What To Know Ahead Of The Winter Weather Expected In Cumming

CUMMING, GA — With colder temperatures in the forecast for this weekend, residents in Cumming may want to keep the hot cocoa and thick blankets on standby.

In a message posted to Facebook, officials with the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency, Forsyth County Fire Department and Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said they are prepping for possible winter weather impacts this weekend.

"Thanks to all of our first responders and all of those keeping our community safe and running during severe weather events," the county posted. "Follow us here on Facebook and Twitter all weekend for news and updates. Stay safe!"

In the meantime, the Georgia Department of Transportation is sharing three things that Cumming residents should know to be better prepared before this weekend's winter storm hits the northern half of the state:

1. What's happening? A winter storm system is moving into north Georgia and is anticipated to begin Saturday evening and last through late Sunday night. Effects could range from rain, freezing rain, or snow, but based on forecasts from the National Weather Service the department is anticipating a substantial icing event east of I-75 and north of I-20.

2. What should you do? Begin preparing now to stay home if you can. Be sure to have essential groceries on hand and gas in your vehicle, but plan to avoid all non-essential travel in affected areas during the storm.

3. What is GDOT doing? Georgia DOT said its constantly evolving to how it responds to winter weather events and the treatment plans it utilizes.

"Each storm is unique and our treatment and response has to be specifically tailored to that weather system," the agency said. "The department has been monitoring this weather system and coordinating with our partners at the National Weather Service and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to determine how we will use our plan to address this system. Our plan includes brine routes run all day Friday, and plow teams activating Saturday through the end of the storm."