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Conditions worsen during winter storm

Community, News February 8, 2020 , by Natalie Kissel

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Conditions are quickly worsening as a Winter Storm moves through our area.

Snow began to fall in Fannin County early this morning and is expected to continue throughout most of the day.

The Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) sent out a Nixle Alert at 9:03 a.m. warning drivers to stay off of roadways if at all possible.

Roads are extremely slick with ice under snow. Please stay in if at all possible.

Road crews are working to clear roads but at this time most roads are extremely slick due to snow and ice. Wet pavement under the snow has turned to ice in many areas throughout the county.

Fannin County EMA Director Robert Graham updated FYN on the conditions in our area.

“The pavement was wet when the snow started falling, so the wet areas on our roadways have turned to ice,” Graham explained the situation.

Graham went on to say that he is in contact with Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff: “Zack has crews out now and they are working as fast as they can to try to clear the roads.”

Public Works crews are out on roads throughout the county scraping and salting, but with the ice forming underneath the snow it will be much more difficult to get roads cleared.

According to Graham there are several vehicular wrecks in our area with many of these being along Highway 5. Graham was unsure of the severity of all the accidents at this time, but did state that the majority of wrecks have been people sliding off the roadways and into ditches.

“Many of the roads have become or are becoming impassable,” Graham said, adding, “We are having to shut some of them down.”

Graham urges residents to please stay off the roadways at this time and allow crews to try to clear as much as possible.

FYN will bring your updates throughout the day as they become available.

Blue Ridge EMA Fannin County Georgia ice Public Works Robert Graham snow Weather Zack Ratcliff

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Icy road conditions in north Georgia – Storm Tracker FYN

News January 17, 2018 , by Brian K. Pritchard

https://youtu.be/sqX20s4H__A

Blue Ridge Fannin County FANNIN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Fannin County Sheriff's Office Georgia ice Public Works Robert Graham snow Zack Ratcliff

Winter Storm Inga moves through Fannin County

Fannin County EMA/EMS, News January 16, 2018 , by Natalie Kissel

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Winter Storm Inga is passing through Fannin County and with it is uncertainty as what to expect.

The latest winter weather advisory from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, and a wind chill advisory is in effect for our area until 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17.

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST WEDNESDAY… …WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM EST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Snow occurring. Very cold wind chills expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Snow accumulations of up to two inches are expected. Expect wind chills to range from zero to 10 below zero.

* WHERE…Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns and Pickens Counties.

* WHEN…For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST Wednesday. For the Wind Chill Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to 8 AM EST Thursday.

* WINDS…Winds will become strong and gusty Wednesday with northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph gusting to 25 to 30 mph. A Wind Advisory may be needed for Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times. The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves.

* AFFECTED AREAS: FANNIN … GILMER … PICKENS … TOWNS … UNION

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Robert Graham spoke about Inga’s potential impact on our area: “Right now, all that has fallen is melting. We are really concerned about icing overnight.”

Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff confirmed this thought, “Icing is going to be a big threat.”

Ratcliff did state that road crews are already out treating known problem areas of the county: “We are spread throughout the county right now treating hills, curves, and known shady spots.”

“We will work as late as we can, but when temperatures get down in the teens and freezing takes place, there isn’t much more we can do as far as pretreating,” Ratcliff spoke of the county’s plan to fight the effects of Winter Storm Inga.

Ratcliff added, “We will be back out in the morning to continue treatment, and my crews are ready.”

The county currently has approximately 300 tons of salt on hand for road treatment, as well as five salt trucks with plows and four pickup trucks with salt spreaders.

Graham explained that models with this system are constantly being updated, “Currently, it shows a possible two inches of snow in some areas.”

Graham urges drivers to use precaution while on the roadways, and as temperatures fall over night, to only travel if absolutely necessary.

There are currently no shelters open at this time in Fannin County. If you are in need of assistance and it is not a life- threatening emergency, you can call the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 706-632-6022 or 706-632-2043. All life-threatening emergency calls should be placed to 911.

Follow FetchYourNews for the latest on Winter Storm Inga, including closings and delays in our area.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

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Closings and delays in Fannin County

Community, News January 16, 2018 , by Natalie Kissel

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Winter Storm Inga has passed through our area. Temperatures dropped over night and the threat of icy roadways continues for Fannin County. Due to this threat, many businesses and organizations will be closed or opening late today.

Public Works Director Zack Ratcliff spoke of road conditions in Fannin County on Wednesday, Jan. 17: “They are bad everywhere. What did melt from the salt refroze overnight because of the temperature.”

Ratcliff warned that icy road conditions are not just on secondary roads, that even major thoroughfares such as Hwy. 515 are not safe to travel on at this time.

“If you have to get out, use extreme caution, but it is best not to get out at this time,” Ratcliff warned. “We (Public Works) are out working right now, and we are trying to get it knocked out the best we can.”

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued a State of Emergency that includes Fannin County.

In a statement, Deal said, “Following the latest update from the National Weather Service, and acting upon the recommendation from the state’s Emergency Operations Command, I’ve issued an executive order closing state government for non-essential personnel tomorrow,” said Deal. “The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will continue treating our roads and interstates. To ensure people’s safety and to allow GDOT to do its job, I urge people to remain home and off the roads. We will continue monitoring the weather and will provide updates as necessary.”

