Special Weather Statement for Far North Georgia

Community
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
426 AM EST Wed Jan 5 2022
Dade-Walker-Catoosa-Whitfield-Murray-Fannin-Gilmer-Union-Towns-Chattooga-Gordon-Pickens-Dawson-Lumpkin-White-
…LIGHT WINTER PRECIPITATION POSSIBLE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT OVER FAR NORTH GEORGIA…
A storm system will move across the Mid-South and Tennessee
valley bringing rain and winter precipitation to parts of far
north Georgia on Thursday and Thursday night.
As the precipitation begins Thursday morning over northwest
Georgia, it may fall as a mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet
and/or snow, spreading east, before changing to mostly rain by
midday. As colder air moves back in later Thursday afternoon and
evening, the rain may change to snow with some light accumulations possible in higher elevations.
It is too soon to determine exact amounts and locations but if all
the ingredients come together there could be up to an inch of
snow at elevations above 1500 feet by early Friday morning.
Temperatures are expected to be cold on Friday with readings
staying in the 30s all day in north Georgia and 40s elsewhere.

Fannin County Schools will be closed tomorrow (Friday), January 8. 

News

As you may know, our area is under a “winter storm warning” until 7:00 p.m. tomorrow (Friday).  Although current weather forecasts for our area vary somewhat, all seem confident that falling temperatures and mixed precipitation will occur overnight and continue through Friday morning.  Members of the district leadership team and I have been out on our area roads this evening, and snow is already falling in the higher elevations of Fannin County.

The safety of our students and staff is always the top concern; therefore, Fannin County Schools will be closed tomorrow (Friday), January 8.

If it is safe to do so, 12-month personnel will be asked to report later on January 8; this information will be announced by 9:00 a.m.  No other personnel should report on Friday, January 8.

Please stay safe!Π

Sincerely,

Michael Gwatney

Snow Chimps at Project Chimps!

Community, Non Profit
Project Chimps, Ali Crumpacker, Executive Director, Chimpanzees, Sanctuary, Rescue, Donate, Snow

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Who doesn’t love a snow day? Adults and children alike took part in the joy of the first snowfall of the season last week and humans weren’t the only ones enjoying the change of scenery. The chimps at Project Chimps ventured out into the open spaces to appreciate the winter wonderland.

Project Chimps, Ali Crumpacker, Executive Director, Chimpanzees, Sanctuary, Rescue, Donate, Snow

“They think it’s the best treat ever!”

People always ask us how the chimpanzees respond to snow, and the answer is, they love it,” Ali Crumpacker Executive Director of Project Chimps spoke about the great apes’ new experiences at their Fannin County home.

Crumpacker explained that one of the nicest surprises for those chimps that ventured out of their Peachtree Habitat was how yummy they found the snow to be: “They think it’s the best treat ever!”

“The ones who venture out into it appear to love it,” Crumpacker told FYN as she explained that much like humans not every chimpanzee at the sanctuary is a fan of Winter weather.

While chimpanzees in the wild would not likely experience snowy weather due to their natural environment not being cold enough, Crumpacker explained that these chimps were born in the United States.  

“Several have lived in states like NY or elsewhere where they would have experienced winter weather at some point in their lives,” Crumpacker said adding, “For the past several years, they all lived in Louisiana before moving to Georgia though, so it may have been some time since they saw snow and we don’t know if they ever really got to play in it before!”

Despite their past, one thing remains clear for the snow loving chimpanzees, last week brought them a special treat and Project Chimps provided them with an environment to enjoy and experience Winter’s delight.

If you would like to learn more about Project Chimps and their mission you can visit their website by clicking here : Project Chimps

 

All photos provided by Project Chimps

Conditions worsen during winter storm

Community, News

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.

Public Health District and County Health Departments Closed on Tuesday, January 29th

Announcements

For Immediate Release

January 28, 2019

Public Health District and County Health Departments Closed on Tuesday, January 29th

Due to predicted winter weather conditions, North Georgia Health District 1-2, based in Dalton, and Health Departments and public health services in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties will be CLOSED on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. All further updates will be provided and posted to our website at www.nghd.org and on our social media sites at facebook.com/NGaHealthtwitter.com/NGAHealthDist,instagram.com/northgahealth.

Icy road conditions in north Georgia – Storm Tracker FYN

News

https://youtu.be/sqX20s4H__A

UPDATE: Winter Storm Inga incoming, early release for schools, county offices

News

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. – UPDATE: The impending threat of a fast-moving winter storm has prompted Fannin County Schools to issue a three-hour early release of students at all schools within the system Tuesday, Jan. 16, according to the Fannin County Schools information hotline.

In addition, all Fannin County Government, Blue Ridge City Government, and McCaysville City Government offices will close at 3 p.m. this afternoon and will delay opening Wednesday, Jan. 17, until 10 a.m. due to expected snow.

