Mayor’s Office of Communications
55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2017
News Release
Mayor Kasim Reed Urges City of Atlanta Residents and Visitors to Use Caution During Expected Winter Weather Event
Winter weather preparations are underway, including planned opening of an emergency warming shelter
ATLANTA – Mayor Kasim Reed today urged City of Atlanta residents, visitors and anyone traveling throughout the city to use caution and allow for extra travel time during winter precipitation expected on Friday, December 8, 2017.
“Tomorrow morning will bring the first winter weather event of the season, and it is important that the public prepare for potential snow for the morning commute,” said Mayor Reed. “The City of Atlanta is fully engaged in preparation activities and will continue to monitor forecasts and on the ground conditions. While we do not expect snow to accumulate on roadways, we strongly advise travelers to use caution, avoid unnecessary risks and travel, and allow for extra time to reach your destination. We also advise residents and visitors to sign up for the NotifyATL notification system to receive real-time alerts. Finally, our emergency warming shelter will be open starting at 4 p.m. tomorrow to provide shelter to anyone in need.”
The City will open its emergency warming shelter starting at 4:00 p.m. on Friday at the Central Park Recreation Center at 400 Merrits Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
Current forecasts predict snow in the early morning hours and during rush hour, but the snow is not expected to stick. The Department of Public Works will mobilize a Level 2 response, and will begin treating bridges, roadways police stations, fire stations and hospitals, elevated surfaces and areas around hotels and the Georgia World Congress Center with salt and brine overnight. The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Forestry crews and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department will respond to any downed trees on roadways and in the public right of way. The Department of Watershed Management will monitor and respond to any broken water mains. The City continues to coordinate closely with local, state and private sector partners.
The City encourages residents and motorists to follow these guidelines to ensure their safety and prepare for inclement winter weather conditions.
- Sign up for NotifyATL at http://www.atlantaga.gov/notfiyatl.
- Maintain awareness by following local media coverage and monitoring the City’s social media channels, including @CityofAtlanta and @ATLPreparedness on Twitter and Facebook.
- Plan ahead and allow extra time to reach destinations.
- Make sure you have the proper emergency equipment in your car and home such as batteries for cell phones and chains for vehicle tires.
- When driving in icy road conditions, the shortest route is not always the safest. Consider less hilly routes to reach your destination.
- Drive slowly. The faster you are driving, the longer it takes to stop the vehicle.
- When traveling on foot, exercise caution on public sidewalks and private walkways.
The City of Atlanta participated in a multi-agency table top exercise earlier this year to prepare for the possibility of inclement winter weather.
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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed