Breaking: Georgia Declares State of Emergency as winter Storm Approaches
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Georgia Declares State of Emergency as winter Storm Approaches
- 2. Key Facts
- 3. Evergreen Safety and Preparedness
- 4. Engagement
- 5.
- 6. State of Emergency Declaration (jan 22, 2026)
- 7. Storm Forecast and Timeline
- 8. Transportation Impact
- 9. Public Safety Measures
- 10. Power Outage Preparedness
- 11. Emergency Shelters & Services
- 12. Practical Tips for Residents & Travelers
- 13. What Businesses Need to Do
- 14. Case Study: 2024 Georgia Ice Storm Response
- 15. Official Resources & Links
ATLANTA — Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency as a major Georgia winter storm looms, announced during a virtual briefing on Thursday morning.
Speaking alongside Josh Lamb, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA), Kemp urged residents across North Georgia to prepare now for anticipated ice and snow. Officials indicated the storm’s arrival could be later than frist expected,with rain possible early Saturday and freezing rain possibly arriving Saturday evening.
The governor warned this is a multi‑day event, with impacts that could be felt through Tuesday of next week. While the mountains are likely to endure the heaviest snow and ice, it remains unclear how far the icy weather will extend into Atlanta or into the southern part of the state.
A State of Emergency enables the activation of the State Operations Center and the mobilization of needed resources. It could also allow the Georgia Department of Defense to deploy Georgia National Guard troops if necesary.
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for several North Georgia counties and is expected to be expanded as forecasts are refined. Forecasters say the risk is higher for a meaningful ice event than for a major snow event, with projected ice totals ranging from 0.5 inch to 1.2 inches.
Key Facts
| Location Focus | north Georgia, with heavy impact anticipated in the mountains |
|---|---|
| Primary Threat | Ice and freezing rain; potential snow in higher elevations |
| Timeframe | Storm arrival might potentially be later than expected; effects could linger through early next week |
| Government Action | State of Emergency; activation of the State Operations Center; possible National Guard deployment |
| Ice Totals Forecast | Approximately 0.5–1.2 inches in affected areas |
Evergreen Safety and Preparedness
- Stay updated with official alerts from GEMA and local authorities for the latest forecasts and road conditions.
- Stock emergency supplies, keep your vehicle fueled, and ensure mobile devices are charged in advance.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during icy conditions and allow extra time if travel is unavoidable.
Engagement
What steps are you taking to stay safe as this Georgia winter storm unfolds in your area?
Have you checked on vulnerable neighbors or relatives who may need extra assistance during icy weather?
We will continue to monitor forecasts and provide updates as conditions evolve. Share this alert to help others stay informed, and leave your safety tips in the comments below.
Georgia Governor Declares State of Emergency as Multi‑Day Ice and snow Storm Approaches Statewide
State of Emergency Declaration (jan 22, 2026)
- Governor Brian Kemp signed the emergency proclamation at 10:00 a.m. EST, activating the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and authorizing the deployment of National Guard personnel.
- The declaration covers all 159 counties and triggers pre‑approved funding for snow removal, road treatment, and emergency shelters.
- Key legal provisions:
- Suspension of non‑essential construction projects.
- Mandatory road‑closure orders for high‑risk highways.
- Waiver of certain licensing requirements for out‑of‑state snow‑plow contractors.
Storm Forecast and Timeline
| Time (EST) | expected Conditions | Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00‑06:00 | Light flurries, sub‑freezing temps (32‑34 °F) | Northern GA (Appalachian foothills) |
| 06:00‑12:00 | Moderate snow (0.5‑1 in),icy roads | Central GA (Atlanta metro) |
| 12:00‑24:00 | Heavy snow (1‑2 in),ice accumulations up to ¼ in | Southern GA (Savannah,coastal plain) |
| 24‑48 hr | Mixed rain‑snow,temperatures rise to 38 °F | Entire state,potential melt‑freeze cycles |
Source: National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center,updated 15 Jan 2026.
Transportation Impact
- Interstates 20, 75, and 85: Anticipated lane closures from 06:00‑18:00 Jan 23 due to ice‑related accidents.
- State Routes 400 and 85: Pre‑emptive “no‑pass” restrictions; commercial trucks advised to reroute via alternate corridors.
