Snow Blankets Cherokee County; Black Ice Poses Biggest Threat

CANTON, GA -- While Cherokee County residents are reveling in the snowfall from Friday's winter storm that blew into the area, local officials continue to urge citizens to stay off the roads until conditions improve.

In Canton, Friday evening "went very well" as the team worked to make sure roads were treated and cleared for motorists who needed to travel home or make it to other destinations, Police Chief Mark Mitchell said.

Mitchell also said only four accidents have been reported over the last several hours.

"Roadways are passable but (there are ) still some slicks spots," he added. "The sun and Street Department treatments have helped conditions greatly improve, but the deep freeze tonight will again make travel potentially treacherous. We ask for motorist to drive carefully if they must go out today but to stay home tonight if possible because of the high threat of black ice."

Of course, Canton police officers and the city's Public Works crews will be monitoring the roads throughout the weekend for trouble spots and treating them if needed. Additionally, Chief Mitchell notes residents should call 911 if they see icy conditions that could impact travel so crews can treat those locations as quickly as possible.

The Cherokee Sheriff's Office notes it's responded to fours sledding accident Saturday that resulted in injuries. One patient, the agency said, had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

"We would like to remind everyone to please use caution when sledding on snow and ice," the agency said on its Facebook page. "Small children should be supervised especially when there are obstructions like trees and mailboxes in the area. Often injuries are to the head. Consider wearing a bicycle helmet for extra protection."

Cherokee Marshal's Office spokesperson Sgt. Matthew McMullen said some roadways are still "unsafe" to travel. Roads in shaded areas are covered in ice while streets lucky enough to get a dose of sunlight are slushy and slick, he added.

Since 7 p.m. Friday, a total of 36 car accidents with one injury was reported in the county, McMullen added.

There are also reports of ice on a few roadways, such as Bells Ferry Road at Butterworth Road; Sixes Road between Marble Quarry Road and Timber Trace; and Hickory Road at Stringer Road; Lower Birmingham Road near Seabiscuit Road; East Cherokee Drive between Newcastle Walk and Avery Creek Drive; Marble Quarry Road at Highway 5; Lower Birmingham Road at Batesville Road; and Highway 92 between Woodstock Road and Bells Ferry Road.

"There are reports of vehicles left abandoned on hill sides making it difficult for other drivers to climb hills," McMullen said. "Public works is actively treating roads to get them as safe as possible. We will continue to monitor the road conditions as temperatures drop. As of right now it appears any moisture on the roadways could freeze causing a black ice issue for tonight."

Action Church in Canton also has its warming shelter open at 271 Marietta Road for anyone who needs a warm place to stay.

In Woodstock, the weather has not resulted in any "major incidents or accidents" so far, said city spokesperson Brittany Duncan. She also said the event has not been an issue for public safety response to calls of service.

However, since temperatures remain below freezing, snow and ice on the roads still are a threat to motorists.

"If you do not have to drive, we ask that you remain home and enjoy the snow," she added. "If travel is necessary, we encourage motorists to drive slow, with caution, and allow for extra travel time to reach your destination."

Another tip: if you do have to drive and your vehicle is covered in snow and ice, Duncan said residents should take the time to clear off their vehicles so the slushy stuff doesn't fly off and "cause a potential hazard to other drivers."

Woodstock Public Works crews have been working around the clock to treat city streets and will continue to do so, Duncan said.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning that officially lasted until 1 p.m. Saturday.

By Saturday morning, the warning's focus had moved from snow to black ice on the roads, dangerously cold winds and downed trees and limbs caused by heavy and sustained icing.

"We're out there on the roads and, if you don't have to travel, please avoid any unnecessary travel on our roads as we're trying to be out there clearing what did stick and what's remaining today," Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Katie Strickland said in a video statement Saturday morning.

With winds gusting above 30 m.p.h., the weather service also issued a Wind Chill Advisory for Saturday.

Exposure to a combination of low temperatures and high winds "will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken," the NWS said in the advisory. "If you must venture outdoors, make sure you wear a hat and gloves."

Patch editor Doug Gross contributed to this article | Images via Cherokee Sheriff's Office, Cherokee Marshal's Office, Canton Police Department and Woodstock Police Department