Closures, Winter Weather Updates For Forsyth County

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — Forsyth County government has issued a winter weather update for Wednesday, Jan. 17. Due to inclement weather, all Forsyth County government offices are closed now instead of opening at noon.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office administration offices will be closed all day. Conditions on roadways are not improving. This includes ordinance and permits for those needing background checks and gun permits.

Forsyth deputies are reporting ice under the snow on all the roads in Forsyth. Ice and snow will not be melting anytime soon. Police advise to limit your driving to essential travel.

Forsyth County Schools are closed all day, online learning day.

Deputies are finding icy and snow covered roads throughout the county.

Health-care workers encourage residents to use caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it. Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for changes in levels of consciousness and motor coordination, indicated by stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles.

Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the impacted area. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, older adults, and individuals with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health offers these tips to help cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.

• Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

Photo, courtesy Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, is Ronald Reagan Blvd. approaching Lanier Tech.