Gilmer prepares for winter storm

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Storm

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Citizens and authorities are preparing for a potential winter storm beginning tonight. The most recent statement from the National Weather Service (NWS) is expecting the storm later tonight around 10 p.m.

StormAs the threat has lingered all week, several changes have come including a move to virtual learning for Gilmer Schools next week. But other preparations have roads being monitored and official statements strongly discouraging travel. The National Weather Service stated, ” If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Slow down and drive with caution.”

Both Gilmer Sheriff’s Office and Gilmer Public Safety have put warnings and updates for the storm on social media as well. Public Safety confirmed that the civic center warming center will be open Sunday night and Monday night for those in need. Both days will have the center open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 7:00 a.m. Visitors are asked to bring a bedroll if possible.

NWS has reported a possibility of 4 inches of accumulation. Up to 8 inches could be possible at higher elevations. In addition to the storm, NWS has also issued a wind advisory over the same time period with east winds up to 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected. If the wind near your residence reaches the higher levels of this, the NWS is suggesting that citizens take shelter in the lower levels of your home and windows.

They also noted that power outages and tree damage are likely due to the strong winds, heavy snow and ice. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Ice buildup is another projected issue that could reach up to half an inch in some areas. Authorities are strongly encouraging citizens to avoid prolonged time outdoors throughout the next two days due to both the freezing temperatures and the possibility of falling trees and other objects due to the snow and ice buildup in the high winds.

No roads have been closed at this time, but the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office has put out notices of reports of some black ice patches on back roads around the county in recent mornings with more possible due to the storm. With wind chill, temperatures in the county could reach single digits in the coming days.

Both the county’s schools and the county courthouse were already to be closed on Monday with the holiday.

Gilmer Schools sets Virtual Learning Days for coming storm

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GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Across the county, people are preparing for a potentially dangerous Winter Storm over the weekend and the school system is no different. A new statement today confirmed that the school system is moving two days next week to virtual learning days for students in caution.

boe, virtualTuesday, January 18, and Wednesday, January 19, will be virtual learning days for the school. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, Gilmer has been no stranger to Virtual Learning through the online academy or home packets when the school went completely to distance learning. However, it has also become a common option for the schools in the last year for inclement weather days. Allowing the virtual learning salvages a snow day for the education system instead of a total loss of the day.

But the weather is not the only reason for these virtual days next week. The statement from Gilmer Schools said, “In response to rapidly increasing numbers of positive Omicron cases among our staff and the potential of a severe Winter weather event early next week, the Gilmer County Schools will transition to virtual learning days for January 18th and 19th, 2022.”

Gilmer Schools has only this week changed its COVID response procedures in accordance with the state of Georgia and Department of Health (DPH) guidelines. This change included some new changes from just last week, but also quarantine days that both government entities had changed in their guidelines on December 30, 2021 including the following guidelines on when to leave isolation after a positive test:

  • Had Symptoms:

    • At least 5 days* have passed since symptoms first appeared and
    • At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
    • Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved
  • No symptoms

    • At least 5 days* have passed since the positive laboratory test and the person remains asymptomatic

    • Note, if you later develop symptoms, you should follow the guidance for symptomatic persons above.

While the school system did not make a direct reference to these guidelines when setting their virtual days, Ridley has recently told FYN that the schools are doing everything they can to follow guidelines set while returning to a focus on students’ educations. Setting Virtual Learning Days for Tuesday and Wednesday will allow five days to pass without students in school due to the weekend and Monday’s school holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Accomplishing the virtual days will come with assignments being sent out to students through packets or Google Classrooms. The statement noted, “Teachers will be available via email communication.”

If parents or students have any question, they are encouraged to contact their student’s school directly for more information.

While the days are virtual learning, the statement did note, “All 12 month employees should report on Wednesday January 19th.”

Weather has delays and the warming center open for Friday morning

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weather

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – A new statement from the National Weather Service has authorities in Gilmer County returning to caution and delaying schedules tomorrow in addition to early closures today.

Statements from the Gilmer County Courthouse and Gilmer County Schools have reported early closures for today. Both ended the day two hours early, roughly 3 p.m. for the county and 1 p.m. for schools. However, in addition to early closures both have issued statements for tomorrow, Friday, January 7, 2022. This is the second time this week that winter weather has caused a delay for the county.

