A strong, negatively tilted upper low was rotating northeast from the southern plains and mid-south region of the U.S.  An associated low pressure system was located along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast, moving eastward, with a warm front located across south Georgia and south Alabama.  Gulf and Pacific moisture were riding over the warm front.  Widespread precipitation fell across north and central Georgia from late on the 4th through the 5th.  Rainfall amounts of two to four inches were common.  A split flow pattern aloft was keeping a cold air mass in place across the eastern U.S., which had prevailed much of the 2009-2010 winter season.  While the air mass at this particular time was not abnormally cold for early February, it was sufficiently cold at the onset of the precipitation, especially in the higher elevations of the northeast Georgia mountains, that some freezing rain, sleet, and snow fell for several hours.  Accumulations of winter precipitation were generally confined to elevations at or above 2500 feet.
Strong winds were also observed with this intense, large-scale synoptic system.  The most significant wind occurred shortly after 1200 am on the 5th when a band of heavy rain showers moved from the southwest to the northeast across north Georgia.  Bartow county fared the worst where around 200 trees were blown down in the Rydal area.  Pickens county just to the east saw at least 25 downed trees, including one which fell on a house.
Many rivers also went into flood stage across north and central Georgia.
The following are some of the winter weather reports reported to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia.
Dawson county reported a light accumulation of sleet in the Amicalola Falls area, with no significant problems.  This occurred in the higher elevations of the northwest part of the county.
Lumpkin county reported some sleet, but no accumulation.
Towns county reported less than 1/8 inch of ice and snow, but enough to result in numerous accidents across the county.
Union county reported up to two inches of snow at the higher elevations, at or above 3500 feet, near Suches.  Portions of Georgia Highway 180 were closed.
White county reported up to 1/4 inch of ice and snow, most at the higher elevations in the north part of the county.  Portions of Georgia Highways 17, 75, and 366 were closed in the north part of the county, generally north of Helen.  Several accidents occurred and some motorists were stranded in their vehicles.

Winter Weather in WHITE, GEORGIA
From 04-FEB-10 14:00:00 to 04-FEB-10 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The White County Emergency Management Director reported from 1/4 to 1/8 inch of sleet, ice, and snow across the northern part of the county.  Numerous accidents were reported and several motorists were stranded in their vehicles.  Georgia Highways 17, 75, and 366, mostly north of Helen, were closed.

Winter Weather in TOWNS, GEORGIA
From 04-FEB-10 14:30:00 to 04-FEB-10 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Towns County 911 Center reported a minor accumulation of sleet, ice, and snow on roadways.  A number of accidents were reported.

Winter Weather in UNION, GEORGIA
From 04-FEB-10 13:30:00 to 04-FEB-10 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported two inches of snow at 3500 feet along Georgia Highway 180 near Suches.  The Union County Emergency Management Director reported that portions of Georgia Highway 180 were closed.

Winter Weather in DAWSON, GEORGIA
From 04-FEB-10 13:00:00 to 04-FEB-10 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Dawson County 911 Center reported a minor accumulation of sleet in the Amicalola Falls are of northern Dawson county.

Winter Weather in LUMPKIN, GEORGIA
From 04-FEB-10 14:00:00 to 04-FEB-10 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Lumpkin County 911 Center reported a light dusting of sleet in the higher elevations.  No significant problems were noted.

Strong Wind in PICKENS, GEORGIA
From 05-FEB-10 00:50:00 to 05-FEB-10 01:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Pickens County 911 Center reported that strong winds, associated with a band of heavy rain showers, blew down at least 25 trees across the county.  One tree fell on a home on Grandview Road, but no significant damage was reported.

Strong Wind in BARTOW, GEORGIA
From 05-FEB-10 00:15:00 to 05-FEB-10 01:15:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Bartow County 911 Center reported that from 150 to 250 trees were blown down from the combination of strong winds and heavy rain during the early morning hours.  Much of the damage occurred in the East Valley Road and Maple Lane area.  More than 2400 residents of the county were left without power for 24 hours or more.