Emergency officials are urging everyone to stay home today as the roadways in Dawson County are treacherous.

"Most state and county roads are already impassable," said Dawson County Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford. "Crews are working to treat these roads but the rate of snow and ice fall will no doubt outpace their efforts."

The National Weather Service continues to refer to this storm could be "historic and catastrophic" due to the rapid snowfall, high ice predictions and wind.

Dawson County is expected to receive 7-9 inches of snow and from up to a quarter inch of frozen precipitation.

School Superintendent Keith Porter has already called off school on Thursday for students and staff.

The sleet that feel overnight and created a layer of frozen ice under the snow is what is causing the roadway issues, Swafford said.

While the snow will stop at some point today, Swafford expects to see the same situation on Thursday morning.

"This is a serious weather event," he said.

Dawson is among dozens of counties declared in a state of emergency by Gov. Nathan Deal in anticipation of what forecasters are predicting could be a catastrophic weather event.

Heavy snow, freezing rain and sleet are expected to reach historical levels, according to the National Weather Service.A winter storm warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday with up to 9 inches of snow accumulation predicted.

Check dawsonnews.com for updates throughout the winter weather event.