Forecasters say large parts of north Georgia could be coated with ice from an approaching winter storm. Freezing rain and sleet threaten a large part of the state, from Atlanta's northern suburbs to the mountains in the northwest and northeast.

Up to a quarter of an inch of ice was possible in the area. Forecasters said precipitation would begin falling late Thursday night, with most falling during the day on Friday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for several north Georgia counties and northern parts of metro Atlanta. It includes the cities of Blairsville, Calhoun, Cartersville, Cleveland, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, Woodstock and Rome.

Forecasters said cold air trapped on the east side of the Appalachian Mountains is likely to creep into the state and cause freezing rain and sleet.

Authorities are urging motorists to use extreme caution and to monitor the latest forecasts Thursday night and Friday morning.

Tags: cold weather, sleet, icy weather, Georgia cold weather, freezing rain