Winter Weather Terms and What They Mean for North Metro Atlanta Residents

When a shift in weather is coming, news stations and weather channels will broadcast a series of terms and advisories. But what do they mean to North Metro Atlanta residents?

Winter Weather Advisory

When freezing rain, sleet, or 2 – 4 inches of snow is expected that will cause significant inconvenience to your daily routine, a Winter Weather Advisory is issued. In most cities, like Cumming in Forsyth county, people who are commuting to work should expect traffic delays. If you have children in school, busses may be unable to reach certain streets, causing schools and extracurricular activities to be closed.

How do I Prepare for a Winter Weather Advisory in North Georgia?

  1. If you are planning to drive somewhere, check for any closed roads or traffic delays on your route. Crank your car at least 10 minutes before you leave, turn on your heat, check your lights and your brakes. Keep a window ice scraper handy to clear your windshield and check your windshield wipers to make sure they are working properly.
  2. Keep an eye on your inbox for emails from your child’s school announcing delays or cancelations. Here are links to counties surrounding ServiceMaster by Bailey and their school district’s websites:

Winter Storm Watch

When there is a chance or possibility that significant or hazardous winter weather will happen in the next 48 hours, a Winter Storm Watch is issued. See Winter Storm Warning for a definition of significant or hazardous winter weather conditions.

              How do I Prepare for a Winter Storm Watch in North Georgia?

  1. Prepare your home by scheduling an inspection every year for your gutters, heating system, fireplace and chimney.
  2. Clear your gutters of any debris so melting ice and snow can flow properly off your roof.
  3. Frozen pipes thawing after the storm can cause them to swell and burst, leaking gallons of water into your home. Prepare and prevent that from happening by shutting down your sprinkler system, draining your outside faucets and letting one of your sinks drip overnight.
  4. Save our number (770-720-9533) in your phone TODAY. The longer water damage sits before it is restored can increase damage and cause mold to begin growing. Right after you shut the water value off, give us a call. We’re available 24/7 to start the water damage cleanup process.

 

Winter Storm Warning

According to weather.gov, a Winter Storm Warning is issued when a combination of significant and hazardous winter weather is happening. Significant and Hazardous winter weather can be defined as:

  1. 5 or more inches of snow or sleet in 12 hours or 7 or more inches in 24 hours.
  2. Trees or powerlines are in danger of being damaged from ice accumulation.
  3. Life threatening accumulation of snow or ice with wind which is 6 or more inches in 12 hours or 8 or more inches in 24 hours.

How do I Prepare for a Winter Storm Warning in North Georgia?

  1. Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan so you don’t lose touch with your family and friends who may also need help.
  2. If you are on the go, prepare a winter emergency kit for your car, like this one on Amazon.
  3. At home, you need an additional heat source just in case power goes out:
    1. Fireplace and lots of dry wood or a gas fireplace. Both need to be serviced every year to check for proper ventilation.
    2. Extra blankets, winter coats and sleeping bags.
    3. Kerosene Heater, like these from Home Depot.

If you or someone you know experiences a disaster, like water damage from a burst pipe or collapsing roof from the weight of ice, contact us immediately to begin the water restoration process.

We serve the following areas and much more:

  • Cherokee County
    • Canton
    • Ball Ground
    • Woodstock
    • Acworth
    • Holly Springs
    • Waleska
  • Cobb County
    • Kennesaw
    • Marietta
    • Smyrna
    • Powder Springs
    • Vinings
    • Mableton
    • Fair Oaks
  • Fulton County
    • Atlanta
    • Alpharetta
    • Sandy Springs
    • Roswell
    • Johns Creek
    • Milton
  • Forsyth County
    • Cumming
  • Gwinnett County
    • Lawrenceville
    • Duluth
    • Suwanee
    • Braselton
    • Buford

Resources:

https://www.weather.gov/lwx/WarningsDefined#Winter%20Weather%20Advisory

https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/storms-disasters/winter

https://abcnews.go.com/US/winter-storm-batters-georgia/story?id=22484722