Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency ahead of an approaching winter storm expected to impact Georgia this weekend. The executive order, which is separate from the one issued on January 22 for Winter Storm Fern, authorizes the activation of the State Operations Center starting at noon today and will remain in effect through February 6.
Governor Kemp stated, “While Mother Nature may not be giving us a break with these back-to-back storms, the good news is we don’t take any days off when it comes to keeping Georgia communities prepared and safe. Along with our state partners, we have been monitoring this new winter storm well ahead of its arrival and preparing for whatever it may bring. While the weather event will mostly impact north and east Georgia, extending all the way to the coast, I’ve declared a statewide State of Emergency so we can more easily move resources to the areas expecting impact and stage those assets ahead of the storm.”
The upcoming storm differs from last week’s event by bringing extreme cold temperatures along with potential snowfall accumulations of at least one inch in some areas. Even regions that do not receive heavy snow may face hazardous road conditions due to light accumulation.
GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb advised residents: “As this winter weather moves into Georgia, we encourage residents to stay home if possible before and during the storm. Fewer vehicles on the roads give GDOT crews the space they need to treat roadways safely and efficiently, helping keep everyone safer this weekend.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has started treating over 20,000 lane miles on interstates and state routes with brine in preparation for expected precipitation. Crews are working in 12-hour shifts and will switch to plowing once snow begins falling. The effectiveness of these operations relies on reduced traffic during peak storm periods.
The emergency order includes provisions such as prohibiting price gouging, suspending hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response efforts, and temporarily increasing size limits for vehicles transporting essential supplies.
A Winter Storm Warning covers Northeast and East-Central Georgia—including eastern Metro Atlanta—with forecasts predicting two to four inches of snow Saturday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in place for Northwest Georgia, much of Metro Atlanta, and other counties between Atlanta and Macon where up to two inches could fall. Additional warnings are likely as conditions develop.
Significant travel disruptions are anticipated within warning areas beginning Saturday morning through Saturday night as snow moves across northern and eastern parts of the state. Freezing temperatures could lead even small amounts of snow to create slick roads.
An Extreme Cold Watch applies statewide Saturday night into Sunday morning, with wind chills expected in single digits or below zero in north Georgia. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are forecasted. Prolonged cold may result in burst pipes or health risks for those outdoors.
GDOT crews have staged equipment across affected areas prioritizing emergency routes including access points for hospitals. Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel where impacts are expected; those who must drive should exercise caution near work crews.
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division personnel are assisting GDOT with escorting brining teams while Department of Public Safety Troopers stand by across Georgia for emergency responses.
Officials recommend residents prepare by insulating homes, checking heating systems, ensuring carbon monoxide detectors function properly, keeping gas tanks at least half full, carrying emergency kits in vehicles, using generators only outdoors away from vents or windows, allowing pipes to drip or insulating them against freezing temperatures, keeping pets indoors, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
More information about winter preparedness is available at gema.georgia.gov/winter.
Updates on conditions will be posted via GEMA/HS’s website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts; residents should also monitor National Weather Service updates.
The Office of the Governor directs executive functions for state government from Atlanta at facilities such as the Governor’s Mansion—built in 1967—which also hosts official events featuring Federal period art according to its official website. As part of Georgia’s executive branch https://gov.georgia.gov/, it coordinates statewide responses including collaboration among agencies like GEMA/HS during emergencies.