The statement from the courthouse said, “The Gilmer County Courthouse will be closing at 3:00PM today and will delay opening tomorrow until 10:00AM due to incoming winter weather events that we anticipate will make driving difficult and perhaps dangerous.”

The statement from Gilmer Schools said, “Tonight’s weather forecast is predicting some severe Winter weather in the Northern end of Georgia, including parts of Gilmer. Therefore, the Gilmer County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Friday January 7th, 2022.”

The National Weather service stated, “A strong cold front will bring cold and windy conditions to much of north Georgia tonight into Friday morning. Northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph this evening will gradually decrease overnight. However, with the very cold, sub-freezing temperatures, wind chill values will fall into the teens across north Georgia with readings in the single digits in the mountains.”

Closures and delays are not the only response coming through as Gilmer Public Safety is also responding to the extremely low temperatures by opening the Civic Center Warming Center. They said, “The Warming Shelter at the Civic Center – 1561 S. Main St. – will be open today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM for all those in need of protection from freezing temperatures. Visitors are asked to bring a bedroll if available. Pets are welcome.”

With slight rain today in areas of the county, some estimation totals have reached between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Lows are estimated between 17 and 20 degrees just before dawn. Some forecasts have even set the wind chill down to single digits in the area.

Gilmer is along the southernmost reach of the Winter Weather Advisories reach across the entire northern tip of Georgia coming from the front of “arctic air.”

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.

Authorities offer statement to warn of possible severe weather conditions

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weather

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – The National Weather Service (NWS), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), and Gilmer County Public Safety are alerting citizens to a possible hazardous weather condition over the coming weekend.

According to the statement released, areas of North Georgia could see increased risks of Flooding “Saturday night through Tuesday.” Public Safety told FYN that they receive their information directly from and work closely with these agencies like GEMA in preparing and readying the local response.

Authorities over the North Georgia Region are currently looking for more information to better estimate the exact amount of rainfall. The current information predicts between 3 and 7 inches of rainfall but the NWS did say there remains a large amount of uncertainty regarding the rainfall totals.

The NWS stated, “The combination of a Gulf tropical low and a cold front will create a one-two punch for Georgia beginning late Saturday and continuing through Tuesday. There remains a good deal of model uncertainty with the timing and coverage of the heaviest precipitation and changes to the forecast rainfall totals can be expected with subsequent forecast packages.”

GEMA’s release was also shared by local Public Safety as they are attempting to give citizens information about the possibility. The release stated, “The highest amounts of 5 to 7 inches are expected over portions of north and northeast Georgia where the topography will enhance rainfall activity.”

Part of the reason for concern comes as the recent storms in the area have kept streamflow normal at most river gage locations. The heat and dryness could help soil absorb some rain, but “persistent heavy rainfall over an area will create runoff issues quickly, especially across urban areas and north Georgia’s complex terrain.”

With this advisory, authorities are suggesting that people consider the possibility and prepare by cleaning drainage systems on or around their homes and property. As Gilmer is heavily rural, quickly accumulating rainfall can also produce widespread flooding of smaller, fast-responding creeks in the area.

Stay alert to changing forecasts. “A Flash Flood or Flood Watch may be issued for portions of north and central Georgia in the next 24 to 48 hours if forecast totals remain similar.”

Gilmer has had a number of devastating storms in recent years, many locals know which creeks and rivers will rapidly rise, for those aware and those unaware, Public Safety is sharing information at this point to keep citizens from potentially being caught off guard.

Gilmer issues school delay for two hours in face of severe storms

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ELLIJAY, Ga. – With warning continuing to come in from the National Weather Service and public safety officials, Gilmer Schools has issued a statement to plan on a two-hour delay for school on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

According to the statement released, “The National Weather Service has warned that our county is expected to experience severe weather overnight and into the early morning hours just before and during our normal morning bus routes. The strongest storm bands show potential to generate damaging winds, hail, and tornados. In the interest of safety, please plan for a two-hour delayed start of school Thursday morning March 18, 2021.”

The school system clarified that bus routes and parent drop-off are also affected, so parents should not drop students off at normal times to wait for class to begin. However, they are planning to dismiss at the normal time in the afternoon.

