Georgia Prepares for Winter Storm

ATLANTA - Even though the storm is still days away preparations are already underway to make sure the Metro area is ready.

Georgia Power is keeping a close eye on the closing winter storm. Power officials are conceed with the area south of Interstate 20 to Columbus, Georgia. They say freezing rain is more of a conce than a snow, sleet event.

Freezing leads to icing and icing leads to downed power lines.

If a significant weather event does occur, they will bring in local crews first. If necessary they will then ask for extra crews from sister Georgia Power companies in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. If those crews are tied up they will tu to private contractors.

Georgia Power is in a wait and see attitude, trying to determine where the storm will hit and where to best place their crews.

FOX 5 meteorologist Jeff Hill says a strong storm system will be moving in from the south Sunday, and by the late evening hours it could bring the possibility of snow and freezing rain lasting through Monday.

There is a definite possibility of snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches anywhere from Atlanta to the north. Some areas in the higher elevations could see as much as 4-5 inches, says Hill.

Areas south of Atlanta may see a mix of rain and snow.

Driving during this period could be treacherous and motorists are advised to use caution.