Pickens Emergency Management Homeland Security Agency

//: Yesterday's strong to severe storm threat continues today into tonight with a few other disturbances ahead of a cold front. Below are the updates to the expected particular main hazards and timing: ' ?... A Flash Flood Watch (slightly expanded since yesterday evening) is in effect through tonight across north GA and portions of central GA. The Enhanced and Slight Risks have some slight adjustments and expansions across parts of the area. Several rounds of strong to severe storms are possible today into tonight. : Damaging Wind Gusts >60 mph, Locally Heavy Rainfall/Flash Flooding & Frequent Lightning, Isolated Tornadoes & Isolated Large Hail. : First round mid morning to afternoon across mainly north GA Second round (likely stronger) this evening into early morning across both north and central GA

- : The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) announced yesterday there are 19 cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 identified in Georgia, including one case in Cherokee County, located in the North Georgia Health District. This COVID-19 variant is commonly known as the UK variant because it was discovered in England, and it is now in several other countries and U.S. states. Currently, thi...s is the only new variant in Georgia. According to the CDC, variants that spread more easily and quickly could lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases would put more strain on a community’s health care infrastructure that could lead to more hospitalizations and potentially more deaths. Public health officials continue to remind North Georgians that they can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including this variant, by following these simple steps: Wear a mask in public places. Keep at least six feet away from other people who don’t live with you. Avoid large gatherings. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands. Clean surfaces frequently. Distance yourself from others if you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of illness. Especially distance from people who may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions, such as serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised.

SNOW COULD MIX WITH RAIN TONIGHT INTO EARLY FRIDAY FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST GEORGIA... Rain will continue to overspread the area by early this evening with periods of rain expected through Friday morning. As colder air moves in tonight, the rain could mix with or briefly change over to snow at times across portions of northwest Georgia. Brief accumulations of up to 1/2 inch are possible, but temperatures will generally remain just above freezing, minimizing overall impa...cts. Snow could be more persistent tonight into Friday morning across Lookout Mountain in far northwest Georgia, where localized accumulations up to 1 inch will be possible. Precipitation is expected to end shortly after sunrise Friday morning. Stay tuned to your preferred weather source for any additional updates through the evening on this evolving storm system.

’ ! Learn the difference between a and a . Make sure you’re prepared for both by clicking on the following link: http://bit.ly/2tcI91m :... Thunderstorms are common in Pickens County, and they shouldn’t be underestimated. They can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. Nearly 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe, meaning they have winds of at least 58 miles per hour, hail at least three-quarters of an inch thick or are capable of producing a tornado. Remember to tie down loose outdoor items before severe thunderstorms. Postpone outdoor activities and stay inside.

For Immediate Release January 7, 2021 UPDATE: HOTLINE WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE FOR COVID-19 VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS IN NORTH GEORGIA... North GA Due to an overwhelming response to the recently announced expanded COVID-19 vaccination eligibility beginning on Monday, January 11 in Georgia, the North Georgia Health District is experiencing some technical difficulties as large volumes of traffic hit our online system. Therefore, starting Friday, January 8, the district will add a toll-free hotline number as a means for eligible individuals to make an appointment for a vaccination at their local county health department. That number to our Call Center will be 1-888-881-1474. As of Monday, January 11, 2021, COVID-19 vaccinations will be provided at Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties to these groups of individuals that will be part of the newly expanded Phase 1-A of the Georgia COVID-19 Vaccination Plan: Staff in clinical settings (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMS, laboratory staff, environmental services). Residents and staff at long-term care facilities who have been unable to get vaccinated. All adults 65 years of age or older and their caregivers, and law enforcement and fire personnel. Beginning Friday, January 8, to make a vaccination appointment, eligible residents should call 1-888-881-1474. Residents can resume registration online beginning Monday, January 11 at www.nghd.org. If you experience difficulties getting through, please be patient and be assured you will be provided an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Residents must preregister to be vaccinated and must register in the county where they live or work. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

- //: : 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 . Otherwise, gusty NW winds are still expected to continue today and the Wind Advisory remains in effect until 4 PM this afternoon.

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Below is the latest update from NWS. Pickens County has been removed from the Winter Storm Watch. What's Changed: Expected snowfall amounts and confidence has increased in the forecast across the higher elevations of northeast Georgia for this evening through Friday, which has warranted an upgrade from the previous Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning from 7PM this evening to 7PM Friday. Issuance is for Murray, Towns, Union, White, Lumpkin, Dawson, Gilmer and Fannin ...counties (Pickens Co. removed and Murray Co. added). 2-4 inches of snow and up to one-tenth of an inch of freezing rain for mainly elevations above 1500 feet are expected. Areas below 1500 feet within the warned area could also have some lighter accumulations and minor impacts. Overview: A low pressure system will bring rainfall to much of the area starting this afternoon. A transition of rain to light freezing rain and snow is expected across portions of northern Georgia this evening into Friday. The mountains across northern Georgia have the highest potential to see this rain/snow mix and the highest potential for accumulating snow and light freezing rain in the northeast above 1500 feet (2-4 inches, with locally higher and up to a tenth of an inch of ice). Accumulating snow on roadways may cause slick or hazardous road conditions. NOTE: These areas (and amounts) are subject to change with future forecasts! Across the rest of northern Georgia (generally north and west of I-20/I-85), periods of a rain/snow mix will be possible overnight tonight and into early Friday, but air temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing restricting any accumulations, limiting impacts across these areas. Precipitation looks to end by the early afternoon on Friday, though refreezing temperatures could result in some continued slick roadways Friday night.

, , : Severe Weather Preparedness Week is an opportunity for our office to increase the community’s readiness for potential severe weather hazards. Today, we’re sharing the 4 steps that will help you develop a . We have also included 3 ready-to-print forms, which you can utilize as a guide for collecting your information. ... : 1. Make a list of important information, such as school and work contacts, insurance policies, etc. 2. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member for everyone to call. 3. Select a safe meeting place near home and another one farther away. 4. Give a printed copy of the plan to each family member and store it on your cell phone.

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible transitioning to light snow. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches except three inches at the highest peaks and ice accumulations of a light glaze possible.... * WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Georgia. * WHEN...From Thursday evening through Friday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Subfreezing temperatures following the storm on Friday night could cause slippery road conditions into the weekend. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates.

More North Georgians Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Monday North GA Following the first round of COVID-19 vaccines administered to over 1,900 healthcare workers, medical first responders, and long-term care facility residents and staff, North Georgia Health District 1-2 will expand its vaccination program to reach more members of the community. Governor Brian Kemp and Commissioner Kathleen Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., announced plans last week to add adults aged 65 and old...Continue reading