While the National Weather Service has not issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area at this time, they did issue a statement just before noon saying, “Scattered to numerous strong to severe storms are expected late today through tonight with an approaching strong disturbance and frontal system. While there is some potential for severe storms as early as this afternoon, the primary risk will likely be with an area of storms pushing eastward late tonight into Thursday morning. The main threats will be tornadoes (some of which could be significant or longer tracked), damaging winds over 60 mph, large hail, and flash flooding.”

The decision to delay class is in place for now, but the school system did state that this response could increase if need be, saying, “We will plan to confer with Emergency Management officials in the early morning hours on Thursday and if conditions require a cancellation, this information will be updated.”

Gilmer Schools Go Virtual on Tuesday Due to Weather

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Gilmer Schools hold virtual learning day

Weather predictions indicate frozen precipitation overnight and into the morning hours when our buses are normally on the road and staff and student drivers are commuting to our schools. Temperatures are predicted to remain below freezing until around noon tomorrow.   The safety of our students and staff is always our primary concern and for that reason Gilmer County Schools will hold a Virtual Learning Day tomorrow February 2, 2021.  12 month staff should report only if safe to do so.

Gilmer prepares for inclement weather with closings

News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Warnings of winter weather and notifications from the National Weather Service have forced closings and delays in Gilmer County tonight.

According to the National Weather Service, “total snow accumulations of two to four inches with isolated higher and ice accumulations of a light glaze to one-tenth of an inch possible.”

In effect until 7 p.m. Friday, elevations above 1500 feet will see worse conditions.

The conditions are already seeing posts and statements of closures. The Gilmer Sheriff’s Office reported, “Due to the inclement weather that is expected overnight, the Courthouse and all County Offices for non-essential employees will be delayed until 10:00am Friday morning, January 8, 2021.”

In addition to the courthouse, Gilmer Schools has also closed their school facilities. Instead choosing to go forward with a virtual learning day. They posted saying, “Because the safety of Gilmer County students and staff is our highest priority, Gilmer County Schools will plan to hold a virtual learning day tomorrow Friday January 8, 2021.”

Gilmer Health Department is also closing due to the weather, “Due to anticipated winter weather conditions that could result in hazardous road conditions, the Fannin County and Gilmer County Health Departments will be CLOSED tomorrow, Friday, January 8. Any further updates regarding weather impacts on public health services in North Georgia will be provided by the North Georgia Health District.”

Waiting for the storm to hit, these closures come with just the warning of winter weather as officials are attempting to provide for safety and security of citizens.

Cold Front Coming To North Georgia On Christmas Eve

News, Press Release
CHRISTMAS WEATHER: It will be an interesting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Here’s the National Weather Service’s outlook:
A strong storm system will bring moderate to locally heavy rainfall, with even a few thunderstorms, to the area on Thursday. An intense cold front will bring much colder air to the area late Thursday into Thursday night. As the colder air moves in, any lingering rain showers could mix with or change over snow briefly before ending — mainly across portions of north Georgia (see graphic below).
NOTE: We are not expecting widespread and/or significant winter impacts with this event, however, the potential for some accumulating snow (< 2 inches) does exist across the higher elevations of north Georgia.
1. What areas could see snow?
Areas in the lighter-shaded blue could see a brief period of snow with little to no accumulations. Areas in the darker blue (higher ridgetops) could see up to 2″ of snow late Thursday into Thursday evening. Anywhere outside the shaded areas across north GA could see a few snow flurries with no accumulation expected. NOTE: these areas (and amounts) are subject to change with future forecasts!
2. How much rain will this system bring to the area?
Most areas will likely see at least 0.75 to 1.5 inches with locally higher amounts > 1.5″ especially across the higher elevations of north GA. Much of this rain will occur in a 6-12 hour window on Thursday.
NOTE: A few stronger showers and even an isolated thunderstorm could produce locally gusty winds (> 35 MPH) along with the heavier rain.
3. How cold will it get Thursday night/Friday morning?
Widespread sub-freezing temperatures are likely by daybreak Friday. Despite precipitation ending, any residual water on roadways (especially bridges and overpasses) could freeze resulting in patchy BLACK ICE.
4. Expected High temperatures on Christmas Day (Friday):
Some areas across north GA will struggle to get above freezing (32F degrees) Friday.

