Be prepared for winter storm conditions, high winds, and below freezing temperatures

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Much of North Georgia is under a winter storm watch ahead of this weekend's severe weather.

Credit: National Weather Service

Several counties in North Georgia are under a winter storm watch. Icy conditions are possible in some parts of the state this weekend, but experts are warning people to watch current forecasts in case the storm moves further south towards Atlanta.

Dr. Marshall Shepherd is the director of the atmospheric sciences program at the University of Georgia, he says counties in some places will see sleet or freezing rain.

"What's driving our scenario is something called the wedge," he said. "Often here in Georgia we get a nose or wedge of cold air that dams up against the Southern Appalachians and oozes down the I-85 corridor from the Carolinas into Georgia."

He warns that not only will we see precipitation, but you can also expect 20- to 30 mph winds, and then temperatures in the single digits next week as people recover from the storm.

Shepherd also warns that because of early online buzz about this storm, some people might have old or bad information about where it’s going. Even worse, some people might not know it’s coming at all.

"We have to be OK as a culture, as a society with preparing for things," he said. "You know, I've seen scenarios where you know a tornado watch was issued for folks and it didn't actually happen. It was almost like they were mad the tornado didn't destroy their house because they actually prepared for it."

He notes sources for up-to-date forecasts, such as those from the National Weather Service, can better inform the public than speculation on social media.

Emergency officials say people need have their essentials on hand, including water, shelf-stable food, batteries and light sources, regardless of what the forecast says right now.