STAY HOME: Georgia Governor, Alpharetta, Milton Want Motorists Off the Roads

Gov. Deal signed a state of emergency declaration late Tuesday related to the winter storm and delayed opening of state government until noon today.

"If at all possible, please stay off the roads until conditions improve," Deal said. "We are working to get the state back to normal as quickly as possible."

In addition to Ga. Department of Transportation crews, city public works crews and contractors called out by various governments, Deal activated the Ga. National Guard to assist.

Students were still on their way home after leaving school on buses for many hours. In some cases students and school staff remained at school overnight rather than trying to get them home on icy roads.

Even if you could get to Alpharetta City Hall, it won't be open this morning.

Hazardous road conditions will keep City of Alpharetta offices and facilities closed until noon today, Jan. 29, the city reported on its website and through social media. A traffic update will be provided around 6 a.m. today – check back on Patch for these updates from Alpharetta and Milton throughout the day.

GDOT reported that Atlanta was hardest hit; the storm caused employers and schools to release workers and students at the same time Tuesday afternoon, resulting in gridlock on Metro roadways. That traffic hampered Georgia DOT crews from treating the roads and clearing incidents; the Department brought additional crews from other less-impacted areas of the state to Metro and activated private contractors to help catch up.