ATLANTA — Forecasters say large parts of north Georgia could be coated with ice from an approaching winter storm.
Freezing rain and sleet threatened a large part of the state, from Atlanta's northern suburbs to the mountains in the northwest and northeast.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for several north Georgia counties and northern parts of metro Atlanta. It includes the cities of Blairsville, Calhoun, Cartersville, Cleveland, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, Woodstock and Rome.
Up to a quarter of an inch of ice was possible in the area.
Forecasters said precipitation would begin falling late Thursday night, with most falling during the day on Friday.
Authorities are urging motorists to use extreme caution and to monitor the latest forecasts between Thursday night and Friday morning.