Peach Tree Times

Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency in Georgia, effective immediately and lasting through January 14, 2025. This decision comes as a winter storm is expected to impact the state starting Friday. The declaration allows the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize resources as needed.

The SOC will move to a Level 2 Activation beginning at 7 p.m., with essential personnel from GEMA/HS, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), and other state agencies present.

"The Georgia Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Public Safety, began treating roads early this morning to prepare for the approaching winter storm," said Governor Kemp. He urged residents to limit travel due to potentially hazardous conditions like ice and snow.

The State of Emergency order includes measures such as prohibiting price gouging, suspending hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities, and temporarily increasing weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.

Weather forecasts predict significant winter weather across North and Central Georgia from Friday into Saturday. A mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected to begin in western Georgia by sunrise on Friday. The greatest impacts are anticipated along and north of the I-20 Corridor. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for 59 counties from Friday morning through Saturday morning.

Snow accumulations could reach 2 to 4 inches in North Georgia with up to 2 inches possible in Metro Atlanta. Ice accumulations are also forecasted. Travel conditions may worsen with wintry precipitation on Friday morning, remaining hazardous into Saturday.

State agencies have begun preparations ahead of the storm. GDOT crews started brining roads this morning north of I-20. Residents are advised to avoid travel if possible or give space for GDOT crews if travel is necessary.

Guidance for winter weather preparedness includes checking local information about warming centers, using electric space heaters safely, insulating homes, having backup heat sources ready, ensuring vehicles are prepared for cold weather conditions, keeping pets indoors, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

For more tips on preparing for winter weather conditions or updates on current weather conditions in Georgia visit gema.georgia.gov/winter or follow GEMA/HS's social media accounts.