Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency in Georgia ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to impact the state over the coming weekend. The declaration, effective through January 29, 2026, allows for mobilization of resources and activates the State Operations Center (SOC) under the direction of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS).
“As forecasts continue to evolve, Georgians should be prepared for freezing precipitation that causes dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss beginning Saturday,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I have been working closely with state and local officials to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will begin treating roadways ahead of the storm’s initial impact, and — along with our emergency management and public safety teams — they will be working around the clock throughout this weather event. I’m urging all Georgians to take necessary precautions now to ensure their families and pets can stay safe, warm, and fed over the coming days.”
The order enables up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops to assist with preparation, response, or recovery if needed. It also prohibits price gouging during this period, suspends hours-of-service rules for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities, and temporarily increases limits on weight, height, and length for vehicles transporting essential supplies.
Weather forecasts indicate that North Georgia will be most affected by wintry precipitation from late Friday night through Monday morning. Freezing rain is expected as the primary form of precipitation; however, sleet or snow could also occur depending on temperatures at specific times. Dangerous travel conditions may start Saturday afternoon in northern areas and last into early next week due to continued low temperatures that could keep roads icy.
The GDOT is staging crews across impacted regions and plans brining operations on interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses before precipitation begins. Efforts will focus on keeping key routes open for emergency responders as well as access points to hospitals. Residents are advised not to travel unless necessary in heavily affected areas.
Additional agencies such as the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forestry Commission, Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Division (EPD) are preparing teams for debris removal or infrastructure support where needed.
Residents are encouraged to check with local officials about warming centers or comfort stations if needed during power outages or extreme cold periods. GEMA/HS continues to provide updates via its website gema.georgia.gov/winter.
Guidance provided includes using electric heaters safely with automatic shut-off switches; insulating homes; checking carbon monoxide detectors; having backup heat sources; maintaining vehicles properly; carrying an emergency kit; using generators outdoors only; allowing pipes to drip or insulate them against freezing; keeping pets indoors; and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
As part of its executive functions detailed on its official website, the Office of the Governor directs state government operations from Atlanta’s Governor’s Mansion—a Greek Revival residence built in 1967—and oversees coordination among agencies responding during emergencies like this winter storm.
For more preparedness information including developing custom emergency plans or Ready kits visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia.
GEMA/HS collaborates across local, state, federal agencies as well as private sector partners in disaster readiness efforts statewide.
