Officials: Stay off the Roadways

The message from the Georgia Department of Transportation is very straightforward: Stay home.

“This has been a trying night for thousands of Georgians,” DOT spokeswoman Natalie Dale said in a released statement.  “This storm and the bitter temperatures have caused untold hardships.  We are hopeful to return roadways to some level of normalcy today but would encourage the public to remain home, preferably all day if possible.  For your own safety, you should refrain from driving at all unless you are faced with a dire emergency.”

Officials are hoping citizens will comply to give crews a chance to clear the roadways. With temperatures expected to remain below freezing much of the day and overnight temperatures forecast to drop into the teens again, roadways that are not treated may re-freeze Wednesday night.

In Barrow County, officials will delay the opening of county offices until 11 a.m.

"With icy road conditions, and dropping temperatures, county officials believe that for the safety of their employees and citizens it would be best to delay the opening of offices until the roads have had a chance to clear," Barrow County Emergency Services public information officer Lt. Scott Dakin said in a released statement. "Officials will continue to monitor conditions and make any necessary decisions based on changing weather."

Barrow County Emergency Services and the Barrow County Sheriff's Office have worked with county crews to apply sand and salt to areas where ice was reported, Dakin added.

Other government offices have also announced delayed openings. City of Winder offices will open at 10 a.m. In Auburn, City Hall will remain closed until noon though that opening may be delayed if icy conditions persist.

Additionally, Barrow County Schools will be closed today.

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