The question of whether it will snow seems to be up to the Magic 8-Ball at the moment.
However, Polk County has been included among the North Georgia area that will be under a Winter Weather Advisory through Tuesday morning.
Starting at 1 a.m. on Monday, January 15, the NWS in Peachtree City has issued a winter weather advisory where the potential for snow, sleet and freezing rain is in the forecast that will stretch through 10 a.m. on Tuesday. This includes Rome, Calhoun and Cartersville and areas of the North Georgia mountains and Northwest Georgia overall, stretching as far down as Haralson.
Slippery road conditions will be likely due to the incoming weather as temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, then chances for snow and sleet starting first thing in the morning followed by rain midday and a high of only 42. Chances of precipitation are only 20% currently.
Monday night the chances of rain or freezing rain before 10 p.m. and then chances of sleet and snow after 10 p.m. and between 3 a.m. Tuesday, January 16.
The real issue will be following the front moving through bringing winter weather – the arctic blast of cold. Temperatures are only expected Tuesday to get up to 34 degrees, and then dip overnight to 9. Midweek the forecast clears up, but a high of 39 and a low 18 is expected on Wednesday, with warmer weather around the corner Thursday with a high of 50 and a low of 31.
Currently, a cold weather shelter is going to be opened for those who are in need of someplace to stay warm by Community Share Ministries. The Cities of Cedartown and Rockmart have no plans to open any emergency shelters at this time.
City and County officials are staying on top of the forecast despite the holiday on Monday. Public Works crews will be on call in case they are needed to help keep roadways clear or repair any frozen water mains that burst.
Additionally, the Polk County Emergency Management Agency is monitoring the forecast and remaining in touch with the National Weather Service. They have contingency plans to open the Emergency Operations Center if needed.
Polk School District is also keeping an eye on the forecast. No plans for school closure or delays on Tuesday have been announced.
Check back for more as the forecast continues to develop.
