UPDATE: Winter blast blankets north Georgia.

Courts, schools, government shut down

by Aldo Nahed; Appen Newspapers

NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH - With freezing rain and sleet expected throughout the day and a high near 29, government offices have shut down services throughout Fulton and Forsyth counties.

Daytime ice accumulation of around a 0.1 of an inch possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Total daytime sleet accumulation of 1-to-3-inches possible.

City of Roswell administrative offices and court services will be closed today, according to a Roswell Fire Department spokesperson.

City of Milton has closed city hall.

"The snowfall and freezing temperatures have made roadways throughout the City of Milton slick and dangerous", said Fire Chief Robert Edgar.

Emergency rescue crews have reported icy conditions throughout the length of Hopewell Road and the Arnold Mill Road Bridge, Edgar said.

"Please stay off roads for your safety," Edgar said.

Forsyth County government buildings and courts were also shut down on Monday due to the inclement weather, said Jodi Gardner, a county spokeswoman.

School systems in Fulton and Forsyth counties are closed today.

About 1000 GDOT workers are out trying to clear roads.

Snow, sleet, freezing rain and sustained temperatures below freezing are causing extremely hazardous driving conditions throughout Georgia, said Jill Goldberg, a spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Significant accumulations of snow are occurring from the Metro Atlanta area; dangerous icing is expected across the entire advisory area.

Georgia DOT has marshaled all available assets from throughout the state and will respond in strength but encourages the public to refrain from all but absolutely necessary driving until at least Tuesday.

MARTA canceled all bus services today, Cara Hodgson a MARTA spokeswoman said.

Rail service began operating their normal schedule at 4:45 a.m., however, delays may occur throughout the day.

"We will also be closing the ramp entrances to the North Springs (Ga. 400 entrance) and Indian Creek (Interstate 285 entrance) stations beginning at 7 p.m. Monday as these locations are more prone to freezing during winter weather," she said.

For more information on MARTA, visit www.itsmarta.com/systemalerts.aspx