For updates, media, weather updates, road closures and more information on the storm, follow Forsyth County on Facebook.
Jan. 11, 10:00 a.m. – Emergency Operations Center Stood Down
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency & 911 canceled the emergency operation center which was stood up Friday morning. Regular County operations will resume tomorrow, Sunday.
Thank you to all of the county crews that have worked several shifts throughout the last 48 hours to keep the community safe.
Stay safe, Forsyth.
Jan. 10, 4:25 p.m. – Thank You to Crews
Thanks to all of our crews and partners for keeping us safe during the winter weather!
Jan. 10, 12:45 p.m. – Watch Out for Crews Clearing Roads
Thanks to our Roads & Bridges, Fire, Sheriff and other crews, work continues to clear roads in the County. If you encounter emergency crews, be sure to give them space to work.
If you do not have to be on the roads, please stay home.
Information about road closures and snow incidents on the roads during the winter weather weekend, is available here: Road Closures EOC.
Jan. 10, 11:40 a.m. - Stay Safe in Freezing Rain
From National Weather Service, Peachtree City:
"A forecast for 0.10 (one-tenth) inch to 0.25 (one-quarter) inch of freezing rain may not sound like much, but here's why a light coating of ice can be crippling. Just a glaze of ice can make travel dangerous, as vehicle tires easily lose traction. Additionally, the extra weight (and ice is deceptively heavy!) on power lines and tree limbs can lead to power outages."
Jan. 10, 10:35 a.m. – Please Only Call 911 for Emergencies
Need help? Reserve 911 calls for emergencies only! Call the non-emergency line at (770) 781-3087 for non-emergency needs.
To report or inquire about a power outage, contact your power company, or use their online tools:
Sawnee EMC: https://sawnee.coop/outage-storm-center
Georgia Power: https://outagemap.georgiapower.com.
Jan. 10, 10:20 a.m. – Road Closure, Incidents and Detours Interactive Map
Want to see where road closures, incidents and detours are occurring during the winter weather weekend? Check out the interactive map by clicking here.
Please don't add another marker on the map with an unneeded accident! Stay safe and off the roads as much as possible.
The tool is provided by the County's Geographic Information Services (GIS) team.
Jan. 10, 9:40 a.m. - Updates from EMA Director Tom Cisco
Message from EMA Director Tom Cisco from outside the Emergency Operations Center.
How can you help keep Forsyth safe during any severe weather?
- Stay off roads
- Reserve 911 calls for emergencies (use the non-emergency 911 Center line at 770-781-3087)
- Download Alert Forsyth for emergency notifications.
Jan. 10, 9:00 a.m. - Give Emergency Crews Room to Work
Along with our public safety teams, Roads & Bridges, Water & Sewer and other County crews are on the roads clearing roads and providing maintenance.
If you see any equipment on the roads, please give them room to work. Stay safe, Forsyth!
Jan. 10, 7:00 a.m. - Emergency Operations Center Activated
Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) activated the Forsyth County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Friday, Jan. 10 for the duration of the winter weather event anticipated to begin Friday morning. The EOC is a joint operation between the County's departments and offices including 911, Fire, Sheriff, Roads & Bridges, public works, Community & Animal Safety and more.
Jan. 9, 8:30 p.m. - Fire Department on Generator Safety
Jan. 9, 4:35 p.m. - Alert Forsyth
Staying weather aware and informed in times of severe weather and emergency is easier with Alert Forsyth, the County’s free emergency alert and notification system. When you sign up, you can set the kind of alerts you want, when and how you want them delivered – via text messages, voice calls or emails.
Consider signing up for Alert Forsyth today on a smartphone by downloading the free Everbridge app and searching for "Alert Forsyth”. Or go to http://www.forsythco.com/alerts and click “Create New Account/Access Existing Account."
Jan. 9: 4:32 p.m. - Important Safety Tips During Severe Weather
With a Winter Storm Warning in place for our area, please keep these important safety tips in mind:
• Avoid traveling on roads beginning Friday morning and into Saturday.
• Reserve 911 calls for emergencies only! Call the non-emergency line at (770) 781-3087 for non-emergency needs. For questions about power outages, contact your power company.
• Do not approach downed power lines. For your safety, please assume all lines are live.
• If you encounter emergency crews, give them space to work.
Jan. 9: 4:20 p.m. - Forsyth County Public Library Closure
All Forsyth County Public Library locations will be closed Friday, January 10 due to inclement weather, but the eLibrary is open 24/7. Learn more at
https://www.forsythpl.org.
Jan. 9, 3:30 p.m. - National Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Warning
Winter Storm Warning: the U.S. National Weather Service in Peachtree City has upgraded its Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning for much of North Georgia, including Forsyth County, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Plan on difficult to impossible travel conditions and an increased potential for power outages.