Gilmer cancels school in face of forecasts

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school

EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – With reports and forecasts continuing to come in for freezing temperatures and some form of precipitation, many are facing decisions on tomorrow’s plans. Gilmer Schools has made their decision in preparation of the possibility of ice on the roads.

In a statement tonight, November 30, 2020, Gilmer Schools said, “We are monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions closely. At this time weather sources are posting conflicting forecasts for overnight and into tomorrow morning; however, all forecasts indicate precipitation with temperatures below freezing. Because many of our roads are at higher elevations, travel may become treacherous especially for buses. Because the safety of Gilmer County students and staff is our highest priority, Gilmer County Schools will be closed for students tomorrow December 1, 2020.”

While still having staff report to work if safe to do so, they are also allowing for those who do not wish to risk the roads, telling them to contact supervisors.

According to a statement from the National Weather Service, snow showers are expected overnight. They stated, “Total snow accumulations of up to two inches in the higher elevations of Murray, Fannin and Gilmer. A half up to one inch expected elsewhere.”
Along with Winter Weather Advisories, authorities are warning citizens to be careful and prepare for possible dangers of the weather. The National Weather Service has also provided Winter Safety Tips on their website.

Gilmer shuts down under Flash Flood Warning

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Gilmer Flash Flood Warning 2/6/20ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer is one of several northern counties under a Flash Flood Warning today as the National Weather Service issued the warning just over an hour ago.

According to the National Weather Service, “Flash Flood Warnings for… Towns County in northeastern Georgia… Northwestern Lumpkin County in north central Georgia… Gilmer County in north central Georgia… Union County in north central Georgia… Fannin County in north central Georgia… Until 145 PM EST.”

Amid the warnings, Gilmer County School System issued a statement saying they would be closing schools early today in light of current conditions.

Gilmer Flash Flood Warning 2/6/20They said, “GCSS is working with local emergency management authorities to assess the current road conditions in our area. The Coosawattee and Cartecay Rivers have risen to the “Action” stage, the level before “Flood” stage, and rising rapidly. Streams in the area are expected to continue to rise after the rain stops this afternoon potentially further affecting road conditions. In the interest of student safety, GCSS will release 3 hours early today 2/6/2020. Please subtract 3 hours from the normal time you pick up your child from the school or bus stop.”

Additionally, Gilmer County officially released a statement saying they would also close at noon stating, “Due to flooding and road closures, for the safety of all Gilmer County Government employees, the courthouse and other county offices will close at 12:00 noon today, Thursday, February 6, 2020.”

Unconfirmed reports are already coming in of road closures happening on Highway 52 and other roads already being submerged. The Gilmer County Public Safety Department has issued statements for the following roads,

“Conasaga Rd at Shake Rag Rd has washed away and is impassable… Teague Road is washing away at the creek. Please avoid this area if possible… Portions of Owltown Farm Road are covered with rushing water. Please avoid this area, if possible, until further notice… Johns Way at Lake Paul Dr has become impassable. Do not travel through this area until further notice… Northlake Dr. on Walnut Mountain has rushing water across the pavement. Please avoid traveling that route until further notice… ”

Citizens can stay up to date with more road information during the Flood Warning posted to the Gilmer County Public Safety Facebook Page.

Gilmer County confirmed earlier today that Public Safety Director Kieth Kucera has already initiated preparations to open storm shelters and is monitoring conditions and staying in contact with the National Weather Service to enact emergency plans should the need arise.

Additionally, Public Safety has also stated, “The Coosawattee River is expected to crest at 8.8 feet early this afternoon – (Minor Flooding stage.) However, some roads along the river inside Coosawatee are already under water. DO NOT drive through these areas.”

However, the river, as seen in photos above, has already breached its banks and is continuing to flood areas alongside it. Citizens should avoid any areas already underwater and should keep a close eye on creeks and rivers near their homes.

As always, Citizens should avoid driving through any section of road that is underwater as it is unsafe and drivers cannot fully see if parts of the road have washed away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storms continue to wreak havoc in Gilmer with Flood Watch

News

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – As the snow melt sits on top of Gilmer’s already saturated soil, the continuous storm moving across North Georgia is once again causing closures and emergency responses across the area, now with a Flood Watch.

