Freezing temperatures and overnight snow closed schools and roads in many parts of north Georgia today. Meanwhile, the chance for light sleet or snow stays in-place today for extreme north Georgia, as well as the southeastern portion of the state.

With temperature readings not expected to rise about freezing in north Georgia, iced-over roads aren't expected to thaw anytime soon.
Because of that, state transportation crews have been playing 'catch up' in trying to get to the numerous affected roadways.

"Pretty awful" was the phrase DOT spokesman David Spear used to describe the conditions with roads across the region.

"As quickly as we treat them, it melts a little bit and then re-freezes. (DOT crews) have been going all night long full-bore. It's all we can do to keep up with the interstates and major routes".

Spear says crews are fully-staffed sweeping the region, working on 12-hour shifts.

Accidents have been plentiful, including a 27-car pile-up on a highway near the airport. Many secondary roads in North Georgia are closed.

At Atlanta Harsfield Jackson International Airport, passengers are adviced to expect some delays due to de-icing of planes.

Nearly 50 county school systems are closed today, with about a dozen city school systems are closed to students from north Georgia moving south.

Today's forecast calls chances of light rain and snow---daytime highs ranging from the 20's to the 40's north to south.

Tags: education, Atlanta, icy weather, Georgia DOT, Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport, Atlanta airport