Gov. Nathan Deal has issued a state of emergency for much of Georgia as winter weather is expected to have an impact on the area overnight and into Wednesday.

Eighty-three counties are affected included Newton. State government will be closed Wednesday for nonessential personnel.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Deal said he took action after an update from the National Weather Service late Tuesday.

“The Georgia Department of Transportation will continue treating our roads and interstates,” Deal said. “To ensure people’s safety and to allow GDOT to do its job, I urge people to remain home and off the roads.

“We will continue monitoring the weather and will provide updates as necessary.”

Newton County and Social Circle schools will be closed Wednesday, as will the county Judicial Center in downtown Covington. Preliminary hearings before Probate Judge Melanie Bell will be rescheduled.

The Covington News has delayed opening until 10 a.m.