The tail of an Alberta clipper is expected to impact parts of north Georgia and the surrounding region as early as tomorrow afternoon, bringing with it up to an inch of snow and bitter cold temperatures. The winter storm named Inga has prompted the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia, to issue a winter weather advisory for north Georgia.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
2:25 PM EST Mon Jan 15 2018
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TUESDAY TO 7 AM
EST WEDNESDAY…

* WHAT…Snow expected along with very cold wind chill values.
Total snow amounts of around 1 inch with isolated higher amounts
in the mountains. Wind chill values will drop the single digits
Tuesday evening, and to zero to 5 below after midnight Tuesday
night.

* WHERE…Much of north Georgia generally along and north of a
line from Cedartown to Jasper to Hiawassee.

* WHEN…From 10 AM Tuesday to 7 AM EST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Light snow will develop across northwest
Georgia late Tuesday morning and spread across the rest of north
Georgia Tuesday afternoon. The snow is expected to end Tuesday
night, however strong northwest winds will be dropping wind
chill values to dangerous levels.

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.
Also, cold wind chills as low as 5 below zero will cause
frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin.

 

In Fannin County Monday morning, road crews were anticipating for what could be another crippling winter weather threat. Zack Ratcliff, director of Public Works, stated the county has 300 tons of salt at the garage on Aska Road and all available trucks are mounted and ready to treat county roads.

“Everything is pretty much ready to go, and right now, we’re just watching the weather,” Ratcliff said Monday of his crews’ readiness for the weather event.

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Robert Graham also shared similar confidence in the county emergency personnel’s readiness for a possible weather event and abilities of the county’s emergency vehicles and equipment.

Continue to follow FetchYourNews for up-to-date advisories, watches or warnings from the National Weather Service as well as school, office and business closings and delays announced throughout the county.

 

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]

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

Fannin County under Winter Storm Warning

Fannin County EMA/EMS, News

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Fannin County residents woke up to the first snow of the season. The county along with surrounding counties in north Georgia was issued a Winter Storm Warning by the National Weather Service in the early afternoon of Dec. 7.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Morganton, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, Director, Robert Graham, EMA, Snow, Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Warning

Snow falls in downtown Blue Ridge early Friday morning.

This warning warning called for up to one inch of snow and was effective through Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 a.m. Forecast models varied greatly on this winter weather, some calling for only a half-inch on grassy surfaces and others stating to expect up to five inches of snow.

Fannin County School Systems canceled school on Friday, and the Fannin County Courthouse will close early at noon.

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Robert Graham spoke with FetchYourNews on current road conditions and what to expect overnight.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Morganton, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, Director, Robert Graham, EMA, Snow, Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Warning

Snow continues to fall downtown.

As of 10 a.m., Graham reported that most roads in our county were still in good condition and no major problems had been reported to his team. “We are starting to experience the roads becoming covered and there are patchy areas. Aska, out toward Dial, and Hwy. 60 as you go out to Suches has some tricky areas,” Graham said, speaking of current road conditions.

“I would recommend not getting out unless you have to,” the EMA Director answered when asked about the safety of the roads through the afternoon.

With temperatures expected to drop well below freezing tonight, Graham cautioned about roadways freezing overnight and into early tomorrow morning. “If you need supplies, the earlier you can get them, the better. We could see more snow, and with all this precipitation, we could see some black ice,” Graham stated.

Graham recommended avoiding travel tonight as there is still uncertainty about what this winter storm could bring.

Fannin County remains under a Winter Storm Warning until 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.

Fannin County EMA latest weather update via Nixle:

Winter Storm Warning until 07:00AM Saturday

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Periods of snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Friday. Total snow accumulations of one to two inches are expected with higher elevations above 1500 feet potentially receiving up to three inches.

* WHERE…Generally north and east of a line from Ellijay to Dawsonville to Dahlonega to Cleveland in northeast Georgia.

* WHEN…From 5 AM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Slick and dangerous road conditions are possible, especially in higher elevations and on elevated bridges and overpasses.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

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

Follow FetchYourNews.com for the latest updates on this winter weather system.

 

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]

Utility companies work to restore power to Fannin County residents

Community, News
Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morganton, McCaysville, Georgia, Fannin County, Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation, BRMEMC, Tri-State Electric, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMC, Robert Graham, Winter Storm Benji, Snow, David Lewis

Crews immediately on the scene after Friday’s snow. Photo courtesy of BRMEMC.

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Fannin County was not spared the effects of Winter Storm Benji as the storm made its way northeast across the United States. Nationally, this winter storm was noted for record amounts of snowfall in many areas, and estimates have come in that as many as 300,000 homes and businesses lost power nationwide.

Many residents in Fannin County are entering their third day without power due to Winter Storm Benji, and crews with local power companies have been working around the clock to restore power to these citizens.

