Winter weather could worsen as Gilmer prepares

ELLIJAY, Ga. – According to the National Weather Service, an upper-level storm system will move through the area early Monday into Monday afternoon in Gilmer County.

At this time, there continues to be much uncertainty on the start time of this precipitation as well as the eastward extent. What is becoming more certain is that the cold air we have been experiencing will remain in place as the precipitation begins. The National Weather Service states, “This would result in the rain freezing on contact with most surfaces including area roadways. Although amounts are expected to remain light, any freezing rain accumulations at all would create a glaze on roadways making for hazardous travel conditions. ”

As Gilmer prepares, the Sheriff’s Office and Gilmer County Public Safety has shared information with the county to announce they will have a warming shelter located at the Ellijay Civic Center (1561 S. Main St. – just south of the tennis courts) for those who may be stranded and unable to get home or those who continue to have issues at their homes with heating. While they are not currently open, public safety says it is continuing to monitor for a need and urges any who may need the shelter to contact them at 706-635-8911.

The warming shelter will have cots available, but citizens are told to bring blankets and pillows if they plan to use the shelter.