GDOT warns motorists of black ice before overnight refreeze

GDOT gives update on icy roads

GDOT crews are working to clear the roads in North Georgia as ice has caused trees to fall across the region. Many incidents are causing power outages, and teams are preparing for an overnight refreeze. 

ATLANTA - As road crews transition from brining operations to actively clearing roadways of fallen trees and debris, the Georgia Department of Transportation is warning motorists to avoid driving as an overnight refreeze is expected Sunday. 

GDOT warns of black ice 

What they're saying:

Teams have been working nonstop the past few days to keep roadways passable as a winter storm moves through North Georgia, Nathan Johnston, communications officer for GDOT District 1, said.

District 1 is home to some of the hardest-hit areas, with places like White County reporting that 70% of customers are without power.

Crews are dealing with issues in areas like White, Habersham, and Union, while also prioritizing critical infrastructure, including I-85, I-985, and SR 400, as overnight refreeze is expected.

"Temperatures are beginning to drop, and we want to emphasize the importance and danger of black ice on the roadways, especially at night," Johnston said. 

RELATED: Georgia winter storm road closures & conditions

By the numbers:

Crews applied an additional 115,000 gallons of brine to roads across metro Atlanta on Sunday, bringing the total to more than 1.5 million gallons since brine operations began on Friday.  GDOT teams have utilized plows and other materials to apply 1,350 tons of aggregate and 450 tons of salt to critical roadways. 

All priority routes north and northeast of I-20 were treated Sunday with special emphasis on I-85 and SR 400. 

The state agency plans to maintain a single passable lane on parts of I-85, I-285 and SR 400 that connect to entrance and exit ramps. Crews will maintain more than one lane when possible to do so safely. 

What is black ice? 

Why you should care:

Black ice is transparent and difficult to see, as the road surface is often visible beneath it. It can show form on various surfaces, especially roads, sidewalks, and driveways.

Temperatures will dip below freezing early Monday morning, with strong winds forecast to pick up, hampering a refreeze; black ice will still pop up in patches, FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Jonathan Stacey said.  

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning motorists of slick conditions across north and central Georgia.