UPDATE: Cherokee County Under Winter Storm Warning

UPDATE at 6:17 p.m.:

The National Weather Service is now including Cherokee County in its winter storm warning until noon Tuesday, Feb. 17.

ORIGINAL STORY

Submitted by the Canton Police Department

The combination of sub-freezing temperatures and wet conditions mean the threat of black ice will greatly increase in Canton and surrounding areas tonight and Tuesday morning.

With that in mind, the Canton Emergency Operation Center strongly encourages all motorists to avoid roadways tonight and particularly early in the morning as bridges and roads may contain icy patches. The possibility of dangerous conditions have propelled Cherokee County and the city of Canton to both delay opening their offices until 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.

• Get the forecast for Canton-Sixes here.

Canton EOC reminds motorists they may check the conditions of state and federal highways on the Georgia 511 website for information on traffic delays, construction projects and other highway conditions.

Canton EOC is making preparations and mobilizing personnel and resources throughout the night to respond to icy bridge/road conditions. Canton EOC will monitor roadway conditions and will make every attempt to keep them passable.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor local news for information on weather conditions and frequently check road conditions and travel advisories. To report traffic crashes or other emergencies and stranded motorist, call 911.

If driving becomes necessary, motorists should use caution and remain alert for work zones, highway maintenance personnel and emergency vehicles. Motorists also are reminded to obey Georgia’s Move Over law.

In addition, please follow the following tips to help ensure safe winter travel:

• Avoid travel, if possible, when icy or other extremely hazardous driving conditions develop.
• Keep vehicles in good operating condition. Check antifreeze levels and use windshield washer solution suitable for freezing weather conditions. Keep gas tanks at least half full.
• Remember weather and roadway conditions may change quickly. Adapt speeds to existing roadway conditions, and be alert to changing weather and the possibility of icy, slippery roads.
• Pay particular attention to bridges and overpasses, which have a tendency to develop extremely hazardous “black ice.”
• During inclement weather, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.
• Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, a charged cell phone and other emergency supplies in your vehicle.
• Have a fully charged cell phone with you and call 911 to report emergencies.

Cherokee County will remain under the winter storm warning until noon Feb. 17. According to the National Weather Service, residents included in the warning area should expect:

* ACCUMULATIONS...ICE ACCUMULATIONS AROUND .10 UP TO .25.

* LOCATIONS...MUCH OF NORTHWEST GEORGIA.

* HAZARD TYPES...A MIX OF FREEZING RAIN...RAIN AND SLEET.

* TIMING...RAIN...FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET THIS EVENING... BECOMING MOSTLY RAIN LATER TONIGHT. PRECIPITATION POSSIBLY MIXING WITH LIGHT SNOW BEFORE ENDING TUESDAY MORNING.

* IMPACTS...ICING ON ROADS...TREES AND POWER LINES IS LIKELY. DUE TO THE ICE ACCUMULATIONS...SOME LARGER TREE LIMBS COULD COME DOWN. BLACK ICE WILL LIKELY FORM TUESDAY MORNING... RESULTING IN CONTINUED TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES THROUGH MIDDAY TUESDAY.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE MID 30S THIS EVENING... WARMING TO THE UPPER 30S BY LATER TONIGHT. TEMPERATURES WILL DROP INTO THE UPPER 20S TO LOWER 30S BY EARLY TUESDAY MORNING.

Image via National Weather Service