HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The new year is off to a frigid start throughout most of the nation, and Towns County hasn’t escaped winter’s wrath.  As overnight temperatures plummeted, area creeks awoke to frosty conditions, while local ponds slumbered beneath glazes of ice, on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018.

The worst of the weather is yet to come with lows expected to dip into the single-digit range before the weekend arrives. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 16 mph, causing the arctic air to feel all the more bitter, according to the Weather Channel.

Towns County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) advises motorists to use caution while traveling, especially after dark, to avoid accidents due to the potential formation of “black ice” on roadways. Black ice is a thin coating of frozen precipitation which clings to pavement, nearly invisible to the naked eye, and results in dangerous driving conditions.  Ready Georgia, a service of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, provides valuable preparedness information on winter travel.

“We always want to remind drivers to be alert, use caution, and reduce speed any time the temperature is below freezing,” Towns County EMA Assistant Director Brandon Walls told FetchYourNews. “Be especially cautious during hours of darkness, and please, do not attempt to drive before your windows are completely clear of ice and snow.”

Freezing temperatures can also damage waterlines in homes and businesses if precautions are not taken.

State Farm Insurance offers these tips to protect homes against frozen pipes, ice dams, and other water-related losses:

• Insulate exposed water pipes, such as those in crawl spaces or that run along outside walls, floors and ceilings;
• Use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables to wrap pipes;
• Seal cracks and gaps, which could bring in cold air with insulation or caulk. Check around dryer venting, electrical wiring, doors, and windows nearest to exposed pipes;
• Disconnect exterior water hoses and drain pipes leading outdoors. If possible, use an indoor water shutoff valve to ensure water service to exterior locations is disconnected; and
• Keep your thermostat set above 55 degrees, especially if you will be away from your house for an extended period. Ask someone you trust to monitor your house daily to prevent freezing.

Remember to bring pets indoors or provide warm, adequate shelter during the brutal, wintry nights.

Count on FetchYourNews to monitor weather conditions in Towns and surrounding areas of coverage.

(Featured Image: Owl Creek, located west of Highway 75 south, in Towns County)

 

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