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Newton County listed in Winter Storm Watch
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UPDATE #4: Snow is now expected in Newton County. See the original story for details.

UPDATE #3: The city of Covington, Porterdale and Oxford offices are all closed tomorrow.

UPDATE #2: Newton County Government has closed its offices tomorrow due to the potential of a winter storm.

UPDATE: Newton County Schools has closed schools for tomorrow due to inclement weather.

ORIGINAL STORY

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting significant winter weather, including snow, sleet and freezing rain to affect parts of Georgia this weekend. 

Newton County can expect to be grazed by the southernmost edge of the storm. The storm is anticipated to bring snowfall across the county beginning around 8 a.m. Friday and continuing throughout the day. Sleet and freezing rain are also likely to be mixed in as the temperature rises in the afternoon. The temperature will remain low throughout the weekend, raising concerns about ice along roads. Newton County began salting the roads on Thursday in preparation.

As of Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Channel forecasts below-freezing temperatures to begin for Covington at 8 p.m. on Thursday and stay below freezing until 4 p.m. on Friday. Friday’s predicted temperatures are a high of 34 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 30, with Saturday forecasted for a high of 39 and a low of 19. Sunday is expected to heat up to 46 degrees.

“The greatest risk for ice accumulations of at least 0.10” (1/10 inch) is along the I-85/I-20 corridors,” the NWS said in its Wednesday morning release. “A more significant freezing rain event may be possible if early snow turns to rain faster than anticipated.”

According to the Newton County Government’s official Facebook page, officials from the county government, Newton County Fire Services, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the city of Porterdale, the city of Oxford, the city of Covington and the Emergency Management Agency met Wednesday to discuss storm preparations. 

Officials from the city of Covington’s Public Safety, Public Works and Utility Departments met separately to prepare. Public Works is pre-treating the roads ahead of expected icy conditions but advises that residents stay home and avoid driving on Friday and Saturday to ensure safety.

This is an ongoing story. Check back to www.covnews.com for more updates.