ATLANTA - With a winter storm watch in effect, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has activated its winter weather response plan, aiming to keep roads safe and traffic moving as freezing conditions approach.

The governor said in a statement that he was instructing state agencies to work with local officials to determine the best ways to keep Georgians safe before the storm hits.

Before the weather system’s arrival, crews will apply a brine solution to interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses in anticipation of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow.

As metro Atlanta braces for potential rain and ice on Friday and over the weekend, Gov. Brian Kemp said he has mobilized crews to help prepare.