BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of black ice and light winter precipitation as the winter storm system that swept the country hits Georgia.

Cold air hit northwest Georgia this morning producing close to freezing temperatures.

NWS Special Weather Statement added:

“As the cold front pushes in behind the storm system this evening, rain could again change to light freezing rain, sleet or snow over far north Georgia. Any accumulations are expected to be very light, however with temperatures falling into the 20s, some roads may become icy from winter precipitation or refreezing of liquid water. The precipitation should end well before sunrise Tuesday morning.”

Counties included in the special weather statement are Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, and White.

Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evenings across north and Georgia. Some might produce strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning in central Georgia.

The cold air probably won’t produce a winter mix until early Tuesday morning.