Gordon County emergency and municipal officials are closely monitoring a potentially significant winter weather event expected to impact the area this weekend, according to an update issued Wednesday by the Gordon County Emergency Management Agency.
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, representatives from Gordon County Public Safety, Public Works, local school systems, partner agencies, and officials from the cities of Calhoun and Fairmount participated in a special weather briefing hosted by the National Weather Service.
Gordon County remains under a Winter Storm Watch, with a weather system expected to move into the region Saturday through Sunday. Officials emphasized that the forecast could change, as the event is still several days away, and encouraged residents to remain alert for updates.
According to the National Weather Service, the primary threat from the system is freezing rain and ice, though snow is also possible across north Georgia. Forecast probabilities indicate a 47 percent chance of at least a quarter-inch of ice accumulation and a 32 percent chance of a half-inch of ice. Snow chances include a 20 percent likelihood of one inch or more and an 8 percent chance of two inches or more.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through much of the period, with highs near 36 degrees Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows are forecast to drop to around 30 degrees Saturday night, 16 degrees Sunday night, and as low as 5 degrees by Monday morning.
Wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph are also expected and could contribute to downed trees and power outages, officials said. Forecasters noted a high potential for accumulating snow, sleet, and freezing rain, followed by an extended period of extreme cold early next week.
County Public Safety and Public Works crews are actively preparing to mitigate hazards and respond to potential impacts as conditions develop. Another weather briefing is scheduled for Thursday, with updated information to be shared as it becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official Gordon County communication channels and National Weather Service updates and to begin preparing now for possible winter weather impacts.