Winter storm brings snow to Macon, Middle Georgia. How much is falling?

Meteorologists had the highest confidence of snowfall in middle and west Georgia compared to other areas in the state Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which means Macon was set to see snow Tuesday into Tuesday night.

The expected amount of snow has increased since earlier forecasts Monday. The NWS anticipated 1 to 3 inches of snow Tuesday into Wednesday morning as far north as Macon and as south as Albany.

Temperatures in Bibb and Houston counties would reach highs around 35 degrees and lows around 17 degrees.

The greatest chances of snow in Macon were set to be between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, the NWS said. The heaviest snowfall was expected around 3 p.m., with a 91% chance.

Houston County expected 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation by Tuesday night. Occasional snowfall was set to begin around 11 a.m., then increase as the evening nears, according to an NWS report around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The rare winter storm was pushing through the northern Gulf of Mexico with a combination of Arctic air and a low pressure system.

However, “a layer of dry air is currently causing most of this snow to dissipate before reaching the ground,” the NWS said around 9 a.m. “This will change by afternoon as moistening occurs and more snow will reach the surface.”

Hazardous conditions

A winter storm warning was in effect across much of the state from 5 p.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday.

The forecast for heavy snow would impact transportation and county entities, as well as “roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, (that) will likely become slick and hazardous,” the NWS said. “Plan on slippery road conditions.”

It described traveling conditions as “hazardous.”

The weather service advised people to stay indoors, but wear several layers of clothing and consider a winter storm kit with emergency necessities if traveling.

“Consider... anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” the NWS said.

Bibb County closures

Most Bibb County services were shutting down early Tuesday, officials announced.

Spencer Hawkins, the county Emergency Management Agency director advised people to “act cautiously.”

“The story of this storm system is not just the potential for precipitation, it’s the extended time for dangerously cold temperatures,” Hawkins said. “We’re expecting nearly 70 hours of below-freezing temperatures, which means that any precipitation that falls could lead to dangerously icy roads the next few days.”

All Bibb County government offices were set to close at 12 p.m. Tuesday, the EMA announced. They were expected to reopen at 12 p.m. Wednesday, but the EMA was expected to announce possible further closures Tuesday afternoon.

Public schools and libraries were closed all day Tuesday. Students were advised to “continue working on assignments already in progress, and school leaders will send out guidance on how to keep students academically engaged,” Stephanie Hartley, chief communications officer for the Bibb County School District said in a news release.

Trash services in Bibb County were canceled Tuesday and Wednesday. Those days will be picked up Thursday, Thursday routes will run Friday and Friday routes will be run Saturday, according to a news release from the county.

Amerson River Park was set to close at 4 p.m. Tuesday and likely stay closed all day Wednesday, the news release said. Historic Bowden Golf Course and all outdoor tennis and pickleball courts were set to be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority bus services were set to end early Tuesday afternoon around when snowfall is expected to begin.

Some buses left the MTA Transfer Station for a final time at 12:25 p.m. and finished by 1:40 p.m.:

• Vineville
• North Napier / Zebulon
• West Bibb
• Shurling / Walmart
• Riverside / Tom Hill
• Pio Nono / Rocky Creek
• East Bibb
• Houston

The last pickup time at the station for Log Cabin, North Napier, North Bibb, Shurling/Walmart #2 buses was at 11:50 a.m. and finished by 1:05 p.m.

Eisenhower Block 1 left the station for a final time at 12:00 p.m. and finished by 1:40 p.m.

Eisenhower Block 2 left the station for a last time at 11:00 a.m. and finished by 12:25 p.m.

Fixed route bus dispatchers were available for questions at 478-803-2504 and 478-803-2505; or 478-803-2521 for paratransit questions.

Warming shelters in Macon, Warner Robins

Homeless and warming shelters were available in Bibb and Houston counties:

Brookdale Resource Center at 3600 Brookdale Avenue in Macon is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hello House at Brookdale at 3600 Brookdale Avenue in Macon is open daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Salvation Army at 1955 Broadway in Macon is open with check-in at 4:30 p.m. for women and families; and at 5 p.m. for men. The location is open until 11 p.m. Late admission was allowed for those accompanied by law enforcement or coalition.

No Limits Baptist Church at 1352 Radio Loop in Warner Robins is open until Saturday. Transportation the church is available starting at 6 p.m. every evening. Anyone in need of transportation or to volunteer can call Brian Wise at 478-538-5515, or Pastor Vince Harrington at 786-286-4457.

This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 10:38 AM.