In the Event of Severe Winter Weather

Right about this time last year, residents of Bethlehem — along with the rest of their neighbors in North Georgia — were headed to grocery stores as they braced for a major winter event.

The result was an ice storm that virtually shut down roadways and businesses all over Barrow County and left hundreds of school children home to sled and sip hot cocoa to their hearts' content.

While Old Man Winter has made his appearance known in these early days of 2012 with temperatures dipping down into the 20s in the overnight hours, many meteorologists forecast a milder winter this year than in years past. This week alone shows a predicted swing from lows in the low 20s to highs in the mid to upper 60s.

An old adage about Georgia claims, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes — it’ll change.” In the event that snow and ice DO make an impact at some point during winter 2012, students and parents should plan to tune in to their favorite local TV or radio station for the latest school closings. According to the Bethlehem Elementary School's website, if inclement weather should rear its frosty head, the Barrow County School System will announce school delays or closings by 6:15 a.m.  

The following media stations will be contacted by Barrow County Schools' Central Office:

• AM Radio — AM 550, AM 640, AM 750, AM 1240, AM 1300
• FM Radio — FM 88.9, FM 95.5, FM 97.1, FM 98.5, FM 102.9, FM 104.1
• Television — CH 2, CH 5, CH 11, CH 46

Information relating to inclement weather closings and delays will also be posted on the Barrow County Schools website, and Barrow Patch will post this information as soon as it is made available.

If schools must be dismissed early due to incoming winter weather, middle and high school students will be transported home first followed by elementary students. Early dismissals will also be announced on the local radio and TV stations listed above. The safety of the students is priority No. 1 for Barrow County Schools and Bethlehem Elementary School, alike.

What are some of your favorite memories from the ice storm of 2011? Tell us in comments.

Check back every Tuesday for a new City Spotlight on one of two great Barrow County towns — Bethlehem and Carl.