Winter storm forecasts for tonight and Monday still are calling for large accumulations of snow as transportation officials published advisories discouraging "unnecessary travel" during the storm.

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Warning for all of North and Middle Georgia, including Hall County, from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday.

The latest forecast calls for snow to begin Sunday night and continue into Monday. The snow could change to sleet and freezing rain late Monday. Less than a tenth of an inch of ice is currently forecast.

"It looks like a snowstorm on Sunday night into Monday," said Alex Gibbs, forecaster for the National Weather Service's Peachtree City office. "What we're expecting for Gainesville is probably 6 inches of snow."

He said a host of different weather models have been used to predict the storm, with a number of forecasts in agreement on what's coming.

"This gives us high confidence this could occur," Gibbs said.

A gradual shift to freezing rain and sleet is expected around noon Monday, a pattern that will continue until midnight.

"Then we expect it to change over to snow again (early Tuesday morning) with flurries," he added.

As part of its storm preparation, Georgia's Department of Transportation on Saturday sent out a travel advisory for Monday. Officials have asked those who don't need to drive in Middle and North Georgia areas, especially, to stay home.

"Georgia DOT has marshaled all available assets from throughout the state and will respond in strength but encourages the public to refrain from all but absolutely necessary driving until at least Tuesday," the advisory stated. "Snow, sleet, freezing rain and sustained temperatures below freezing are expected to cause extremely hazardous driving conditions throughout the advisory area."

Icing is a main concern for DOT officials who shifted salt supplies Friday to areas it expects will be most effected.

Spokeswoman Teri Pope said people should be mindful of gathering the supplies they need before the winter weather hits.

While a 6-inch snowfall will not approach the city's 11-inch record set in March 3, 1942, the storm may make the top five, Gibbs said.

The storm could alter plans for Monday's inauguration of Hall County's Nathan Deal as governor. Deal's inaugural team will announce its plans at 1 p.m. today. The event is scheduled outside at the state Capitol but may be moved inside.