Vehicles moves slowly on Interstate 575 in North West Ga., today near Kennesaw, Ga. Georgians stocked up on ice-melting chemicals, school systems closed, and road crews prepared to clear snow and ice from highways as a winter storm took aim

ATLANTA - Traffic along interstates and surface streets in the downtown Atlanta area came to a crawl as snow began falling in the metro Atlanta region.

Many decided to end their workdays early this afternoon and quickly created a traffic jam as they tried navigating the slippery streets.

Security guards and doormen at some downtown office buildings came outside - some without winter coats - to try to help direct traffic along the clogged streets.

Georgia Department of Transportation officials say crews are working to clear snow and ice accumulations on interstates in the metro Atlanta, middle Georgia and northwest Georgia areas.

Transportation officials expect road conditions to worsen throughout the state. They're urging Georgians to refrain from driving - especially after dark - as black ice accumulations are expected to develop.