Snow showers were delayed 1-3 hours this morning and are now expected to continue throughout the day in some places in Georgia, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Forecasters had expected the snow to begin late last night or early this morning, but it was shortly before daybreak before it began in the Gainesville area.
“With the new timing (the snow should continue) into the evening timeframe,” an 8:00 advisory says. “North Georgia will continue to see snowfall through the morning and into the mid to late afternoon. Heavier accumulations in the 3–6-inch range (in most places) are still expected over eastern Georgia in bands of snowfall, with 0.5-3 inches expected as you go westward.”
With 3-7 inches now expected in Gainesville, local emergency management officials have said we should be prepared to spend up to 36 hours at home because of the treacherous roads that are likely to result and with bitterly cold temperatures forecast into Monday.
At 8:00 a.m. at the Gainesville airport the temperature was 28 with a wind chill of 19. Wind chills of between -5 and +5 are likely at times through Sunday and a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect.
The latest 7-day forecast for Gainesville and vicinity:
Today
Snow showers, mainly before 2pm. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 29. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 14. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 36. Wind chill values as low as zero. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 44. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 28.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night
Showers likely, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
Wednesday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 43.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 27.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 49.