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Atlanta Faces Prolonged Cold Snap and Winter Weather Alerts

Residents seeking warmth during Atlanta's cold snap.

News Summary

Atlanta is currently experiencing a severe cold snap, prompting local officials to open warming centers across the city. With temperatures expected to drop significantly, residents are urged to take precautions. An 11Alive Weather Impact Alert has been issued, indicating bitter cold air and gusty winds will impact the area, with potential winter weather looming later in the week. Local community centers are providing refuge, ensuring residents stay safe and warm during this chilling weather period.

Atlanta Faces Prolonged Cold Snap and Potential Winter Weather

If you’ve stepped outside in Atlanta recently, you might have felt that sharp bite of winter in the air. Cold weather has officially settled over Atlanta and north Georgia, prompting local officials to spring into action and open warming centers to help residents find some much-needed relief. So, if you’re feeling the chill, you’re not alone!

Weather Alerts in Effect

The excitement—and by excitement, we mean chill—doesn’t end there. An 11Alive Weather Impact Alert has been issued for the area, notifying us all to brace for bitterly cold air and gusty winds that are expected to sweep through from Monday evening into Tuesday morning. Add another layer of woolies, folks!

But wait, there’s more! Even after we deal with the immediate cold air, a second Weather Impact Alert has been announced. This one’s for a potential wintry mix in parts of north Georgia come Friday and Saturday. So, stay tuned and keep those snow boots handy!

Warming Centers Will Keep You Cozy

Thankfully, the local community is doing its best to help. Several warming centers are now open across the metro area to offer some refuge from the cold. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the available locations:

Central Park Recreation Center: Open from January 6 through January 9 from 8 PM to 6 AM. Fulton County will provide transportation starting at 8 PM nightly.
Burdett Park: Open from January 6 through January 10 from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Welcome All Park: Open from January 6 through January 9 from 7 AM to 7 PM, closing at 6 PM on January 10.
Good News at Noon: This facility offers overnight shelter from 5 PM to 8 AM, subject to space availability.

While community centers like East Hall, Mulberry Creek, and North Hall Community Centers will be available during business hours, they won’t be open for overnight stays. So plan accordingly!

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Looking further down the forecast, the National Weather Service is predicting sub-freezing temperatures ranging from 22 to 30 degrees across Georgia this week. While the Savannah area should escape with slightly milder, above-freezing temperatures, other parts of the state may still experience some sunny days with highs between 40 to 55 degrees. How’s that for some winter variety?

However, it’s north Georgia that looks to bear the brunt of the upcoming weather, specifically on Friday and Saturday when winter weather could make an appearance. Thankfully, current conditions suggest icy roads are unlikely thanks to drying pavements ahead of the temperature drop.

Stay Safe Out There!

Residents are advised to take necessary safety precautions during this cold spell. Keep your plants protected and make sure your pets are warm, too. It’s a good time to double-check your heating situation at home.

This Winter Could Be a Record Breaker

With Georgia averaging just 1-2 inches of snow annually (a little more in the north), we might want to batten down the hatches as January 2025 is predicted to be among the coldest months since 2011 across the U.S.

As travel disruptions may also loom ahead due to the winter storm, make sure to stay connected with the latest updates and plan ahead! Remember, Atlanta, it’s always better to stay cozy and warm indoors!

Stay warm and take care of each other, Atlanta. Winter might be here, but together we can thaw any chill in the air!