Winter Storm to Impact Georgia Friday and Beyond

Good evening Bulldog Nation!

Nearing the weekend, all eyes should be on Winter Storm Cora and it's impacts for the Athens and Northern Georgia region. UGA's main campus has canceled in person classes Friday as a precaution. As the storm nears closer, predictions have changed from high snowfall totals to potentially dangerous freezing rain/ice impacts. Our forecasts now have Cora making it's first appearance in the region around sunrise. Due to the cooling temperatures overnight, expect snowfall totals in the morning, amounting to about 0.5-2 inches. As the day progresses, we expect dangerous freezing rain to reach the region. This mix of snow and freezing rain presents challenges in travel, potential for power outages, and downed trees. Model estimates suggest that the Athens area may be in line for between 0.1-0.3 inches of ice accumulation.

Cora's precipitation will continue late into the night Friday, transitioning to a wintry mix with rain as temperatures increase. However, as temperatures drop back down Friday night, the rain and other precipitation will freeze back over. This will prolong travel issues overnight, with potential to stick around throughout the weekend. Exercise caution when making plans to leave, and prepare for potential power/heating loss. Moving ahead to next week, expect chilly conditions to persist, so dress warm and stay safe Dawgs!

-Tyler Sendra