Georgia is bracing for severe winter weather as Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency. The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is actively preparing to address the expected hazardous conditions. Starting at midnight on Friday, crews will begin pre-treating highways in north Georgia with brine to prevent ice formation. Georgia DOT has nearly two million gallons of brine and can produce up to 50,000 gallons per hour if needed.
Motorists are advised to avoid travel during these operations to allow crews space for effective treatment application. Brine operations will continue non-stop, with crews monitoring and treating roads as necessary. In addition to interstates, state routes leading to hospitals and urgent care facilities will be prioritized.
Snowplow teams from south Georgia will support northern crews where the impact is anticipated to be most severe. To mitigate issues like stranded motorists or crashes, Georgia DOT’s HERO and CHAMP units will patrol interstates starting Saturday morning, focusing on Interstate 20 and routes northward.
Due to uncertain weather impacts and potential freezing rain or ice, Georgia DOT advises residents to stay home if possible. While efforts are underway to manage road conditions, ice remains a significant challenge. Coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the National Weather Service (NWS) continues as forecasts are monitored.
Travelers who must venture out should exercise extreme caution and consult 511GA for real-time traffic updates via phone at 511, online at 511ga.org, or through the mobile app. Further updates can be found on www.dot.ga.gov or through Georgia DOT’s social media channels.
