Center and the Central Park Recreation Center. Transportation will be provided at 11 p.m. from the Gateway Center at 275 Pryor St. SW. (11Alive.com WXIA)
  3. Transport departments are working to try to keep roads safe from this weekend's icy weather. "The footprint of impact is very large," said Natalie Dale, GDOT spokesperson. "The amount of counties this will cover, we have to consider a full state activation." The state has 53 brine tankers at its disposal, 12 of which will spray metro roads. The city of Atlanta's transportation department says they too are ready. "We rehearse in the summertime, and so we're ready for this event." said Josh Rowan, ATLDOT Commissioner. However, officials say roads will still be dangerous. "Anytime you have ice and precipitation with these temperatures, there's the possibility of black ice forming so if you do try to get out you have to be very mindful, even though the road may look clear in your area, if it is wet, consider it frozen, with those precipitation and temperatures." said James Stallings, GEMA Director. (CBS46 News Atlanta)
  4. MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker died Friday night, according to the agency. Parker, who led the public transit agency through an era of expansion and pandemic, died by suicide, the agency confirmed, with an agency official saying he was struck by a train at the East Lake station. "The MARTA Board of Directors grieves the shocking death of our GM/CEO Jeff Parker who has died by suicide," Chairwoman Rita Scott said in a statement Saturday. "He was an outstanding leader and steward of MARTA whose passing leaves us all heartbroken." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports death by suicide only on rare occasions, typically respecting the privacy of grieving families in such a circumstance. In this case, however, a well-known public figure's family is sharing the news publicly as a way to counter the stigma attached to suicide. Individuals with suicidal thoughts, or those who notice signs in others, can call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225, which is available around the clock. All calls are free and confidential. To find a mental health service provider, visit www.mygcal.com. (Free: Gwinnettdailypost.com; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  5. Actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish was arrested early Friday morning by Peachtree City police officers, multiple news outlets have reported. Officers arrested Haddish around 4 a.m. after responding to a call for a driver who'd fallen asleep at the wheel. According to a digital news outlet, police spotted her vehicle pulling into a neighborhood, stopped her and ultimately booked her into jail for driving under the influence and improper stopping on a roadway. Haddish posted $1,666 bond and was released from the Fayette County Jail just a few hours later. The breakout star of the smash comedy "Girls Trip," Haddish is currently in Georgia filming her latest movie, "Haunted Mansion."

Today in Atlanta:

  • Grant Park: Trees, Trails, History and Architecture seasonal walking tour (10:00 AM)
  • Skate the Station at Atlantic Station's ice-skating rink (Noon)
  • Intriguing Hair Popup Shop, Beauty Lounge & Hairshow at The Loft (Noon)
  • Tu B'Shvat Tree Planting - IJA Mitzvah Day at Hammond Park (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Atlanta is rich in history and culture. It is a refreshingly diverse city, full of community and inspired with creativity. There is so much to see, do, eat and explore! Check out Discover Atlanta's 100 reasons to visit Atlanta in 2022. (Facebook)
  • Today, Jan. 16, due to the winter weather advisory, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will open late at 10 a.m. and close early at 3 p.m. (last admission at 2 p.m.). The Gainesville garden will be closed. (Facebook)
  • According to Isha Foundation, a new study shows meditating can impact your immune system. Curious as to how Inner Engineering– a "technology" dedicated to your wellbeing, which comes from yoga practice – plays a role in the biological process involved in physiological health? Study experts from University of Florida examined blood samples from 106 adults before and after they took part in an intense wellness retreat. (Facebook)
  • According to Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA), with the potential of icing and wind gusts between 40-50 mph, the likelihood of downed trees and power lines is high. Prepare now for power outages by ensuring you have supplies, like food, water, ways to stay warm, portable batteries, flashlights, and other personal supplies. (Facebook)
  • 📰Decades after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pushed for guaranteed income, the Atlanta City Council said Atlanta will test the idea by targeting a narrower slice of the population: Black women. Not only are they generationally disenfranchised, they are far more likely to hold jobs that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, said Council member Amir Farokhi, who launched the effort. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Kathy Cioffi

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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