ATLANTA — State and local officials have a recurring piece of advice for drivers: if you don't have to be on the roads Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, don't. If you do, go slow, leave early and be patient.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, along with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and other state and local officials released their plans for Monday night into Tuesday as snow and ice is expected for multiple counties.
Kemp said state agencies are hard at work to make sure everyone is prepared for whatever scenario and encouraged the public to stay vigilant.
"I would like to encourage everyone to stay alert and tune into local news and be mindful for crews out working round the clock.I would also ask that you keep our first responders in your prayers," said Kemp.
The mayor echoed his statements, as well as his plan to close state offices. The mayor closed local offices in and put the precautions into perspective.
"I know it’s quick to pass judgement, but having been through two events where we did not heed warnings. I suggest we heed warnings," said Bottoms. "Ice is very different to operate than snow."
Bottoms referenced a 2014 ice event that temporarily crippled the city. Since then, the city and state have made efforts to avoid a repeat scenario.
FLASHBACK: SnowJam 2014
Pre-treatment of roads began in Atlanta at 7 a.m. Sunday morning and will resume at midnight on Monday. Bottoms added they're also pre-treating sidewalks because of the influx of Super Bowl visitors. She reminded everyone public transportation will be available for those needing to get around or wanting to attend Super Bowl related events.
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In addition, warming centers will be open and volunteers will scour the city, ushering people off the streets and to a safe place.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell R. McMurry said their crews deployed over 153,000 pounds of brine prior to sunset on Monday, and plan to treat metro Atlanta after 7 p.m.
"Tonight will be the true implementation of our treatment plan in metro ATL," said McMurry. "Our plan for tomorrow morning is to deploy snow plows and spread salt and gravel mixture to melt whatever freezes.
GDOT asked that people understand they cannot cover all counties at one time and ask for patience as they make roads passable.
