Icy Branches

Forecasters have dropped a winter storm warning for metro Atlanta, but the agency anticipates possible snow, sleet and ice-coated roads across north Georgia, just over a year after the ice storm that trapped commuters for hours on metro Atlanta freeways.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning until 7 a.m. Tuesday east and north of a line from Ellijay to Jasper to Cleveland. That area will see rain, freezing rain and snow. Up to an inch of snow could fall through Monday afternoon, mainly in higher elevations. Ice accumulations are expected between a .10 and .25 inches with isolated amounts up to .50 of an inch. Some trees and power lines could fall, leading to power outages.

On recommendation from the state's Emergency Operations Command, Governor Nathan Deal has issued a State of Emergency for 15 north Georgia counties until Tuesday.

The move allows state resources to be allocated for disaster preparedness.

Deal declared emergencies for Catoosa, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Habersham, Lumpkin, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union, Walker, White and Whitfield counties.

His order notes that in these counties forecasts call for ice accumulation and moderately high wind gusts that could bring down tree limbs.

State workers in those areas not involved in emergency relief work have been advised to work from home.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency on Sunday brought in more personnel to the state operations center and will operate around the clock.

Tags: winter weather warning, winter weather warning lifted for Atlanta metro area, snow in atlanta, ice, snow