Latest update | 3:45 p.m.
Since the previous update, conditions across Northeast Georgia have worsened significantly:
- I-985 northbound has been shut down in Gwinnett County following a multi-vehicle crash.
- More counties have issued shelter-in-place warnings, including Rabun, Stephens, Banks, and areas around Clayton.
- Emergency response times are slowing as roads become increasingly impassable.
- Temperatures continue to fall, increasing the risk of ice on already snow-covered roads.
- Crash and EMS calls are increasing across Northeast Georgia and parts of Upstate South Carolina.
Officials across the region are now uniformly urging residents to stay home, avoid all travel, and shelter in place unless facing an emergency.
Update | 1:51 p.m.
Road conditions across Northeast Georgia and parts of Upstate South Carolina continued to deteriorate Saturday afternoon as snowfall increased and winds became gusty.
Residents in Helen reported worsening conditions, with officials urging people to stay off the roads as accident reports mounted.
Snow totals reported by residents across Habersham County and surrounding counties ranged from 3.5 to 8.5 inches, significantly higher than earlier estimates.
RELATED
- GDOT says slick spots growing as cold air moves in
- Road conditions deteriorate as snow blankets Northeast Georgia
Accidents were reported throughout the region, stretching from Gwinnett County into Greer, as road conditions became increasingly treacherous late in the day. A rollover accident on U.S. 441/365 was reported blocking the highway, while Georgia Highway 197 in Batesville was described as untraveled and in poor condition.
The Georgia Department of Transportation remained active on roadways in Habersham County as crews continued snow removal operations. Officials reminded residents that crews are actively working routes and cannot respond to individual requests on social media.
In a show of community support, Fresco’s in Clarkesville announced it is providing meals at no cost to utility linemen working through the storm.
Conditions were also reported to be hazardous across northern South Carolina. Vehicles were reported off the road and in ditches, including a mail truck in Easley and a jackknifed tractor-trailer on Interstate 85 near mile marker 68 close to Greer.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency urged motorists to stay off Interstate 85, warning that vehicles were sliding off the roadway. Officials emphasized that travel should be limited to emergencies only.
If travel is unavoidable, officials urge drivers to:
- Slow down
- Avoid stopping on hills
- Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers
- Do not use cruise control
Local alerts were also issued Saturday afternoon. The Flowery Branch Police Department issued a Dangerous Road Conditions Alert, and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office issued a traffic alert urging residents to stay off the roads during and after the storm.
