UPDATED: Towns County offices close, black ice expected to develop

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw notified FYN of county-wide government office closures this morning, Thursday, Feb. 20, due to worsening weather conditions. FYN additionally received an alert from GEMA, warning of the potential of black ice forming on area roadways as the temperature continues to drop.

UPDATE: Towns County government offices will operate on a two-hour delay Friday morning. Towns County Schools will be closed Feb. 21, implementing an online learning day.

“Patchy black ice following the snow Thursday night could create especially hazardous driving conditions,” GEMA stated.

Towns County emergency officials advised against traveling, especially after dusk.

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect throughout the evening until 1 a.m. on Friday.

According to weather.gov, black ice is “a deadly driving hazard defined as patchy ice on roadways or other transportation surfaces that cannot easily be seen. It is often clear (not white) with the black road surface visible underneath. It is most prevalent during the early morning hours, especially after snowmelt on the roadways has a chance to refreeze overnight when the temperature drops below freezing. Black ice can also form when roadways are slick from rain and temperatures drop below freezing overnight.”

Towns County Schools canceled Thursday classes, opting for an online learning day as a safety precaution.

Towns County Republican Party canceled its Thursday evening meeting, following the government closure. House Representative and candidate for U.S. Congress, Matt Gurtler, was scheduled as keynote speaker. Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young said that she plans to hold the meeting later this month.

Continue to follow FYN for weather updates across our counties of coverage as developments occur.