- Air Travel: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta international Airport (ATL) expects a 2‑hour delay window and possible gate closures for small aircraft.
- Public Transit: MARTA to operate on reduced frequency; buses may experience route diversions.
Public Safety Measures
- Winter Weather Alerts: Residents will receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) notifications and wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on mobile devices.
- Road Treatment: GEMA contracts with 20 regional snow‑plow operators; pre‑positioned salt and sand at 150 strategic depots.
- School Closures: The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has ordered district‑wide closures for jan 23‑24 in 96 counties.
- Law Enforcement: Georgia State Patrol (GSP) to enforce speed limits of 35 mph on designated ice‑prone corridors.
Power Outage Preparedness
- Check Your Backup Power – Test generators, charge UPS units, and ensure fuel supplies are stored safely.
- Create an Emergency Kit – Include:
- Flashlights (LED preferred) + extra batteries
- Portable power banks (minimum 10,000 mAh)
- Non‑perishable food for 72 hours
- Manual can opener and bottled water
- Report Outages – Use Georgia Power’s “Outage Map” app; avoid multiple calls to reduce line congestion.
- Protect Electronics – Unplug sensitive devices to guard against surge damage when power returns.
Emergency Shelters & Services
| Shelter Location | Capacity | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Convention Center | 1,200 | Warm meals, bedding, medical triage |
| Savannah Historic District Hall | 600 | Childcare, pet‑kind area |
| Macon community College Gym | 800 | Showers, laundry facilities |
| Augusta Regional Hospital (disaster hub) | 400 | 24‑hr nursing staff, medication refill |
– Registration: Text “SHELTER” to 844‑555‑9321 or visit georgiaready.gov/shelters.
- Transportation: County EMS units will provide free shuttles from designated “mobility‑challenged” neighborhoods.
Practical Tips for Residents & Travelers
Before the storm
- Clear driveways & Walkways – Shovel snow and apply sand to prevent slips.
- Winterize Vehicles – Switch to winter tires, check antifreeze levels, and keep a full gas tank.
- secure outdoor Items – Anchor patio furniture, bring in grills, and cover pool equipment.
During the Storm
- Stay Indoors – Limit travel to emergencies; if stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911 for assistance.
- Monitor Updates – Follow @GeorgiaDPS, @NWSAtlanta, and local news stations on social media.
- Use Safe Heating – Keep space heaters ≥3 ft from flammable objects; never use grills indoors.
After the Storm
- Inspect Property – Look for roof leaks, downed power lines, and ice dams on gutters.
- Document Damage – Photograph losses for insurance claims within 48 hours.
- Assist Neighbors – Check on elderly or disabled residents,especially those without power.
What Businesses Need to Do
- Activate Continuity Plans – Shift to remote work where possible; inform employees of flexible scheduling.
- Secure Assets – Cover inventory, protect equipment with waterproof tarps, and back up critical data off‑site.
- Communicate with Customers – Post real‑time service status on company website and google My Business listings.
- Coordinate With Suppliers – Confirm delivery windows and assess any logistics disruptions.
Case Study: 2024 Georgia Ice Storm Response
- Event: Jan 12‑14, 2024 – “Winter Chill 2024” delivered up to ½ in of ice across central Georgia.
- Outcome: 1,200 power outages, 22 traffic incidents, no fatalities.
- Key Success Factors:
- Early state‑of‑emergency declaration allowed pre‑deployment of 350 National Guard troops.
- Real‑time GIS mapping of road conditions reduced average clearance time from 8 hrs to 4 hrs.
- Community “Neighbors Helping neighbors” program facilitated 2,300 volunteer‑run shelters.
the 2026 storm response builds on these lessons by expanding GIS integration and increasing salt inventory by 30 %.
Official Resources & Links
- Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) – https://gema.georgia.gov
- National Weather Service – Atlanta – https://weather.gov/atl
- Georgia Power outage Map – https://outagemap.georgiapower.com
- Travel Alerts & Road Closures – https://dot.ga.gov/TravelAlerts
- Emergency Shelter Locator – https://georgiareready.gov/shelters
- Prepare for Winter Weather Checklist – https://archyde.com/winter-prep-checklist
