LIVE BLOG: Georgia winter storm road closures & conditions

ATLANTA - Metro Atlanta and North Georgia drivers are facing a treacherous start to the work week as a winter storm leaves behind a dangerous mix of plummeting temperatures and lingering ice. While major thoroughfares like the Stone Mountain Freeway and I-20 are currently reported as clear and "green," authorities warn that the real danger lies on side streets and untreated secondary roads.

The Georgia Department of Transportation warns black ice is likely, especially on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas and elevated roads.

DOT crews are still treating roads and hot spots in some areas, particularly in northeast Georgia, where the storm hit hardest. Some roads remain closed as crews clear ice, debris and downed power lines alongside Georgia Power. Drivers are urged to slow down, move over for crews, and use extra caution—especially tonight as temperatures drop again.

The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes are expected to reopen southbound this afternoon; other express lanes remain under evaluation. For current conditions and closures, check 511GA before traveling.

As temperatures dropped into the 20s overnight, wet pavement rapidly transitioned into black ice. This invisible hazard was particularly prevalent on bridges and overpasses, which freeze much faster than standard road surfaces. Commuters were urged to exercise extreme caution on exit ramps and neighborhood streets, where slush and ice accumulation remain high. 

In Jackson County early Monday morning, Highway 53 and various ramps in Braselton were already seeing significant refreezing, while residential streets in Hoschton are being described as nearly "impossible" to navigate.

Road crews have been working around the clock, scraping main roads and applying brine. However, with wind gusts expected to hit 40 mph, the threat of new power outages and fallen trees remains a concern for those traveling through the North Georgia area. Drivers are encouraged to take extra time, reduce speeds, and treat any dark, wet-looking patches as ice.

MARTA MONDAY SERVICE

MARTA is operating on a modified service plan for Monday, Jan. 26, to ensure passenger safety. Rail service will begin at 6 a.m. with trains arriving every 20 minutes across all lines.

Bus service is currently suspended for most routes, with only nine "lifeline" routes (6, 8, 19, 40, 107, 110, 111, 123, & 196) operating on a Saturday schedule starting at 5 a.m. Notably, Route 185 is out of service due to hazardous road conditions. Streetcar service has been replaced by shuttle vans running every 30 minutes, while Mobility services are restricted to pre-booked, medically necessary trips only. The Customer Information Call Center will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for real-time updates.

HARTWELL IN HART COUNTY

According to Georgia State Patrol, they were still dealing with super slick and icy roads as of 8 a.m. Monday. 

CHEROKEE COUNTY

Cherokee County officials are providing hourly updates on road conditions as of 6:10 a.m. Monday. While several major thoroughfares have reopened, significant hazards remain on secondary roads and specific interchanges.

Hazardous Patchy Ice Alerts

Drivers are urged to use extreme caution at the following locations where active icing is reported:

• I-575 Interchanges: NB off-ramp at Exit 20 and SB off-ramp at Exit 19.
• Canton Area: Riverstone Parkway at the Reinhardt College Parkway intersection.

Current Road Closures

The following roads are currently impassable due to storm damage or icy conditions:

• Knox Bridge Highway: Closed at Fields Chapel Road due to downed trees.
• Chickasaw Drive: Closed between Lone Bear Drive and Lake Arrowhead Parkway.
• Waters Road: Closed at Stone Creek Court.

Recently Reopened Routes

Crews have successfully cleared and reopened the following areas:

• Reinhardt College Parkway (Hwy 140): Clear near the Bartow County line.
• I-575 Southbound: Mile marker 17 (North of Hickory Flat Highway) is open.
• Primary Secondary Roads: Worley Road, Lower Creighton Road, Land Road, Chapelcrest Lane, Misty Hollow Way, and Yellow Creek Road are now accessible.
• Local Access: Fincher Road, Mitchell Road, Wrights Mill Road, and E. Forest Drive have been cleared.

Update: Cherokee County reported shortly before 8 a.m. that they have received several reports of black ice.

