Georgia Winter Storm Warning Triggers Rare Southern Snow Event With Slippery Roads and Daytime Impacts Sunday
GEORGIA — A rare and impactful winter storm is set to unfold across central and west-central Georgia on Sunday, prompting Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories as snow moves into parts of the state during the early morning hours and continues through midday. While snowfall totals may appear modest by northern standards, this setup is significant for Georgia, where snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and slick travel conditions are uncommon and potentially disruptive.
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Central and West-Central Georgia
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for select counties highlighted in magenta on forecast maps, covering portions of central and west-central Georgia, including areas near Macon, Americus, and Dublin. Within this zone, snowfall accumulations between 1 and 3 inches are expected, with periods of moderate to occasionally heavy snow possible.
Snow is forecast to begin around 3 a.m. Sunday and continue until approximately 1 p.m. EST, coinciding with peak morning travel and late-morning activity across the region.
Winter Weather Advisory Expands Snow Risk Across a Wider Area
Surrounding counties shaded in purple remain under a Winter Weather Advisory, where lighter snow accumulations of up to one inch are expected. These advisory areas extend across central, east-central, southeast, and additional west-central portions of Georgia, increasing the geographic reach of potential travel impacts.
Even in advisory zones, brief bursts of snow can quickly coat roads, especially during heavier bands or where temperatures hover near freezing.
Daytime Snowfall Raises Slippery Road Concerns
Unlike many winter events that peak overnight, this storm unfolds largely during daylight hours, which introduces added uncertainty. While warmer ground temperatures may limit snow accumulation on some surfaces, rates of snowfall may briefly overcome melting, allowing snow to stick on bridges, overpasses, untreated roads, grassy areas, and elevated surfaces.
Forecasters stress that slippery road conditions are likely, particularly during heavier snow bursts, and drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Why This Setup Is Unusual for Georgia
This event is driven by a cold air mass pushing southward, combined with moisture moving in from the Gulf, a combination that rarely aligns perfectly across Georgia. The result is a narrow but impactful snow corridor, where even small shifts in temperature or storm track could influence local totals.
Because Georgia is not equipped for widespread snow removal, even minor accumulations can create outsized impacts compared to colder regions.
What Residents Should Prepare For
Residents across warned and advised areas should plan for slower travel, possible delays, and slick conditions through Sunday afternoon. Officials urge drivers to use caution, reduce speed, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavier snowfall periods.
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