***UPDATED Jan. 17 9:30 a.m. **

***CLOSED***

Blue Ridge City Government Offices

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (The Art Center)

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

Fannin County Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS)

Fannin County Juvenile Court

Fannin County Government Offices

Fannin County Magistrate Court

Fannin County Schools (12-month personnel may be asked to report later in the day)

Blue Ridge Elementary School
East Fannin Elementary School
Fannin County High School
Fannin County Middle School
West Fannin Elementary School

Fannin County Water Authority meeting cancelled for Wednesday, Jan. 17

McCaysville City Government Offices

Mercier Orchards

LATEST WINTER WEATHER UPDATE:

Wind Chill Advisory until 10:00AM Thursday

…WIND CHILL ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THURSDAY… …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM EST THIS MORNING…

* WHAT…Occasional light snow and very cold wind chills expected. Little or no additional accumulations are expected. Expect wind chills to range from 10 above zero to 10 below zero.

* WHERE…Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, and White Counties

* WHEN…For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 9 AM this morning. For the Wind Chill Advisory, until 10 AM Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Roads will remain icy and treacherous as temperatures remain below freezing all day. If you must drive, use extreme caution. The cold wind chills may cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frost bite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves.

* AFFECTED AREAS: DAWSON … FANNIN … GILMER … LUMPKIN … PICKENS … TOWNS … UNION … WHITE

Blue Ridge Fannin County Georgia ice snow

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Winter Weather Advisory for North Georgia

Featured, Featured Stories, News February 8, 2016 , by Contributor

Winter Weather Advisory for north Ga extended until 10AM Wednesday. Overall, expecting rain to change to snow this evening. Snow bands will likely develop overnight and continue Tuesday. Hard to say exactly where the bands will set up but overall snow showers will be light. Though snow will be light, areas within any banding will see a little more snow than those outside of the bands. Highest accumulations still expected across the mountains where temperatures remain the coldest the longest. Snow will taper overnight Tuesday/early Wednesday.

Deal Issues State of Emergency Ahead of New Winter Storm

Featured, Featured Stories, News January 22, 2016 , by Contributor

January 21, 2016
Ahead of a second winter storm this week, Gov. Nathan Deal issued a new state of emergency for 21 counties beginning Thursday evening and lasting through Sunday, Jan. 24, at midnight. The emergency declaration extends to 21 counties under a winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service. They include Banks, Catoosa, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White and Whitfield Counties. Deal continues to monitor an additional 24 counties, including those in metro Atlanta, under a winter storm advisory.

“In order to prepare for the second round of storms, I’ve directed state agency heads to encourage employees to telecommute where appropriate,” Deal said. “Capitol Hill agencies and other state government offices will close at 12:00 p.m. on Friday to allow time for roads and bridges to be treated in advance of possible freezing rain and snow. I encourage municipal governments and private businesses in metro Atlanta and other affected areas to follow suit. I will continue to monitor those counties under a winter storm advisory and revise my executive order as needed.”

The National Weather Service has issued the advisory for Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Elbert, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Haralson, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Polk, Rockdale and Walton Counties.

GEMA/HS and Emergency Operations Command will continue coordinating response efforts between the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Natural Resources.

Governor Nathan Deal ice snow

Alert – Winter Storm Warning in effect from 12 AM Friday to 7 PM EST Saturday

News January 22, 2016 , by Contributor

Winter Storm Warning

Alert:

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT 
UNTIL 7 PM EST SATURDAY... 
 
* LOCATIONS...MAINLY NORTH OF A TILTON TO JASPER TO GAINESVILLE 
TO HOMER LINE. 
 
* HAZARDS...ACCUMULATING SNOW AND ICE. SNOW MAY BECOME HEAVY AT 
TIMES. 
 
* TIMING...SNOW...SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN BEGINNING LATE TONIGHT 
WILL TRANSITION TO SNOW FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THROUGH 
SATURDAY AFTERNOON. 
 
* ACCUMULATIONS...2 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW AND UP TO ONE-QUARTER OF 
AN INCH OF ICE IS POSSIBLE. 
 
* IMPACTS...FREEZING RAIN AND SNOW WILL RESULT IN HAZARDOUS 
DRIVING CONDITIONS. HEAVY SNOW...ICING AND WINDY CONDITIONS 
WILL LIKELY DOWN TREES AND POWER LINES RESULTING IN POWER 
OUTAGES. 
 
* WINDS...SOUTHEAST 10 TO 20 MPH FRIDAY WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH. 
GUSTS TO 50 MPH POSSIBLE IN ELEVATIONS ABOVE 2000 FT. 
 
* TEMPERATURES...WILL DROP TO NEAR FREEZING EARLY FRIDAY MORNING 
AND REMAIN AT OR BELOW FREEZING THROUGH SATURDAY. HIGHER 
ELEVATIONS WILL REMAIN NEAR FREEZING THE LONGEST.

Instructions:

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW… SLEET…AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. HEAVY…WET SNOW AND ICE ACCRETION ARE EXPECTED TO BREAK TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES. STAY INDOORS AWAY FROM THESE HAZARDS…AND PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES BY HAVING FLASHLIGHTS AND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES READY.

Target Area:

Banks
Dawson
Fannin
Gilmer
Hall
Lumpkin
Murray
Pickens
Towns
Union
White

Forecast Office:

NWS Atlanta (Northern and Central Georgia

Snow Coming Down in North Georgia

Featured, Featured Stories, News, Videos January 20, 2016 , by Contributor

January 20th 2016 ~ Snow coming down in North Georgia.

https://youtu.be/eZ3OdcTHCAk