N. Georgia, metro Atlanta brace for winter weather

Georgia DOT winter weather crews prepared to begin work at midnight in the Northeastern counties of Banks, Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union and White.

Crews in other counties are on call, prepared to sand and salt roadways if snow accumulates.

In Atlanta, conditions were clear Monday evening.

Drivers like Colin Reilly felt the difference in temperature from weeks past.

"It's been a little chilly, but it's winter," Reilly told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri.

Driver John Hinson agreed.

"Definitely coat, sweater, long sleeve all the way," Hinson said.

No snow is expected to fall in the city of Atlanta. But the morning commute could bring rain and cold temperatures.

This is the first regional winter weather event since the state partnered with the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia to post travel advisories on electronic billboards throughout the Metro area.

"That absolutely makes sense considering the city shut down for two to three days last year," Reilly said.

He was not surprised at all the preparation after the effect last January's storm had on Metro Atlanta.

Most drivers agreed it finally feels like winter.

"I feel like yeah, it's definitely here. How long it's going to last, who's to say?" Hinson added.

In Union County, salt trucks are loaded up and ready to go.

Union County Emergency Management told Channel 2's Linda Stouffer as soon as they get any calls into 911 about dangerous road conditions they will call in the troops and head out.

Emergency Management said they are expecting about 2 to 4 inches of snow in the early morning hours.

Crews said they will use a mixture of salt and gravel on the roads in Union County if things get bad throughout the night.