UPDATED: Winter Storm Advisory: An Inch of Snow Possible

UPDATED: 11:47 a.m. Jan. 17: The winter storm watch was lifted, and a winter storm advisory was put into effect.

Winter storms are possible in Alpharetta and Milton and across north Georgia on Thursday and into Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a winter storm watch for the area.

Meteorologists say widespread rain should switch over to the white stuff sometime Thursday afternoon or evening, but the heaviest snowfall would be in the north Georgia mountains.

The winter storm watch—in effect for Fulton and other counties from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning—means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

Locations north of a line from Carrollton to Atlanta to Jefferson could see an inch or less of snow, while accumulations in the northeast and northwest
Georgia mountains could reach 2 to 4 inches.

Possible black ice is a hazard across the area on Thursday night and Friday morning when temps fall below freezing.

Snowfall should begin in northwest Georgia by mid Thursday afternoon, then the continue through the rest of north Georgia through the late afternoon and early evening hours.

Light accumulations up to 1 inch are possible on roadways across higher elevations in the mountains.
 
In Alpharetta and Milton, expect occasional rain before 4 p.m. Thursday, then rain, snow and high winds, according to the NWS forecast. The temp is expected to drop to 28 degrees Thursday night and up to a half inch of snow could accumulate.

Planning a trip to the store? What will you stock up on? Tell us in the comments.