FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
UPDATED SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 6pm
3:40pm Thursday, January 5, 2017
Winter Storm Warning Issued For North Georgia 1pm Friday through 1pm Saturday
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Announces:
“Based upon today’s reports from the National Weather Service (NWS), a Winter Storm Warning has been issued which includes Gordon County (“generally north of a line from Rome to Ellijay”) from 1 p.m. Friday (JAN 6) through 1 p.m. Saturday (JAN 7). The NWS forecasts predict two inches (2″) of snow in our area. These conditions will make driving hazardous. If in fact this storm impacts our community, residents should minimize risk by travelling only if necessary. If travel in snow and or ice conditions is required, drivers should be especially cautious, and be alert at intersections, bridges and overpasses. I would also urge residents to stay abreast of rapidly changing weather conditions by monitoring the NWS and/or local and Atlanta/Chattanooga media outlets. I have placed extra deputy sheriffs on stand by should weather conditions require greater staffing levels.”
UPDATE, 11:30pm, January 6:
“Snow continues to fall throughout Gordon County, approximately one to three inches (1″-3”) depending upon elevation. I have deployed our fleet of 4WD trucks (‘Bravo’ vehicles) and have extra deputies on duty. I also have senior officers on duty at the joint Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordinating our activities with those of other public safety agencies. We have responded to a number of weather-related calls, and a serious crash involving tractor trailers on State Route 53 near Fairmount. The State and County Transportation Departments are working diligently to apply snow/ice countermeasures on the busiest roadways. However, most roadways are treacherous, and travel should not be undertaken unless absolutely necessary. The snow is predicted to continue falling through the early morning hours. The public should continue to monitor weather conditions via the National Weather Service (NWS) and commercial media outlets.”
Sheriff Mitch Ralston
UPDATE: Saturday, January 7, 9:30pm
“Last night, Winter Storm Helena impacted Gordon County, leaving a snowfall of 2 to 3 inches throughout the area. The roadways have been seriously affected by the snow and icy conditions. GDOT and County public works personnel have worked diligently over the past 24 hours applying brine and gravel to the worst affected areas. Interstate 75 is now passable and traffic is flowing smoothly there. The accident on State Route 53 involving two tractor trailers near Fairmount, which closed that road for several hours, was cleared this afternoon and that highway reopened. However, large icy patches are still present on State Highways in the county, as well as on local secondary roads. I urge everyone to use common sense if travel is necessary, and motorists should be particularly aware of dangers about bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas of the roadways. Also, the NWS has forecast very cold temperatures for the next 24 hours which will result in thawing and re freezing. I also urge residents to continue monitoring weather conditions via the NWS and commercial media to stay aware of potentially hazardous weather.”
Sheriff Mitch Ralston
UPDATE…UPDATE…UPDATE…SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 6pm:
“In the aftermath of the winter storm which left 2-3 inches of snow here Saturday, icy conditions persist on our local roadways. Driving is still hazardous in some areas on the State Highways, and on most secondary roads. The worst affected areas tend to be bridges, overpasses, and shaded portions of the road surfaces. Although temperatures today didn’t rise above freezing, sunshine has thawed some ice which will re-freeze as night falls, resulting in ‘black ice’. Motorists should be aware of treacherous conditions, and be particularly attentive if travel is undertaken. The County Government offices will be OPEN tomorrow. However, the County Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, and I have continued having extra deputies on duty and patrolling in 4WD vehicles . My deputies have responded to a number of automobile accidents today, as well as assisting stranded motorists. Please continue to use common sense if you have to be out, and keep monitoring weather conditions via the National Weather Service and commercial media outlets.”
Sheriff Mitch Ralston