ATLANTA – A freeze warning was issued for the extreme mountains of north Georgia from 1 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, with temperatures expected to range between 33 and 37 degrees. Additionally, a freeze watch is in effect late Wednesday night through Thursday morning, with freezing temperatures possibly dropping as low as 28 degrees.

Freeze warning for extreme northeast Georgia

Affected areas include portions of the mountains and foothills of the western Carolinas and Habersham, Rabun, Towns and White counties in far northeast Georgia. FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley noted, “As the sun sets, it will be cool up there in White County and throughout the area. Temperatures will fall below average.”

The cold conditions could lead to frost and freeze, posing a threat to crops, delicate vegetation and unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Residents are advised to take precautionary measures, including protecting sensitive plants and emptying ground sprinkler systems when not in use. External pipes should also be covered to prevent possible damage.

Freezing conditions in metro Atlanta

The National Weather Service also warned that frigid conditions could spread to parts of north Georgia, including areas along and north of Interstate 85, Thursday and Friday morning.

Chandley added that the forecast daily high temperature of 68 degrees is below the mid-70s average for the region and that even cooler temperatures are expected in the coming days. “We may see lows in the 40s in the Atlanta metro area and even lower, with areas like Blairsville and Canton falling into the 50s.”

Chandley also noted that wind gusts could reach speeds of 20 miles per hour in some areas, adding to the chilly conditions. These gusts could create a wind chill effect that will make the morning seem even colder.