What To Know Ahead Of Winter Weather Expected In Douglas County

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — With colder temperatures in the forecast for this weekend, residents in Douglasville may want to keep the hot cocoa, firewood and thick blankets on standby.

According to a National Weather Service special weather statement, Douglas County is included in the possibility for snow and ice accumulations Saturday night and Sunday. Black ice is likely Sunday night and into Monday morning.

In an email to Patch Friday afternoon, Rick Martin, a spokesperson for Douglas County, said county transportation crews and the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency are prepping for possible winter weather impacts this weekend.

"Our trucks are filled with sand spreaders and we will be operating in 12-hour shifts when the time comes before inclement weather hits us. We have just completed being briefed from the National Weather Service and are monitoring how things will develop," Martin said. "Bottom line is we are prepped and ready to go."

Read more: Snow, Sleet, Freezing Rain Possible For North GA, Metro Atlanta

In the meantime, the Georgia Department of Transportation is sharing three things that Cumming residents should know to be better prepared before this weekend's winter storm hits the northern half of the state:

1. What's happening? A winter storm system is moving into north Georgia and is anticipated to begin Saturday evening and last through late Sunday night. Effects could range from rain, freezing rain, or snow, but based on forecasts from the National Weather Service the department is anticipating a substantial icing event.

2. What should you do? Begin preparing now to stay home if you can. Be sure to have essential groceries on hand and gas in your vehicle, but plan to avoid all non-essential travel in affected areas during the storm.

3. What is GDOT doing? Georgia DOT said its constantly evolving to how it responds to winter weather events and the treatment plans it utilizes.

"Each storm is unique and our treatment and response has to be specifically tailored to that weather system," the agency said. "The department has been monitoring this weather system and coordinating with our partners at the National Weather Service and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to determine how we will use our plan to address this system. Our plan includes brine routes run all day Friday, and plow teams activating Saturday through the end of the storm."