Hiawassee Police Department

A quick update from NOAA: Still expecting impacts from the winter weather tonight to be confined to higher elevations Temperatures have risen into the upper 40s and lower 50s over much of north GA today, which is good news. However, the air near the ground is very dry. When precipitation falls into this dry layer, temperatures will cool into the upper 30s and lower 40s late this afternoon and evening. In the higher elevations, temperatures will be in the lower 30s and allow f...or accumulating snow mixed with rain at times and possibly even some freezing rain and sleet. Elsewhere mainly rain with some sleet or snow mixed in at times. The precipitation should end before 6 AM EST with temperatures holding steady overnight and rising Sunday morning. IMPACTS ELEVATIONS ABOVE 2000FT: 1-3" Snow with some sleet and possibly freezing rain and light icing in the treetops and power lines. Limited road impacts with temperatures near or just below freezing. ELSEWHERE: No impacts. Mainly rain event. Will likely see some sleet or light snow mix with rain for the first few hours this afternoon before changing to rain after sunset.

1 to 1.5 inches of snow expected to accumulate across the North GA mountains late Sat night into Sun Morning as the frontal system exits the area. #Snow #GAWX

Towns County Schools has canceled in-person classes today due to icy conditions. GDOT has been out this morning inspecting and treating the main roadways. Please use caution on side streets if you leave the house today. An update from NOAA: While snow showers have largely diminished this morning, lingering accumulations could still allow for slick roadways in parts of the far north. Dangerous wind chill values of 0-5 degrees should also continue mainly in the higher elevations. For these reasons, we have extended the previous Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory until 10 AM this morning. Otherwise, gusty NW winds are still expected to continue today and the Wind Advisory remains in effect until 4 PM this afternoon.

Roads in Towns County are snow-free and safe for travel. An update from NOAA: What's Changed: The forecast snow amounts and confidence have increased across central portions of far north Georgia, which has warranted a Winter Storm Warning for the higher elevations of Murray, Gilmer, and Fannin counties today through tonight, where 2 to 4 inches and locally higher amounts are possible. A Special Weather Statement has been issued for counties farther east for mainly less than an inch of snow expected. Forecast gusty winds in the northeast mountains have also warranted a Wind Advisory this afternoon into Tuesday afternoon. See graphics for more details/impacts.

There is a chance of more winter weather tonight. Please read the following from our partners at NOAA: While widespread rain showers will push across the area today along and ahead of a cold front, the combination of the colder air with some wrap-around moisture behind the front will allow for a transition to snow showers late tonight through Monday particularly in the higher elevations of far north GA. There is still uncertainty with expected amounts, but elevations above 1...500 ft could see a half inch to one inch of snow, with locally higher amounts around two inches possible. This could result in minor impacts and slick roadways/elevated surfaces. The greatest chance for accumulations is in the higher elevations of west Fannin, east Murray, and northern Gilmer counties. A Special Weather Statement or Winter Weather Advisory could be warranted in future updates if confidence or amounts increase later today.

Welcome back to Facebook, Towns County Sheriff's Office, Georgia! We encourage everyone to go like and follow their page for important news, announcements, and safety alerts.

Another Great Collaboration with our Community Partners...Once Again, Clearview Behavioral Center, Chatuge Region Hospital, CVS and the City..... A Medication ...drop box is located on the Square side of City. Please deposit unwanted medication in the drop box. This will be a SAFE method to dispose of unused, not needed medication. Thanks and let's continue to build OUR COMMUNITY!!

We are hosting a fundraiser tomorrow from 12 - 4 on the Hiawassee Town Square for our annual Shop with a Hero event. Come check out the car show, auction, cornhole tournament, dunk tank (with Chief Smith and Mayor Ordiales), and more!

Just a reminder that the charity cornhole tournament begins Saturday at 12:30 on the Hiawassee Town Square. Trophies will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams!

We've partnered with WoodmenLife to create a fundraiser for our annual Shop with a Hero Christmas shopping event! WoodmenLife covers the fees typically associated with donation drives, so 100% of the donations will go to the children at Towns County Schools. https://woodmenlifeimpact.org/projects/81

It turns out that the back of a patrol car is great for hauling school supplies too! A great big "thank you!" to everyone who donated school supplies at Dollar Tree. We delivered 13 boxes of school supplies to various facilities yesterday!