A powerful winter storm is moving into metro Atlanta and North Georgia on Friday, bringing snow, sleet, freezing rain, and hazardous road conditions.

Right now, we are still 48 hours away from the winter event, but as we get closer, it is likely to be upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory or a Winter Storm Warning.

Governor Kemp declared a statewide emergency for Georgia through Tuesday, with winter weather expected to impact the state beginning today. South Carolina Governor McMaster issued an executive order for transportation waivers ahead of winter weather for Friday as well.

We'll start Friday with a burst of snow in metro Atlanta between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. After that, we will see a rain/snow/ice/sleet mix across the metro (mostly in Atlanta and areas south of I-20).

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

Ahead of what is expected to be days of weather with below-freezing temperatures, Georgia Power released a set of recommendations to prepare for the winter weather.

Much of north Georgia is under a winter storm warning from Friday morning until Saturday. The far northern part of the state can expect between two and four inches of accumulation, according to the National Weather Service.

Georgia and South Carolina state agencies are preparing for potentially severe ice and snow as part of a winter storm that could arrive in Georgia on Friday.