ATLANTA — Metro Atlanta is gearing up as a significant winter storm is expected to move into the area this weekend, bringing the potential for ice, snow, and freezing rain.
The threat of icy conditions has sent shoppers rushing to local hardware stores. At Bates Ace Hardware, store manager Lewis Payne says demand has been overwhelming.
“We’ve had to go to several warehouses, one in Alabama and one here in Georgia, and pick up extra supplies,” Payne said.
Payne says items like ice melt, heaters, and generators are flying off the shelves. Demand for ice melt has been so high that the store has limited purchases to five per customer.
“More heaters, we’re going to have to go get more ice melt if we can find it,” Payne said. “We’re doing the best that we can to have what they need and take care of our customers.”
Experts say now is the time to prepare homes for frigid temperatures. Home Fix-It Show host Dave Baker says protecting pipes is a priority, especially in crawl spaces.
“The easiest thing in the world in your crawl space is to insulate your pipes; this is the simple work,” Baker said.
Baker adds that dripping faucets may not be necessary right away. “We don’t have to start immediately dripping our pipes so that’s a good thing,” he said, noting that temperatures would need to stay below freezing for two to three straight days.
Should the power go out, as people find ways to stay warm, the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning increases.
Thomas Waters, an emergency medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, says “people have their houses sealed up. Their heaters are on. They may be warming up cars in garages, or if the power goes out, they might be using generators.”
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable by using carbon monoxide detectors. Symptoms of carbon monoxide include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Waters says if your carbon monoxide detector does go off, it’s important to get out of the house.
Drivers are also urged not to forget about their vehicles. John Austin with Canada Tire says checking antifreeze and tire tread is essential before the weather arrives.
“You want to check your antifreeze and make sure that it has good freeze protection,” Austin said. He also warned, “Make sure the tread on your tires is good because if you have bald tires you’re going to be sliding everywhere.”
State agencies are preparing as well. Officials say preparations are underway as the forecast continues to evolve. Governor Brian Kemp joined Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Josh Lamb for a virtual briefing Thursday morning.
“Director Lamb and the rest of our team is on it,” Kemp said. He added, “It’s never too soon to worry about the weather,” noting agencies are working overtime and preparing roads.
The Georgia Department of Transportation says it is holding off on beginning operations for now, but remains in communication with the National Weather Service and has millions of gallons of brine ready when and where it’s needed.
Officials urge residents to prepare now by stocking up on batteries, nonperishable food, and other essentials in case of power outages, and by making sure homes and vehicles are ready before winter weather arrives this weekend.
Officials say the Atlanta University Center is closing its campuses on Saturday and Sunday due to the threat of the winter storm. This includes all campus activities and sporting events. The Atlanta University Center includes Clark Atlanta, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College.
At the world’s busiest airport, officials are taking the winter storm threat seriously.
Atlanta-based Delta Airlines says it’s going to bring in experts from cold weather hubs to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and several other airports in Alabama and Tennessee to help to support deicing and baggage teams.
Delta Airline official Jim Owens says the best bet is the check the website or the app to verify your flight information before heading to the airport.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport General Manager Ricky Smith says they are planning a briefing at 11 a.m. on Friday to discuss storm preparations.
Most major airlines, including Delta Airlines, are offering passengers the option of changing weekend flights without a fee.
Some experts are also providing helpful tips to protect your plants during the winter storm.
Dr. Bethany Harris, the Director of UGA’s Center for Urban Agriculture, says wrapping evergreen plants or young plants you can’t move inside is a good idea.
“Getting plastic, or sheets will work if you’re thinking about wrapping those really sensitive, and maybe more vulnerable plants,” she said.
Dr. Harris says make sure to secure the wraps in a way that does not touch the plant directly.