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The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) tells us that "as cold artic air approaches Chatham County, precipitation will also be moving into the area from the Gulf States. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Chatham County advising that severe weather conditions are possible, including snow, freezing rain, and icy conditions; a Winter Storm Warning is expected to be issued later today."

Rain is expected late tonight and on Tuesday the cold air is expected to create freezing rain late in the afternoon. The potential exists for less than 1 inch of snow and a ¼ inch of ice in Chatham County. Wednesday morning, the snow should end; however, temperatures will remain freezing until Thursday morning when the area is forecast to warm up.

"One of the biggest threats will likely occur Tuesday night through Wednesday with ice on roadways causing dangerous driving conditions," CEMA says. CEMA encourages residents to "stay off the roads and travel only when essential. Bridges will freeze first and may become impassible. City, County and the Georgia Department of Transportation all have sand/salt trucks on standby if road conditions deteriorate."

It's also possible that significant power outages will occur due to downed limbs and trees disrupting power lines. If this should occur, the American Red Cross recommends residents shelter in place. Be prepared for isolation at home by keeping adequate supplies of heating fuel, non-perishable food, water, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, extra blankets, and a battery-powered radio.