COVINGTON

The City of Covington reported around 9 a.m. that pre-treated roads were "holding up well" in their area, with some reports of black ice on the raods. 

FAYETTEVILLE

The City of Fayetteville Public Safety reported at approximately 8:15 a.m. Monday that despite the below freezing temperatures, roads in their area are "generally in good condition" at this time. Small, sporadic patches of ice have been reported and they are asking everyone to drive with caution and monitor their Facbeook page for updates. 

FLOYD COUNTY

Floyd County E-911 reported multiple hazardous road conditions overnight and early Monday due to black ice and downed trees.

Reported incidents include:

• 7:28 a.m. — U.S. 27 south at the Maple Overpass (inbound): black ice
• 7:28 a.m. — Redmond Road at Garden Lakes: black ice
• 7:13 a.m. — Loop Road at Rome High School: black ice
• 7:13 a.m. — U.S. 53 near the Floyd County Jail: black ice
• 5:56 a.m. — Wax Road at the bridge before Plemmons: black ice
• 5:28 a.m. — Morgan Dairy Road near 1047: tree down (cleared at 5:43 a.m.)
• 5:24 a.m. — Lyons Bridge Road near 612: large patch of black ice across the roadway
• 5:21 a.m. — Mount Alto Road near 313: small tree down (cleared at 5:42 a.m.)
• 4:42 a.m. — Spout Springs Road at the bridge: black ice
• 4:15 a.m. — U.S. 53 at Georgia 140: black ice; Georgia DOT notified
• 2:20 a.m. — Livingston Road near 793: tree on power lines (cleared at 3:54 a.m.)

Earlier in the night, around 3:55 a.m., officials reported no road issues at that time, but conditions deteriorated as temperatures dropped.

MILTON

The City of Milton reported shortly before 7 a.m. that roads were "generally in good condition" in their area, but secondary and back roads and areas with residual rainwater were "dangerously slippery." They also reported that patches of black ice had been identified and treated in Milton. 

ROSWELL

At 7 a.m. Monday, the City of Roswell reported that ice had been detected on the roundabout at Hembree Road and Houze Road. They are pointing residents to https://www.roswellgov.com/roswell-severe-weather-updates/ for updates. 

CHATTOOGA COUNTY

Chattooga County said there had been no reported road hazards as of 6:15 a.m. Monday, but wet surfaces like porches and less-traveled roads may have iced over. 

ORIGINAL STORY

With a winter storm expected to bring significant icing across parts of North Georgia and the Atlanta metro, officials are warning people to stay off the roads if at all possible, even closing some roads ahead of the storm.

Timeline:

The system is expected to move into North Georgia and metro Atlanta Saturday afternoon. Forecasters expect total ice accumulations between a quarter of an inch and one inch, with wind gusts up to 30 mph. Officials with Georgia Emergency Management warn that the strength of this weather system could trigger widespread, multi-day power outages and make travel "impossible" across the northern half of the state.

The biggest impacts may carry into the Monday morning commute, even after the storm begins to move out.

What we know:

5:44 p.m.: Habersham County Sheriff's officials said 50 roads are closed in the county. The roads are blocked by storm debris, and officials said they expect more debris to fall overnight.

5:17 p.m.: Sandy Springs police said GA-400, north and south of Northridge, is flooding, while rain and ice continue to cause trees to crash. Officials urge drivers to avoid the roads, as they are not safe. 

2:45 P.M. FOX 5 Atlanta has started receiving multiple photos of homes and vehicles damaged by fallen trees. Click here to see the photos. 

2 P.M. Forsyth County employees are working hard to plow and salt roads in their area.

1:28 P.M. The Georgia Department of Public Safety is reporting a tree down on State Route 81 near the Walton and Barrow County line. 

1:14 P.M. Habersham County is reporting that all lanes are block on State Route 197 N/S past Shoal Creek Raod due to road debris. Alternate routes are recommended. 

1:10 P.M. Gilmer County is reporting that all lanes are blocked on State Route 52 E/W before Burnt Mountain Road due to road debris. Alternate routes are recommended. 

