State of Emergency Declared for Georgia
Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency in Georgia in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern's impact this weekend. The declaration is effective through January 29, 2026. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has activated the State Operations Center (SOC) to mobilize necessary resources.
Governor Kemp stated that Georgians should prepare for freezing precipitation, dangerous conditions, and potential damage and power loss starting Saturday. He affirmed close coordination with state and local officials. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will initiate roadway treatment before the storm and work continuously with emergency management and public safety teams.
Provisions of the Emergency Declaration
The State of Emergency authorizes the Georgia Department of Defense to deploy up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops for preparation, response, and recovery efforts if required. Key provisions of the executive order include:
- Prohibition of price gouging.
- Suspension of hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities.
- Temporary increase of weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
Winter Storm Forecast
A significant winter storm is expected to affect parts of Georgia, particularly north of I-20, this weekend. Much of North Georgia is under a Winter Storm Watch from late Friday night through Monday morning, with potential upgrades to a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory. Additional counties may be included. Wintry precipitation, primarily freezing rain, is highly probable across North Georgia throughout the weekend. The exact type of precipitation (rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow) will depend on temperature fluctuations.
Precipitation is anticipated to start in northern Georgia Saturday afternoon and persist through Sunday evening. Temperatures are forecast to drop to the teens and 20s on Monday morning and remain very cold through Tuesday, January 27. Prolonged freezing temperatures could lead to persistent ice on roads and potentially cause pipes to burst. Dangerous travel conditions are possible from Saturday into Monday and Tuesday. Widespread power outages are also possible in affected areas, with gusty winds continuing through Monday.
State Preparation and Response Actions
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT):
- Crews and equipment are being staged.
- Brining operations will commence to pre-treat interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses.
- Prioritization will be given to high-traffic routes, emergency vehicle access, and routes to hospitals.
- Residents are advised to avoid travel in heavily impacted areas.
Department of Public Safety (DPS):
- The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is partnering with GDOT for brining escorts.
- Troopers and Officers will be on standby for service calls, with specific response teams in affected areas.
Other Agencies:
- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forestry Commission, and Department of Agriculture have response teams and chainsaw crews ready to clear road debris and provide assistance.
- The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will manage debris staging, handling, storage, and disposal, and support critical infrastructure like water systems and dams.
Winter Weather Preparedness Guidance
Residents are encouraged to check with local officials for warming center locations. State parks offering warming centers are also available. Preparedness tips include:
- Using electric space heaters with automatic shut-off and keeping them at least three feet from flammable materials.
- Insulating homes and sealing doors and windows.
- Installing and checking carbon monoxide detectors.
- Having backup heat sources such as blankets or a fireplace.
- Checking vehicle antifreeze, brakes, heater, tires, and wipers.
- Maintaining at least a half-full gas tank in vehicles.
- Carrying an emergency kit with items like a portable phone charger, ice scraper, blanket, sand, and jumper cables.
- Operating generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from openings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Allowing pipes to drip or insulating them to prevent freezing.
- Keeping pets indoors and checking on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors.