Alpharetta Issues Warning About Road Conditions; Fulton Schools Staff to Report at 10 a.m.

The city of Alpharetta is warning motorists of hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute, with areas of black ice likely.

Alpharetta issued a winter road conditions advisory for Monday, Jan. 6. Patchy black ice may continue to develop in low lying areas  and on bridges throughout the day until roadways are dry.

Staff at Fulton County Schools will report at 10 a.m. this morning instead of the usual time. Students aren't scheduled to return to school until Tuesday morning. No decision has been made on Tuesday yet, according to Samantha Evans, a press officer for the system.

For up-to-date information, stay tuned to local news stations, Fulton County Schools' social media channels (Twitter and Facebook) and the district's website, www.fultonschools.org.

The National Weather Service forecasts indicate a line of rain entering the Alpharetta area around midnight.  Around 3 a.m. on Monday, temperatures will drop below freezing and the rain will shift to a rain/snow mix and ultimately to snow flurries.  Precipitation is anticipated to end around 6 a.m. However, temperatures will remain below freezing.

While this is a minor snow event, icy and/or slippery conditions are likely on area roadways; especially on bridges and low-lying areas.  The city is urging all motorists to exercise caution when driving and to travel at below normal speeds due to this potential.  Avoid heavy braking and remember that applying brakes on ice will cause loss of vehicle control.

Driving Safely On Icy Roads
(This is a short list of advice offered by The Weather Channel online.)

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.