Milton is beingimpacted by potentially dangerous winter weather that could ice-over roads, take down trees and limbs, and produce major power outages.

Because of this, residents are urged strongly to stay off the roads when they’re especially slick – including throughout Sunday, and possibly into Monday morning. They should also prepare now to be without electricity (including ensuring adequate food, medicines, and heat) for an indeterminate amount of time.

The City have significant resources working throughout the weekend, doing what it can to ensure First Responders can answer emergency calls while keeping connector roads and roundabouts as clear and safe as possible. With sufficient materials on hand to last several days, vehicles with spreaders (and plows, if needed) will treat roads whenever needed and sensible. 

Cancellations and closures 

Additionally, certain activities have been canceled and facilities closed because of the storm:

• City-affiliated basketball and baseball programs now will not have activities either Saturday or Sunday (with any potential tennis matches concluding before 4 p.m. on Saturday).
• All Parks and Rec activities once planned for Sunday have been canceled.
• The Providence Park restroom closed late Friday as a proactive measure to help prevent bursting pipes.
• Milton Municipal Court has canceled all cases for Monday due to the possibility of icy road conditions; these dates will be rescheduled.
• In addition, Fulton County Schools and the Milton Library will be closed Monday. (Both are operated by Fulton County, not the City of Milton, but we know this may impact our residents.)

Weather forecast

For the latest weather forecast and conditions, check in with the National Weather Service or wherever you get your up-to-date weather information. 

As of Sunday morning, Milton remained in the thick of territory under an Ice Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service that extends through 10 a.m. Monday. This indicates a high likelihood of between 0.25 inches and 1 inch of accumulating ice. (The NWS's accumulating ice prediction for Milton specifically ranges from 0.3 to 0.7 inches.) 

Precipitation began falling Saturday night, beginning as rain before turning into sleet and freezing rain. Freezing rain is defined as precipitation that comes down as rain then freezes upon contact with a surface – which could be a road, power lines, roof, or tree limb. 

As of 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the NWS forecast for Milton read: "Freezing rain likely, possibly mixed with sleet before 9am, then freezing rain between 9am and noon, then rain showers after noon. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 38." Up to 0.2 inches of additional accumulating ice is expected.

On Sunday night, temperatures should drop sharply, with a projected low of 20 degrees. The high temperature will be about at the freezing level and won't go much past freezing until Tuesday. (Monday night's forecast low is 11 degrees.) This creates the real threat that any residual moisture on the ground will freeze up – which could make Milton’s roads dangerously slick into early next week. 

Power outage info 

Freezing rain combined with wind gusts (as strong as 35 p.m.) over the weekend could also contribute to power outages. Three electric utilities serve our community depending on where you live (the City has no direct involvement), and each maintains “live” online power outage maps. You can “Report an Outage” on these pages as well. They are:

• Georgia Power: https://outagemap.georgiapower.com/
• Sawnee EMC: https://sawnee.coop/report-outage
• Cobb EMC: https://www.cobbemc.com/outage-storm-center

FAQs

This FAQ covers what to do before, during, and after severe winter weather, including power outages, road conditions, and safety reminders.

Take a few minutes now to review it HERE. It is an easy way to make sure you and your household are ready if conditions change. Or you can use the shortcut www.miltonga.gov/WeatherFAQs to reach the same document.

For the latest information

To get the latest on road closures and other news related to this storm, follow the City's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thecityofmiltonga/) or subscribe for Everbridge text alerts (www.miltonga.gov/Notifications). And if you experience an emergency, call 911.