Georgia schools closing Tuesday due to winter storm, winter weather advisory | Full list
School districts across metro Atlanta and South Georgia have started announcing cancellations, delays and digital learning days after the previously issued winter weather watch was upgraded to a winter weather advisory.
RELATED: Storm Alert Day: Closings, delays announced for Tuesday due to inclement weather
Metro Atlanta, South Georgia winter weather advisory
What we know:
According to the National Weather Service, a winter weather advisory is issued "for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning."
RELATED: Georgia snow, ice, freezing temperatures: GDOT treats roads before winter weather hits
The winter weather advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. on Wednesday for the following counties: Putnam County, Henry County, Spalding County, Morgan County, Butts County, Gwinnett County, Paulding County, South Fulton County, Heard County, DeKalb County, Clarke County, Hall County, Coweta County, North Fulton County, Lamar County, Forsyth County, Fayette County, Walton County, Douglas County, Oconee County, Carroll County, Oglethorpe County, Clayton County, Haralson County, Troup County, Madison County, Rockdale County, Greene County, Pike County, Banks County, Barrow County, Jasper County, Jackson County, Newton County, Cobb County, Meriwether County.
The FOX 5 Storm Team also declared Tuesday a Storm Alert Day.
RELATED: Will it snow again in Atlanta? Gov. Kemp issues State of Emergency ahead of winter storm
FOX 5 Storm Alert Days are rare and are only issued when serious weather is approaching north Georgia. Prior to last week, the last time one was declared was when Hurricane Helene moved through Georgia in September.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory.
How cold does it have to be to cancel school?
By the numbers:
According to Atlanta Public Schools, the following guidelines are used to determine when it becomes too cold to operate in a normal capacity:
- Over 60 degrees: No limitations
- Below 60 degrees: A jacket and/or long sleeves recommended
- Below 50 degrees: A coat and long pants are recommended
- Below 40 degrees: Gloves and hats, along with the previously mentioned items
- Below 35 degrees: Indoor recess and PE classes
Children with health conditions, like asthma, may receive special accommodations during cold weather.
Superintendents also take the wind chill and opportunity for frostbite into consideration when deciding whether to cancel school. Unfortunately, there's no "magic number" on the thermostat to hit.
The National Weather Service wind chill chart. (FOX Weather)
Georgia school district closings, delays, digital learning days
Check the status of your district below.
Click here to submit or check closings.
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER:
- How Georgia prepares for winter weather
- How to prep your driveway for ice, snow
- Make sure you have these things in your car
- What to do if you lose electricity
- How to ensure your pets stay warm and safe
- Prepare now for winter... fun?
The Source: School closings are announced by district. The FOX 5 Storm Team, FOX Weather and the National Weather Service contributed to this report.