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Winter Storm Watch issued for parts of northeast Georgia

Winter Storm Watch goes into effect Saturday morning

ATLANTA — Severe Weather Team 2 is monitoring the potential for winter weather in parts of north Georgia this weekend. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for areas in northeast Georgia.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Karen Minton said the watch goes into effect late Saturday night through Sunday night.

"You can see Lumpkin, Union, Towns... Clay County, up in North Carolina, as well as Rabun, White and also Habersham counties, you all are included in this watch," Minton said.

Minton says there’s potential for sleet, freezing rain and even some areas of accumulating snow in those areas.

Metro Atlanta could see heavy rain and wind that could cause some real problems.

Severe Weather Team 2 is monitoring new data as it becomes available and will be fine-tuning the forecast as the system evolves. WATCH Channel 2 Action News throughout the day

TIMING

According to Severe Weather Team 2, the wintry mix may begin as early as Saturday morning in northeast Georgia.

“The best chance will be Saturday night into Sunday morning,” Severe Weather Team 2 Brad Nitz said. “During that time period, accumulating snowfall in far northeast Georgia may occur and the wintry mix could expand to include some of the far northeast metro area.”

OTHER IMPACT

Throughout the weekend, the rest of the area -- including Atlanta -- will have cold rain and gusty wind.

“The rainfall totals will be around 2 to 3 inches this weekend, which could lead to some minor flooding,” Nitz said.