1:03 P.M. Stephens County is reporting that firefighters are responding to tress down on Falls Road at Rock Quarry Road, as well as Morgan Street near Collins Road. Additionally, a power outage is impacting several traffic lights along Big A Road at the intersections of Collins Road, Skyview Lane and Highway 123. Road crews are treating the roadways as they can.

12:51 P.M. Center and right lanes blocked on Interstate 20W before SR 12 (mile marker 90) due to roadway debris in Newton County. Alternate routes recommended. 

12:45 P.M. White County is reporting that all lanes are blocked on State Route 11N/S at Highway 75 (mile marker 10.02) due to roadway debris. Alternate routes recommended. 

12:45 P.M. The GA-400 north and south collector-distributor ramps from I-285 east at Glenridge Drive (Exit 26) are closed. Traffic is being redirected. Police say the closures are a result of multiple motor vehicle accidents and icy roads. 

12:45 P.M. City of Roswell reporting several traffic issues in their area. Click here for more information about those closures and other updates from cities and counties in North Georgia. 

12:42 P.M. Franklin County Sheriff's Office is warning drivers about Highway 29 south of Franklin Springs and Highway 17 north of Royston.

12:40 P.M. Roswell is reporting that Oxbo Road is closed from Pleasant Hill Street to Grimes Bridge Road due to a tree down on power lines. Also, Shallowford Road is currently closed at Willeo Creek Drive because of a downed tree. 

Additionally, Alpharetta Highway was closed at Sun Valley Drive because of a damaged traffic signal. 

Bartow County is reporting an "urgent road condition." Motorists are advised to use caution on the I-75N exit to Canton Highway due to icy roadway conditions. Alternate routes are recommended. 

12 P.M. LUMPKIN COUNTY

Lumpkin County says their crews are out blading and spreading gravel on major county roads and tackling collector roads when conditions allow.

 

11:50 A.M. GWINNETT COUNTY

Gwinnett County is providing a look at the roadways in their area. They are thanking everyone for staying off the roads and asking drivers to continue to do so as another round is expected this afternoon. 

11:23 A.M. WHITE COUNTY

White County Public Safety is reporting that Duncan Bridge Road is impassable due to multiple trees blocking the roadway. Trees are also down on major roadways across the county. 

Nearly half of White County is also currently without power, according to Don Strength, the county's emergency services division chief.

RELATED STORY: White County power grid 'collapsing' as ice storm leaves 50% in the dark

11 A.M. ROCKDALE COUNTY

Rockdale County is reporting ice accumulation on several roads/bridges and at least a couple of trees down.

Ice has been reported on 84 Bridge; 82 Bridge; 78 Bridge; and 138 Bridge near Centennial. The downed trees were reported on Lake Capri Drive NW and Old Covington Road NE and Glenn Road. 

10:36 A.M. CHEROKEE COUNTY

Freezing rain and sleet have accumulated on elevated surfaces in Cherokee County with 0.10 to 0.25 inches reported.

10:19 A.M. ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY

A Georgia State Patrol trooper in the Athens area shared the following 

9:58 A.M. GWINNETT COUNTY

Crews were called out to clear a tree blocking the roadway on Hutchins Road at Ridgedale Way in Lawrenceville. 

9 A.M. PAULDING COUNTY

Paulding County Sheriff's Office said during a 9 a.m. update that no major problems have been reported on the roads so far, but they are asking everyone to stay off of the roads. 

Additionally, the Newtown County Sheriff's Office says no significant incidents were reported overnight, but freezing rain has created a layer of ice on trees and structures throughout the county. They are advising motorists to watch for icy surfaces. 

8:52 A.M. DULUTH

Duluth Police are reporting wet and slushy roads in their area.

8 A.M. HABERSHAM COUNTY

Habersham County Sheriff's Office says driving conditions are currently hazardous in their county.

6:35 A.M. COVINGTON

Icy conditions reported near Alcovy Road and Intestate 20.

