By Jennifer Shrader

Jennifer.shrader@lagrangenews.com

 

The snow expected to fall in Troup County Friday night and early Saturday is expected to be preceded by up to two tenths of an inch of ice.

 

Officials said the ice should not cause significant power problems, but were worried about the roads.

 

“I’m more concerned with the ice than the snow,” said Dennis Knight, Troup County Emergency Management director.  About an inch of snow is expected on top of the ice.

 

“People need to stay home tonight and tomorrow,” Knight said Friday. “Our road department will be out staying on top of the roads, but we have 522 miles of roads in Troup County. Our roads are going to be hazardous.”

 

The rain was expected to turn to a sleet and freezing rain mix by 5 or 6 p.m. Friday and turn to snow after 11 p.m. Friday.

 

“The system should clear out very early on Saturday,” said forecaster Carly Kovacik with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. The high Saturday will only reach 34 degrees, however, and not much melting is expected Saturday. Whatever does melt Saturday will refreeze and turn to black ice Saturday night.

 

Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for 74 counties, including Troup, so that resources could be mobilized ahead of the winter weather. The declaration allows the Georgia Department of Transportation to pre-treat state routes and other state agencies to take action.

 

For the latest on the storm, check lagrangenews.com and the LaGrange Daily News Facebook page over the weekend.