Fannin County reached the height of power outages on Saturday, Dec. 9. Tri-State Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) reported between 1,000 to 1,200 members affected. Tri-State EMC has approximately 19,000 meters in their service area. Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) services approximately 49,000 meters and reported roughly 14,000 members affected by outages.

Many residents, like Robert Moe, of Blue Ridge, were prepared. Moe stated, “We lost power about 3:30 a.m. Saturday. We put in a back-up generator three years ago. Great decision. Hope to have power back before our propane tank runs out.”

“If we run out of propane, we have kerosene and propane heaters,” Moe discussed of his preparedness. “You have to prepare in advance and not wait until you have problems to try to find answers.”

Lulu Lewis, a Morganton resident, has been without power since approximately 11 a.m. Friday morning. Lewis explained how her household is making it through: ” We have a generator for lights, water, TV, refrigerator and freezer. For heat, we have a wood cooking stove.”

Although the past few days have been difficult without power, some residents have not lost their sense of humor. Ken Burdette, of Blue Ridge, describes losing power twice: “Lost power Friday … came back on around midnight. Heard the power guys holler, ‘Just drag it off.’ Power went off again around 9 a.m. Saturday morning and has been dark ever since.”

Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morganton, McCaysville, Georgia, Fannin County, Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation, BRMEMC, Tri-State Electric, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMC, Robert Graham, Winter Storm Benji, Snow, David Lewis

Broken power poles and downed lines as a result of Winter Storm Benji. Photo courtesy of BRMEMC.

Burdette says it’s not all bad, and that he’s “rather enjoying candle light dinners with Vienna sausage and cold red wine.” He does admit though, “The hot tub has lost its appeal.”

David Lewis, IT Manager with Tri-State EMC, spoke of the difficulties in dealing with power outages of this nature: “With these outages, it’s a little different than outages because of wind or tornadoes. It was a lot more sporadic.”

Lewis spoke of the causes saying, “It’s mainly from downed trees, pines.” He explained that snow of this nature is very heavy. The weight of the snow can cause downed lines, but trees breaking under the snow’s weight is the main source for the outages.

He talked of crews working around the clock to restore power: “Not only is there a threat from the downed lines, but you also have to deal with snow and ice in reaching some of these areas, and some of these areas can be pretty remote. It’s a pretty dangerous situation.”

As of 12:20 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, BRMEMC reported that 2,455 members were currently without power and stated via Facebook, “Crews are still working to restore all power and will not stop until all power is back on.”

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Graham stated that there are no shelters open in Fannin County at this time. A temporary shelter was opened in Union County for residents without power or heat.

With another arctic blast headed our way on Tuesday, Dec. 12, and temperatures expected to dip into the teens, residents are hoping that power can be restored to all of Fannin County before the freezing temperatures hit.

 

 

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]

SNOW BLANKETS AMICALOLA EMC SERVICE AREA BRINGING WIDESPREAD OUTAGES

Featured, News

A beautiful snowfall has blanketed the entire Amicalola EMC service area today. The heavy wet snow is weighing down trees and tree limbs and has now caused up to 369 separate power outages, for a total of 6219 members affected so far. 9 out of the 10 counties in our service area are experiencing widespread power outages. Crews are working, contract crews have been called in and all are expected to work all night.   Please report power outages to the following automated outage management system: 706-253-0359 OR 706-276-0359 OR 706-864-0359.

Winter Storm Inga moves through Fannin County

Fannin County EMA/EMS, News

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]

SNOW BLANKETS AMICALOLA EMC SERVICE AREA BRINGING WIDESPREAD OUTAGES

Featured, News

A beautiful snowfall has blanketed the entire Amicalola EMC service area today. The heavy wet snow is weighing down trees and tree limbs and has now caused up to 369 separate power outages, for a total of 6219 members affected so far. 9 out of the 10 counties in our service area are experiencing widespread power outages. Crews are working, contract crews have been called in and all are expected to work all night.   Please report power outages to the following automated outage management system: 706-253-0359 OR 706-276-0359 OR 706-864-0359.

Weather conditions worsen in Fannin County

Fannin County EMA/EMS, News
Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morgaton, McCaysville, Georgia, Winter Storm, Winter Weather, Snow, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMA, Robert Graham, Lakewood Hwy, GA 60, GA 515

Five to seven inches of snow have been reported county wide.

BLUE RIDGE, GA – Conditions worsened quickly as Winter Storm Benji moved into the area this morning. With initial weather forecasts varying on the predicted amount of snowfall, many residents have expressed that they were not expecting the weather Fannin County is currently experiencing.

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Robert Graham confirmed of the roadways, “They’ve really deteriorated. A lot of the side roads are really, really hazardous. Aska, up that way, is really bad.”

