DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Posey is urging public safety agencies, communities, and residents to prepare for a potential significant winter weather event expected to impact the area late Friday into the weekend.
According to Posey, both the European and Global Forecast System (GFS) weather models continue to indicate the likelihood of frozen precipitation across the region. The GFS model is currently projecting higher snowfall totals, while the European model suggests a greater potential for freezing rain.
Emergency services are being advised to activate winter weather response protocols and review standard operating procedures in anticipation of hazardous conditions. By midweek, higher-resolution forecast models from the National Weather Service are expected to provide more detailed information regarding precipitation types and amounts.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to begin preparing now for possible impacts. Ice and snow could lead to rapidly deteriorating travel conditions, power outages, and prolonged cold temperatures. Officials warn that frozen water supplies and burst pipes may disrupt water availability.
Travel may become hazardous or impossible, and stranded motorists could face life-threatening conditions. Traffic accidents are also expected to increase if winter weather develops.
EMA officials advise individuals without adequate housing to make arrangements for safe shelter. Homeowners and renters who rely on electricity for heating should identify safe alternative heat sources equipped with carbon monoxide detection. Residents are also urged to ensure water pipes are properly protected from freezing.
Additional updates will be provided as forecast confidence increases.