Freezing rain and light snow are expected across North Georgia Tuesday and Wednesday. Snowfall amounts generally will be around a half-inch, mainly on grassy areas. However, in the higher elevations, above 1,500 feet, up to one-inch is possible, weather officials said.

At this time, it looks like rain on Tuesday may mix with or change over to snow late Tuesday nightand into Wednesday across North Georgia (initially northwest, spreading into Northeast Georgia), before ending in flurries in the northeast mountains Wednesday afternoon, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

Heavy rain is also expected with North Georgia bearing the brunt of the system. The chance of rain is 100 percent on Tuesday. Isolated amounts up to four inches may occur with some in the form of wintry precipitation. A flood watch may be issued with later forecasts, but rainfall is expected to be spread over a 30- to 36-hour period.

Dawson County Emergency Services Deputy Chief Tim Satterfield advises residents to exercise caution.

Most wrecks happen because people hit icy spots and slide off the road, he said. The storm isnt expected to last long, so unless its an emergency, people should get everything they need in advance and plan to stay home.

Satterfield also said drivers need to watch out for black ice.

Black ice looks like wet pavement, but its actually ice and very dangerous, he said.

If you have to drive at night, you gotta drive slow and everybody needs to be aware of the conditions if theres ice on the (tree) branches, then itll probably be on the roads too.

Dawson County and state road crews are on stand-by to provide salt and sand as needed. State crews handle Ga. 400, Highways 136, 53 and 9.

For up to date information, go to wunderground.com and enter Dawson County. A click on the interactive map will show storm movement.