SAVANNAH, Ga. — Residents should brace for a cold night ahead, with a chance of freezing drizzle north of Interstate 16, before warmer temperatures and heavy showers arrive Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Screven and Hampton counties, lasting until 1 p.m. on Sunday. Early in the morning, freezing drizzle could create hazardous conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses, with a thin layer of ice possibly forming on some surfaces. Fortunately, as temperatures rise later in the day, these concerns should dissipate.

Further north, an ice storm threatens to disrupt travel for regions above Interstate 20, with ice accumulations potentially reaching up to an inch from Atlanta to Raleigh. Such ice levels can severely damage infrastructure, as fallen trees may bring down power lines. Travelers are advised to avoid these areas if possible.

In our local area, anticipate a cold Saturday night and Sunday morning, accompanied by light showers. As the cold air mass moves away, temperatures will climb into the 60s by the afternoon. Breezy southwest winds should maintain mild conditions well into Sunday evening.

This weather pattern precedes a robust cold front. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of the front, posing a risk of severe weather in Southwestern Georgia. As this system moves toward the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, its intensity is likely to diminish, but a few strong showers and occasional thunder are anticipated Sunday night. Some areas might experience localized flooding from heavy rainfall, though widespread flooding is not expected.

Colder air moves in gradually throughout Monday, but don’t expect the dangerous cold to move in until Monday night. That’s when we will start dealing with the first of several frigid mornings and below-average temperatures throughout the week. Wind chills Tuesday morning will reach dangerous territory in the teens. Remember to protect the Four P’s as we are in the coldest part of the winter season. Highs most of the week will struggle to reach the 50s too.