Snow is rare enough in Georgia that a few inches of accumulation can spark wonder in school children, but the fluffy white flakes can also be a major pain for those who need to worry about commuting to work or managing a household.

Kemp said the state had issued its emergency orders early to ensure proper preparation before the winter storm arrived in Georgia.

Snow and ice is expected in north Georgia and metro Atlanta by Friday morning with a quick change over to rain and freezing rain for much of the day. Many schools and government offices have already closed ahead of the storm.

Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a State of Emergency for all of Georgia over the incoming winter weather. Here's what it says and what the forecast is.

ATLANTA — Ahead of Friday’s winter storm, Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency. He is also urging Georgians to stay off the roads if they can. Dozens of counties are currently under a winter storm watch. The State of Emergency will last until Tuesday.

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency in anticipation of a significant winter storm expected to impact Georgia starting Friday.

(The Center Square) – Georgians of a certain age remember two major winter events – the blizzard of 1993 and the "Snowjam" of 2014. The blizzard is called a one-in-a-lifetime event in the state, but 2014's debacle was blamed on state officials' failure to plan.

Maintenance Activities Unit (MAU) is gearing up for the upcoming winter weather system by ramping up brine production and road treatment efforts.

Slick driving conditions in Georgia which was pummeled by major winter storm. Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said there were a "significant amount" of spinouts on the roads Friday morning.