Roads Impassable in Milton; Cities Ask Residents to Stay Home

UPDATED 8:15 a.m.: Roads in Milton are impassable due to heavy snowfall, the city's Police, Fire and Public Works departments reported through Nixle.

"Stay inside. Freezing temperatures will persist," the city said in its alert.

Alpharetta also issued an advisory asking its residents not to travel unless absolutely necessary. City Hall will remain closed today, with non-essential personnel asked to stay home, and essential personnel reporting as planned or directed.

"Public Safety and road crews are active; however, citizens can greatly assist with the current situation by staying off of area roads as much as possible," said Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard in the advisory Monday morning.

Temperatures for Jan. 10 won't rise above freezing, so it will remain dangerous to drive.

"Public Safety crews are activated for emergency situations and working with surrounding jurisdictions to resolve issues as they occur," Milton's alert said.

Milton reported on Jan. 9 through its Nixle service that snowfall made roads slick.

Fire Chief Robert Edgar at that time said emergency rescue crews have already reported icy conditions throughout the length of Hopewell Road and the Arnold Mill Road Bridge.

The city asks motorists to stay off roads for their safety.

The weather conditions have caused Milton officials to keep City Hall closed on Monday.

Alpharetta and Milton residents should prepare for icy conditions as the forecast calls for a transition to freezing rain and sleet on a line moving slowly northward during the day on Monday, up to Gainesville.

James Drinkard, assistant city administrator, said issued the following winter weather advisory for Alpharetta:

"A mixture of rain, sleet, and snow has begun to enter the Metro Atlanta Area.  A wintery mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is forecast to continue until early on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

"Snow accumulations of 3-5 inches are forecast for Metro Atlanta, including Alpharetta, with accumulations of 5-7 inches forecast north of a line running through northern Cherokee County through Forsyth County.

"Temperatures are forecast to remain near or below freezing from Sunday evening through Tuesday."

Drinkard's release said icy conditions are expected on area roadways.

"Residents are encouraged to avoid driving if possible. If you must drive, please exercise extreme caution; reduce speeds, leave extra distance between you and other vehicles, and avoid rapid stops and starts," his release stated.

The Georgia Department of Transportation already is reporting highway closures at its Georgia Navigator site.

Significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected, making travel hazardous or impossible.

“Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” National Weather Service forecasters advised in their forecast.

Gov. Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon based on the National Weather Service forecast. The GA Departments of Transportation and Public Safety were ordered to take action necessary to ensure utility vehicles, equipment and personnnel could move through the state to make repairs as necessary. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency was ordered to activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan.

Occasional snow and sleet is forecast starting at 1 a.m., with precipitation becoming all freezing rain after 1 p.m. With a high forecast near 30 degrees, no melting is expected on Monday. Wind will be a factor, with gusts up to 20 mph. New ice accumulation up to a quarter of an inch is possible.

No respite is expected Monday night, with a slight chance of freezing drizzle and a low of 29 degrees.

Ice accumulation on trees and power lines may cause power outages, the National Weather Service warns.