Atlanta

Governor, mayor urge drivers to stay off metro Atlanta roads

ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is urging drivers to stay off metro Atlanta roads because of the winter storm.

“The goal of the state is to have everyone off metropolitan Atlanta roadways by 4 p.m.,” Reed said Friday.

Reed asked drivers to stagger their commute times Friday.

Severe Weather Team 2 is tracking the timing of the winter storm on Channel 2 Action News.

Reed said he wanted parents to connect with their children and have them leave school by 11:30 a.m. He acknowledged that the decision to dismiss was ultimately up to the school itself.

[Click here for a full list of school and business closings, delays, and dismissals]

Severe Weather Team 2 said there is the potential for ice accumulation as well as snow.

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We have a team of reporters and photographers throughout metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas for live Severe Weather Team 2 coverage.

[DOWNLOAD: Severe Weather Team 2 app]

In an exclusive interview with Channel 2's Richard Elliot, Gov. Nathan Deal echoed the message Reed announced Friday morning.

Deal encouraged non-essential state employees to head home before 12 p.m. to avoid the storm.

He said he wanted to see all state employees in the 78 north and central Georgia counties safely home by 4 p.m.

Stay with WSBTV.com and watch Channel 2 Action News for the latest forecast updates.