6:06 A.M. ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY

Athens-Clark County Police say that ice conditions are being reported around the Loop 10/Atlanta Highway interchange and nearby. 

6 A.M. ROCKDALE COUNTY

The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office is advising Rockdale residents that service may be delayed due to weather and roadway conditions. 

5:55 A.M. DEKALB COUNTY

All lanes are currently blocked because of a crash on I-20WB before Panola Road.

5:39 A.M. GWINNETT COUNTY

A crash temporarily blocked the right two lanes of I-85 northbound at Buford Drive. The Traffic Team says there's reports of ½ an inch of ice on that road.

5:22 A.M. JOHNS CREEK

Roads are beginning to ice over in Johns Creek. The Johns Creek Police Department says they have received reports of ice on several roads including Medlock Bridge at State Bridge Road, Medlock and Wilson Road, Abbotts Bridge Road at Johns Creek Commons, and Old Alabama Road at Buice Road. JCPD says bridges are also icing over. 

5:13 A.M. CLEVELAND

Cleveland Police Department is reporting their roads are icy and extremely dangerous and warning that "secondary roads" may become inaccessible.

5:13 A.M. JACKSON COUNTY

Jefferson Fire Department is posting that the roads are "getting pretty bad out there."

5:10 A.M. CHEROKEE COUNTY

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office reporting that Interstate 575 at Airport Road is very slick. Watch video. 

5:03 A.M. LAVONIA

Lavonia Police Department is reporting their roads and "ice and extremely dangerous" due to freezing conditions. 

5 A.M. WHITE COUNTY

White County Public Safety reports it is sending out a Code Red message due to roads "becoming impassable and very dangerous." So far, they say there have been no power issues but "tree limbs are beginning to sag."

4:30 A.M. PICKENS COUNTY

Pickens Emergency Management is reporting that ice is accumulating on the roads, trees and powerlines in Pickens County. They are also reporting that conditions are forecast to continue "going downhill" for the next several hours. 

4:30 A.M. CHEROKEE COUNTY

Cherokee County's Emergency Management is reporting that ice is forming on the roads in Cherokee County.

4:30 A.M. HART COUNTY

The Hart County Sheriff's Office is reporting icy and "extremely dangerous" roads across the county. 

3:05 A.M. STEPHENS COUNTY

Stephens County Sheriff's Office is reporting slick and icy roadways in areas like Black Mountain, Lake Louise, Prather Bridge Road, Highway 365 at the Habersham/Stephens County line, and throughout the cities of Toccoa and Martin. SCSO deputies are reporting that roadways along the "north side of the county are [becoming snow-covered] and everything is creeping south as the temperatures drop."

2:30 A.M. RABUN COUNTY

Road conditions are deteriorating in Rabun County, according to officials.

12:25 A.M. PICKENS COUNTY

A tree that fell across the eastbound lane of Highway 53 near Edwards Road has been cleared, according to Pickens County Sheriff's Office.

12:11 A.M. TOWNS COUNTY

Towns County Sheriff's Office is reporting patches of ice on some bridges, especially 76 east starting in the Macedonia Church area and east toward Rabun County. Additionally, they reported a few slick spots on Gumlog around Winchester Creek.

SATURDAY

The following are the latest closures reported to FOX 5:

• Interstate 85 Express Lanes: Closing at 12 p.m. Saturday. They will reopen once the roadways are clear.
• Interstate 75 South Metro Express Lanes: Closing at 12 p.m. Saturday. They will reopen once the roadways are clear.
• Interstate 75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes: Closing at 11 a.m. Saturday. They will reopen once the roadways are clear.
• Icy patches were reported on SR 60 and both directions are closed at Industrial Boulevard. GDOT says the anticipated reopening is 10 a.m.
• SR 11/ Cleveland Highway is closed in both directions past River View Driver. The anticipated reopening is 2:30 a.m.
• SR 136 at Monument Road has all lanes closed due to icy patches. The anticipated reopening is 2:30 a.m.

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