Cobb County drivers saw clear major highways Monday morning after a punishing weekend ice storm. While Department of Transportation crews successfully opened all main arteries, officials warn that neighborhood streets remain treacherous with potential black ice lurking.
The freezing temperatures and icy aftermath have forced local government offices to shut down for the day. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary to allow crews to finish their cleanup work.
Road Conditions and Black Ice Warnings
The sun finally broke through the clouds on Monday morning. However, the danger is not entirely over for local commuters. Cobb DOT crews worked tirelessly through the night to ensure major thoroughfares are drivable today.
Officials confirm that all primary roads are currently open, but drivers must exercise extreme caution on secondary streets.
Windy conditions overnight actually helped the situation. The breeze aided in drying roadway surfaces that were soaked by Sunday’s precipitation. This natural drying process reduced the overall volume of ice on the main highways.
Yet, the temperature tells a different story. Thermometers across the county remain stubbornly below freezing. This deep freeze creates the perfect environment for black ice to form on untreated asphalt.
Neighborhood streets are the biggest concern right now. These areas did not receive the same high-volume treatment as the main arteries.
Drivers might see a patch of road that looks wet but is actually a sheet of clear ice. This is most common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where the sun cannot reach.
If you must drive today, you need to change your driving habits. Slow down significantly and leave plenty of room between you and the car ahead.
Sudden braking on black ice often leads to loss of control. It is vital to stay alert even if the main road looks dry and clear.
Storm Impact and Cleanup Efforts
Sunday brought waves of freezing rain that coated the county in a dangerous glaze. The National Weather Service had placed Cobb in a “Major Impact” zone before the storm hit. Their predictions of significant ice accumulation proved accurate.
The weight of the ice proved too much for many local trees. As ice accumulates on branches, the wood becomes heavy and brittle. This leads to snapping limbs and toppled trunks.
DOT crews were incredibly busy clearing debris during the height of the storm. They faced difficult conditions but managed to keep the county moving.
Here is a breakdown of the storm’s impact and the county’s response:
- 29 trees were removed from blocking roadways by DOT crews.
- 500 miles of roadway were actively treated during the event.
- Multiple power lines were impacted by falling limbs, causing scattered outages.
- Freezing rain was the primary culprit, creating slick surfaces Sunday morning.
The cleanup effort was a massive undertaking. Crews monitored roadways overnight to catch any new hazards.
Their quick work prevented what could have been a total gridlock this morning. However, the cleanup is ongoing.
DOT officials stated that crews will continue to respond to any reports of black ice throughout the day. Residents can report hazardous spots, but patience is requested as teams move from sector to sector.
Government Closures and Rescheduled Meetings
While roads are passable, normal business operations are paused for safety. The county wants to keep traffic volume low while the final cleanup finishes.
Cobb County government offices remain shuttered for Monday. This includes all administrative buildings and public service counters. You will not be able to renew tags or file permits in person today.
The court system is also affected by this closure. All courts in the county are closed on Monday. If you had a hearing or jury duty scheduled, do not report to the courthouse.
Regular business hours for all county facilities are set to resume on Tuesday.
Public governance has also been delayed by the weather. Several public meetings were on the calendar for Monday.
Officials have rescheduled most of these gatherings. The majority of these meetings have been moved to Tuesday.
It is smart to check the official county website or call ahead on Tuesday to confirm the new times. This ensures you do not miss any important public hearings or zoning meetings.
This pause in operations helps keep unnecessary cars off the road. It gives the salt and sand trucks more room to operate safely.
Warming Shelters and Community Safety
The freezing temperatures are not just a driving hazard. They pose a life-threatening risk to unsheltered residents in our community.
The county has mobilized resources to ensure everyone has a warm place to sleep. This is a critical part of the winter storm response.
The Hope House Warming Shelter remains active to help those in need. It is operated in partnership with MUST Ministries.
This facility provides a safe haven from the biting cold. It offers warmth, safety, and support during this dangerous weather event.
The Hope House Warming Shelter will remain open through February 3.
This extended opening ensures that vulnerable residents have stability as the county recovers. It is not just a one-night solution.
Residents should also be mindful of their own homes. Power outages were reported due to the ice. If you lose power, use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
Never use a generator indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer during winter storms.
Check on your elderly neighbors or those who live alone. A quick phone call can ensure they have heat and food.
We have compiled the current status of key services below for your quick reference:
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| Hope House Shelter | Open daily through February 3 |
| County Offices | Closed Monday, Reopen Tuesday |
| Cobb Courts | Closed Monday, Reopen Tuesday |
| Traffic Conditions | Watch live on CobbTV |
| Primary Roads | Open (Use Caution) |
| Secondary Roads | Hazardous (Watch for Ice) |
The storm has passed, but the cold remains. Residents should stay warm and exercise extreme caution as the county gets back on its feet.
What is the condition of the roads in your specific neighborhood? Share your updates with the community in the comments below using the hashtag #CobbIce2026 to help your fellow drivers.
