Possible Wintry Mix Headed Metro Atlanta's Way This Weekend

ATLANTA, GA -- The National Weather Service is sponsoring Winter Weather Preparedness Week for Georgia this week through Saturday, and ironically, it looks as if a wintry mix could be headed our way this weekend. While most of metro Atlanta's work week will be punctuated with clear skies and falling temperatures, by Friday night, there's a 60 percent chance of precipitation with lows around 40. On Saturday, rain chances increase to 80 percent with highs in the mid 40s. On Sunday, there's a 50 percent chance of showers with a high around 45.

European forecast models being used by Fox 5 forecasters show metro Atlanta with steady rain all day Saturday, most of Sunday and maybe even flurries Monday morning, if temperatures continue to drop.

For Winter Weather Preparedness Week, the National Weather Service said the main threats from winter weather across the Southeast stem from snow and ice storms. The last winter season (2017-2018) was quite active and brought a couple of impactful winter weather events. The most significant winter storm was a very early heavy snow event in December across much of north Georgia. Some locations received a foot of heavy, wet snow that left numerous downed trees and widespread power outages.

Here's what you need to know about winter preparedness:

Wind Chill

Wind chill takes into account how wind and cold feel on exposed skin rather than solely the actual temperature. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.

Health Hazards

Frostbite and hypothermia are two health hazards associated with cold weather. According to NOAA's Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers handout, frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20°F will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm the affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.

In NOAA's Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers it is discussed how hypothermia is a condition that can kill and is brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the person's temperature and if below 95°F, seek medical care immediately.

Safety Information

It is important to have a safety kit both at home and in the car that can be used not only in winter weather situations but also for other emergencies. Ready Georgia provides a list of items to include in your emergency kit. The following safety tips are provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross.

If caught outside in a winter storm:

• Try to find a shelter.
• If no shelter is available:
  • Try to stay dry.
  • Cover all exposed body parts.
  • Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.

If stuck in a vehicle during a winter storm:

• Stay in your vehicle.
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
• Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine to be visible to the rescuers.
• Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
• After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.
• From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

If inside during a winter storm:

• Stay inside!
• When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. use fire safeguards and properly ventilate.
• If there is no heat:
  • Close off unneeded rooms.
  • Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
  • Cover windows at night.
  • Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

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