Gilmer County Schools stated earlier tonight that they will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11th for students. Staff will have a professional learning day starting at 9:00am.

Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued yet another advisory for the county. This time, the official statement said, “The first round of heavy rain will be moving in this afternoon and continue through midday Tuesday. Two to four inches of rain is expected with local amounts approaching six inches. With saturated soil and very high streamflow, runoff from the heavy rain will be enhanced, leading to a greater threat of flash flooding.”

While, currently, the advisory is a Flood Watch, the NWS added that flash flooding and minor to moderate flooding of larger creeks and rivers is expected. This will close some roads and could flood homes and businesses in flood-prone areas. Along larger creeks and rivers, flooding could last for several days.

Reports are coming in that the Gilmer County Public Safety Department is still running through prepared emergency conditions during the Flood Watch. Should the main rivers through the county rise much more, a state of emergency could be declared.

Gilmer’s Public Safety also issued a statement saying,

The National Weather Service will be issuing a SIGNIFICANT FLOOD WARNING – by their own admission, a rare occurrence from their office.

The first of several waves of rain is underway across North GA this morning. Rain will shift southward across parts of Central GA this afternoon & evening. Isolated non-severe storms are possible. The highest rainfall totals thru early Tuesday AM will be across North GA.

Unfortunately, the most significant rainfall and danger will be during the overnight hours. Persons living on creeks and rivers should find a way to monitor their surroundings frequently, and be prepared to evacuate. Have a plan!

Remember – if you encounter water on streets and highways, do not attempt to cross unless you already know it is safe to do so. Don’t drown – Turn around!

While much of the county is still trying to recover from last weeks storms and the snow over the weekend, runoff is not going to stop soon. Citizens are urged to keep a close eye on nearby water sources including streams, creeks, rivers, and ponds.

Due to Potential Winter Weather, Gov. Kemp Closes State Offices

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For Immediate Release
January 28, 2019

Due to Potential Winter Weather, Gov. Kemp Closes State Offices in 35 Counties on Tuesday, January 29

(Atlanta, GA) – Today at Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Headquarters, Governor Kemp announced the closure of state offices for Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in 35 counties across North Georgia and metro-Atlanta for potential winter weather.

“Currently, the National Weather Service is forecasting one to two inches of precipitation north of the I-85 corridor on the morning of Tuesday, January 29 through that afternoon,” said Governor Kemp. “Forecasters expect frigid air to follow this precipitation, which may cause roads to freeze on Tuesday and remain icy on Wednesday morning.

“Already, we have activated the State Operations Center, and state agencies – including GEMA, GDOT, GSP, and others – will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed.

“Based on the National Weather Service’s most recent forecast and the recommendations of emergency management personnel, I have decided to close all state offices for non-essential personnel on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in 35 counties expected to see winter weather.

“We are working with emergency management officials to determine whether it is appropriate to close state offices for non-essential employees on Wednesday, January 30,” continued Governor Kemp. “We understand that businesses and families affected by these closures will have to make accommodations on short notice.

“We recognize your need for information on whether government will be closed on Wednesday. I can assure you that we will continue to issue regular updates through all appropriate channels so that you can plan for any changes in business operations or – for families – necessary childcare with daycare or school closures.

“Importantly, we want everyone to be safe and exercise vigilance if this weather causes dangerous conditions or outages. Those in affected areas are encouraged to remain off the roads on Tuesday and Wednesday, if conditions remain icy or dangerous.”

The following 35 counties are affected by closure of state offices:

Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Lumpkin, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Towns, Union, Walker, Whitfield, and White

Watch the full press conference here: www.facebook.com/GovKemp.

***

Winter weather closes schools as county prepares

News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County Schools have already posted to their home website and made public that they will be canceling school tomorrow, Tuesday, January 29, 2019, in anticipation of the coming winter weather event.

The School System noted that Governor Brian Kemp announced that all state offices will be closed Tuesday due to the approaching winter storm. They stated, “For the safety of our staff and students, Gilmer County Schools will follow suit and be closed for all staff and students on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.”

