County Prepares for More Winter Weather

County, city and emergency officials met at the Jasper County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Tuesday morning for a weather briefing from the National Weather Service to determine what the impending weather was likely to do, and how it will impact Jasper County.

The National Weather Service at Peachtree City gave a lot of information about the storm that was expected to come into middle Georgia Tuesday late night or Wednesday morning. It was anticipated at that time that there would be freezing temperatures by 7 a.m.

Wednesday in the central Georgia area, and that there would be sustained winds of 15-20 miles per hour, with gusts of 25-30 mph.

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Jasper School Supt. Mike Newton was among those in attendance, as was transportation director Jerry Williams. They concurred that schools should close Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, the city of Monticello had already determined if schools close, City Hall closes.

Based on the outlook at that time, Jasper County Manager Karen Degges said that county employees would likely report to work Wednesday morning and go home about noon, or earlier if needed. However, the freezing precipitation began earlier than anticipated, and apparently the Courthouse did not open.

The winter storm comes on the heels of another winter storm that came through the state two weeks ago, and gridlocked Atlanta. This time emergency officials are vowing to be more prepared.

Jasper County had no significant problems two weeks ago, and officials are doing all they can to stay ahead of it now.

The News regrets it cannot provide more up-to-the minute coverage, but staff is also concerned about getting the paper printed and delivered in the anticipated severe weather. Full coverage of the winter storm is anticipated to be included in next week’s Monticello News.

We need your help, please post your winter storm photos on our Facebook page, or e-mail to advertising@themonticellonews.com..