Icy Spots, Black Ice Expected In Metro Atlanta Counties Tonight

ATLANTA, GA -- Temperatures on Monday night are expected to drop into the upper 20s to lower 30s across north and portions of central Georgia, including all of metro Atlanta, a forecast that has prompted Gov. Nathan Deal to announce that state offices will open at 10 am Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, the colder temperatures combined with moisture left on surfaces from recent precipitation will lead to slick or icy spots on roads as well as other surfaces such as porches, decks, and sidewalks Tuesday morning. The most likely locations for black ice on roadways will be secondary or untreated roads as well as bridges and overpasses.

The threats for black ice and slick spots will diminish through the morning hours as temperatures are expected to warm through Tuesday afternoon to above freezing. All metro Atlanta counties, including Bartow, Cherokee, Forsyth, Paulding, Cobb, Gwinnett, Douglas, Fulton, DeKalb and Rockdale are included in the forecast.

“Out of an abundance of caution and following the latest update from the National Weather Service, state government will delay opening for non-essential personnel until 10 a.m. tomorrow,” said Deal. “Our top priorities are to ensure the safety of Georgians and to allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to keep our roads as safe as possible. I encourage those in affected areas to remain off of the roads early tomorrow morning. We will continue monitoring the weather and will provide updates as necessary.”

Here is the rest of the NWS' forecast for metro Atlanta:

Tonight
A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night
Clear, with a low around 31. West wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. West wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Thursday
A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

Thursday Night
Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday
Showers. High near 54. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

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