The County is marshaling against the storm as well as the Sheriff’s Office has also put out notices on social media anticipating the storm. Public Safety and Emergency Response officials are asking citizens to be safe in the coming weather event. Due to the extreme low temperatures and possible precipitation, ice is a very real responsibility on the roads.

Gilmer County Public Safety has also issued warnings to citizens about black ice and hazardous traveling conditions, sharing four major concern alerts through social media.

* Snow: Some accumulating snow is looking more likely across the higher elevations of north GA, along with some light accumulations extending generally along and north of the I-85 corridor, including the Atlanta Metro area.
* Black Ice: Regardless of what snowfall occurs, what is more certain is the temperatures quickly falling on the heels of the precipitation as the arctic airmass sets in, bringing the potential of black ice to any areas receiving rain or snow across both north and central GA.
* Gusty Winds: Winds will rapidly increase behind the cold front during the day Tuesday and persisting into Tuesday night. Expect northwest winds around 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* Wind Chills: The bitter cold temps and increased winds will result in wind chills dropping into the low to mid teens for most areas with single digits in the mountains.

Though most of the concern is focused now on Tuesday, officials are waiting to see just how bad the storm gets before making additional plans or closings for Wednesday on.

Make sure to follow FYN for updates from the county and school system as to any changes or additions to their official response.

Weather Summary for 2018

Community, Outdoors

Weather Summary for 2018

By: Eddie Ayers, County Extension Agent

Back in December and already this year there’s been a lot of talk about how wet it’s been in the last year and while I agree with the comments I’ve been getting, I thought I’d do a little investigating and use facts to report on the weather of 2018. My data is coming from the UGA AEMN area weather stations.

The Automated Environmental Monitoring Network (AEMN) in Georgia was established in 1991 by the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The objective of the AEMN is to collect reliable weather information for agricultural and environmental applications. Each station monitors air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed, wind direction, soil temperature at 2, 4, and 8 inch depths, atmospheric pressure, and soil moisture every 1 second. Data are summarized at 15 minute intervals and at midnight a daily summary is calculated. A microcomputer at the Georgia Experiment Station initiates telephone calls to each station periodically and downloads the recorded data. The data are processed immediately and disseminated via the internet at www.weather.uga.edu.

We are fortunate to have three reporting stations in our area. They are Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay, Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge and the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville. For the purpose of this article, data has been averaged, but you can visit the web site and get more details and up to the minute weather.

Since rain has been the topic of conversation lately, let’s look at that first. In Blairsville, the total rainfall for 2018 was 76.01 inches and there were 164 rainy days. In Blue Ridge, the rainfall was 74.89 inches and 185 rainy days. In Ellijay there was 79.12 inches of rain and 168 rainy days. The average for our area is around 62 inches, but the statistic that stands out is the number of rainy days. During rainy days the plants did not receive good sunlight and that affects plant growth.

In looking at the month of December in 2018 Blairsville received 10.96 inches of rain and 17 rainy days. Blue Ridge received 11.21 inches of rain and 17 rainy days. Ellijay received 10.92 inches of rain and 17 rainy days. This may seem like a lot of rain, but back in 2015 Blairsville got 13.35 inches of rain with 13 rainy days. Blue Ridge got 16.57 inches of rain with 16 rainy days. Ellijay got 16.04 inches of rain with 17 rainy days. 2015 was not that long ago, but it seems we have gotten more rain lately. It might be the number of rainy days that is making us think we are getting more rain that we actually are getting.

As for temperatures the average maximum temperature in Blairsville was 68.53 and the minimum was 47.26. The overall average was 57.23 which is about normal, but the number of days below 32 was 761 which is up from before, but below 2015. In Blue Ridge the average maximum temperature was 68.12 and the minimum was 48.46 and the overall average was 57.59, which is also about normal. The number of days below 32 was 699 which is up from before, but also below 2015. In Ellijay the average maximum temperature was 69.17 and the minimum was 48.81 with an overall average of 58.48 which is about normal. The number of days below 32 was 625 which is above earlier years except for 2015.

In conclusion the UGA weather stations are a great resource for information that provide facts about our weather conditions and now when people ask if it’s ever been this wet, you have the facts to say yes. If you need more information or different facts, visit the website and explore, or contact me in the Gilmer County UGA Extension office.

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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.

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