ATLANTA (AP/WAOK) – Forecasters are warning of freezing temperatures across much of Georgia as a blast of winter weather approaches the state.

The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning, which goes into effect at 4 a.m. Thursday and runs through 11 a.m. Thursday. It covers much of northern and central Georgia, and includes the cities of Athens, Atlanta, Blairsville, Dalton, Gainesville, LaGrange and Eatonton.

Temperatures are expected to range from the lower- to mid-20s in the higher elevations of north Georgia and from the upper 20s to lower 30s in other areas included in the freeze warning.

In metro Atlanta, forecasters predict a chance of snow and sleet in the early morning hours Friday.