Bracing for a predicted winter storm, Cobb County is taking proactive measures with County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris announcing the closure of all county facilities starting at 5 a.m. today. According to a statement from the Cobb County's news release, staff was advised on Wednesday about the closures and are instructed to prioritize safety by minimizing travel, thus aiding the Cobb Department of Transportation (DOT) in their efforts to clear and treat the roads efficiently.
Anticipating disruptions that the severe weather might cause, Cobb County Chief Judge Gregory Poole has ordered the courthouse closed, with normal operations set to resume on Monday morning. In the backdrop of this shutdown, Cobb Magistrate Court stands as an exception, maintaining its around-the-clock warrant operations even though scheduled hearings will have to be postponed.
The National Weather Service has forecasted that wintry precipitation will start in Cobb County around sunrise today, which is expected to shift between snow and freezing rain throughout the day. The area could see 2 to 4 inches of snow, paired with up to a quarter-inch of ice accumulation, posing significant risks for commuters and residents alike.
Preemptive measures towards the impending storm have been announced by Cobb DOT Deputy Director J.D. Lorens, who, in a statement obtained by Cobb County news, said, "We’ll begin pre-treating the roads with a brine mixture on Thursday afternoon. As the event progresses, we’ll switch to a sand-salt mixture to address icy conditions." He also assured residents that the DOT crew is well prepared, coming off their recent annual inclement weather exercise, ready for whatever the storm may bring.
With the storm projected to cease on Friday night, officials are urging residents to stay off the roads during the storm, which would give DOT crews clear access to crucial roadways. However, the persistent cold over the weekend could leave lasting impacts on road conditions, further extending challenges into Monday.