The Fannin County EMA sent out an alert at 12:16 p.m. warning travelers:

“Lakewood Hwy (GA 60) between Mineral Bluff and GA 515 is closed due to accidents and stranded motorists.

Lakewood Hwy (GA 60) between Mineral Bluff and GA 515 is temporarily closed due to accidents and stranded motorists. This section of roadway is impassible due to snow and ice.”

Graham stated that so far the eastern side of the county is experiencing more hazardous conditions than the western side, but added that these conditions could change at any time. Graham reiterated, “I recommend staying in unless you have to get out.”

Reports are starting to come in of power outages in Fannin County due to the weather, and Fannin County EMA has also received a report of a tree down on Mobile Road.

Be sure to follow FetchYourNews for the latest updates on this winter storm.

 

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]

Winter Storm Benji impacts Fannin County

Fannin County EMA/EMS, News

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Snow continues to fall on Fannin County as Winter Storm Benji makes its way out of our region. Residents around the county have reported anywhere from five to eight inches of snow, some reporting more in localized areas.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morgaton, McCaysville, Georgia, Winter Storm, Winter Weather, Snow, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMA, Robert Graham, Lakewood Hwy, GA 60, GA 515, Glenda Higdon, Public Works, Zack Ratcliff, Fire Department, Larry Thomas

Roadways quickly became hazardous early this afternoon. Photo courtesy of Malinda Williams Bakara.

Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Robert Graham says that we are in for more snowfall through the evening hours. Graham stated, “Forecasts are showing an additional one to three inches for our area.”

Power outages have been reported throughout the county today, and crews are working on restoring power to those without. Graham stated of the outages, “Several are out on the eastern side of our county, and up in the Dial area.”

Going into the night power outages and refreezing of roadways are of major concern. The roads cleared some today as temperatures slowly crept above freezing, but without wind or the sun to dry the roadways the water left behind is likely to turn into ice.

Director of Public Works Zack Ratcliff released a statement that he is expecting conditions to worsen as a significant refreeze with black ice will likely occur after dark as temperatures begin to fall into the 20s.

Ratcliff has six trucks dispatched throughout the county putting down salt and gravel mix to treat the roads, and three motor graders have been out working in locations such as Aska Road, Old Hwy. 76, and the Mobile and Madola roads area.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morgaton, McCaysville, Georgia, Winter Storm, Winter Weather, Snow, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMA, Robert Graham, Lakewood Hwy, GA 60, GA 515, Glenda Higdon, Public Works, Zack Ratcliff, Fire Department, Larry Thomas

Five to eight inches of snow are being reported across the county. Photo courtesy of Suzanne Ponton.

EMA Director Robert Graham is now urging residents, “Please stay off the roads tonight, unless you absolutely need to get out. Try to stay put in the morning as well. After about 10 or 11 a.m. tomorrow, we hope the temperatures will get back up and melt some of this off.”

Fannin County Fire and Rescue Chief and EMA Deputy Director Larry Thomas spoke with FetchYourNews about area roadways and conditions. Thomas confirmed that his department has already responded to several calls today. Many of these calls involved stranded motorists and residents.

While some could not avoid getting out today, many citizens chose to prepare and stay indoors. Fannin County resident Glenda Higdon spoke of her preparation, “So far so good here. We are gathering water, charging phones and phone banks, brought in another load of wood and cooking food up. We have a wood heater, heat pumps and a generator.”

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Mineral Bluff, Morgaton, McCaysville, Georgia, Winter Storm, Winter Weather, Snow, Fannin County Emergency Management Agency, EMA, Robert Graham, Lakewood Hwy, GA 60, GA 515, Glenda Higdon, Public Works, Zack Ratcliff, Fire Department, Larry Thomas

Glenda Higdons shared this photo of snowfall on her property.

Higdon added with a smile, “We also have a bobcat, tractor, battery chargers, as well! My hubby is a Vietnam Veteran and is not about to get stuck anywhere!”

“We’re both locals so when the blizzard came in 1993, (we) learned a lot about being prepared then (the hard way),” Higdon explained.

Whether prepared or not Winter Storm Benji has left its mark on the north Georgia mountains, and its effects will continue to be experienced in our area for the next couple of days.

Follow FetchYourNews for the latest information about Winter Storm Benji 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]

Closings and delays in Fannin County

Community, News

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.”

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.

***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

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]

Schools Close due to Snow

Featured, News

Several counties are currently under a winter storm warning until 7am Saturday. Periods of snow (1-4 inches) are expected making difficult travel conditions. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate through the day and into the evening. The safety of  students and staff is always a primary concern and for that reason the following Schools will be closed today December 8, 2017.

Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns, Lumpkin, White, Dawson, Murray, & Cherokee County North Carolina.

Please use caution as you travel.  FetchYourNews will update on conditions as the winter weather continues to effect our area.

Back to Top