Jan. 9, 2 p.m. - Winter Weather Safety Tips for Older Adults and Pet Owners
Forsyth County Senior Services shared some winter weather safety tips for older adults on their Facebook page:
- Locate flashlights & batteries in advance
- Keep a fully charged cellphone
- Make an emergency plan with friends and family
- Run heat at night to avoid pipes freezing
- Layer clothing inside the home to stay warm
- Avoid outdoor sidewalks and stairs for potential slips and falls
The Forsyth County Pet Resource Center shared tips for keeping pets safe and warm in freezing temperatures on their
Facebook:
- Bundle Up: Small pets, short-haired breeds and older animals are especially sensitive to the cold. Consider a cozy pet sweater or jacket to help them stay warm during walks.
- Limit Outdoor Time: While your pet might love a good romp in the snow, be mindful of their exposure to freezing temperatures. Avoid long walks and always check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Protect Their Paws: Snow, ice and salt can be harsh on your pet's paws. Wipe their paws with a towel after walks or invest in dog booties for extra protection.
- Keep Them Hydrated: Cold weather can still lead to dehydration. Make sure fresh water is always available indoors for your pets.
- Create a Cozy Space: Bring your pets indoors when possible. If they must be outside, provide a well-insulated shelter to protect them from the elements.
Jan. 9, 12:30 p.m. - Forsyth County Offices Closed Jan. 10-11 Due to Weather
Due to forecasted weather conditions, all non-essential Forsyth County government offices and services will be closed on Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. This closure includes, but is not limited to, all general county government offices, the Forsyth County Courthouse and Courthouse Annex, the Pet Resource Center, recycling convenience centers, Senior Services, Access Forsyth transportation services, and Forsyth County Parks & Recreation’s indoor and gated facilities. All Parks & Recreation programs and activities are also canceled.
Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency staff will continue to monitor the anticipated winter weather event and additional announcements pertaining to closures will be made, as necessary.
County Manager David McKee provides more details in the video below:
Jan. 8, 4:30 p.m. - Prepare Your Pipes for Freezing Temperatures
As temperatures drop, it’s important to prevent your pipes from freezing. Here are some ways to protect your plumbing:
1. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off water to irrigation systems and outdoor faucets
2. Keep faucets dripping: a small trickle of water can help prevent freezing
3. Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around kitchen and bathroom pipes
4. Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas like attics or basements
5. Know where your water shut-off value is in your home in case a pipe breaks. Learn how to do this on the Water and Sewer Educational Information page here.
Jan. 8, 3:00 p.m. - Video Update from County Manager and EMA Director
Following a weather briefing from the National Weather Service this afternoon, below is what is anticipated from a potential winter weather event later this week:
- Precipitation is expected to begin between 4-10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10
- Greater than 2 inches of snow, and potentially up to 0.25 inches of ice, is forecasted for north metro-Atlanta
- Freezing temperatures are expected to remain through Saturday and into Sunday
Forsyth County Manager David McKee and Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency & 911 Director Tom Cisco provide a video update below.
Jan. 8, 1:00 p.m. - County Officials Attend Briefing at Emergency Operations Center
Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency hosted an Emergency Operations Center briefing with County leadership and the National Weather Service this afternoon ahead of potential winter weather forecasted for Friday and Saturday.
Jan. 8, 11:40 a.m. - Update from the National Weather Service
There will be impactful winter weather Friday, with accumulations of snow, sleet and freezing rain. The first graphic here shows the probability of seeing at least 2 inches of snow accumulation. The second graphic shows the expected ice accumulations. These forecasts will continue to be adjusted over the next two days. Expect hazardous travel conditions to begin Friday morning.
Jan. 8, 10:15 a.m. - Winter Storm Watch for Forsyth County
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect Friday morning (Jan. 10) through Saturday morning (Jan. 11) for Forsyth County. A wintry mix of precipitation is possible.
Plan on slippery road conditions, with travel likely becoming difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday commute and linger into Saturday morning. Bridges and overpasses could become icy even if temperatures remain above freezing. To read the full NWS alert, click here.
Jan. 8, 9:00 a.m. - Tips to Prepare for Freezing Temperatures
Ensure pets have a warm, dry shelter
Drip faucets, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around kitchen and bathroom pipes and be sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is in case a pipe breaks
Bring cold-sensitive plants indoors or cover them
Check on loved ones and neighbors, especially the elderly
Keep a ready kit in your car with basic supplies (like bottled water, non-perishable snacks) plus a mobile phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables
Stay weather aware and sign up for Alert Forsyth at www.forsythco.com/alerts to receive severe weather notifications.