The Pre-Snow Flurry

With six to eight inches of snow predicted to accumulate starting Sunday evening, particularly following the last Dec. 25 snow that broke century-old records, Fannin, Gilmer, and Pickens county residents are preparing for the worst.

Jeff Munger, Manager of Krogers in Jasper, said he had to place a special order for meats due to Friday and Saturday’s mad rush.
“Milk, eggs, ground beef and chicken are flying off the shelves,’ Munger said. The store is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
Harry Horick, store manager of Food Lion in Blue Ridge said people’s buying habits significantly increased starting as early as Wednesday. “Busy is the understatement of the year. Yesterday (Friday) was the mother of them all,” Horick said. “We’re having a tough time keeping items stocked but we still have all of the basics.”
Horick said the store may close depending on road conditions affecting employees’ ability to come to work safely.
“We will make every effort to operate business as usual,” Horick said.
Harrietta Holman at Walmart in Ellijay also reported massive crowds on Saturday with folks stocking up on groceries but said “we are open every day but Christmas no matter what.” The Walmart pharmacy is open Sunday until 6 p.m. and people are urged to make sure they have enough medication to last through Thursday.
According to an authority at The National Weather Service, the current forecast for the North Georgia Area including Pickens, Gilmer and Fannin snow fall beginning late Sunday night and continuing through late Monday night. Due to the temperatures being cold prior the arrival of the precipitation, snowfall is expected to accumulate and predicted at six to eight inches, with higher amounts in higher elevations.
A Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) operator said “we’re watching the weather channel like everyone else” in preparation for yet another snowed-in few days with snowy, icy road conditions. The GDOT suggest completing travel by Sunday afternoon and postponing any travel plans until at least Tuesday if not Wednesday. If travel is necessary, have a full tank of gas, wear warm clothing and bring food and water in case of becoming stranded.
While stocking up on food is normally the first thing that comes to mind, winter storms can cause power outages. The GDOT says to consider alternative heat sources like firewood and fuel for generators.
The GDOT offers state and interstate real-time travel information and road conditions 24 hours a day. Call 511, then press ‘9’ to reach an operator.