Emergency preparations, warming centers, school closings for rare winter storm in southeast Georgia

The entire state of Georgia is under a state of emergency with a storm warning until Wednesday afternoon.

Most counties in southeast Georgia will close schools on Wednesday, with road conditions expected to be dangerous, especially in the morning.

RELATED: Southeast Georgia schools to close Wednesday; others are still deliberating as the winter storm approaches

Freezing rain is expected to begin in southeast Georgia Tuesday afternoon, posing a significant risk of ice accumulation, especially along and north of Interstate 10 toward Homerville, Waycross and Jesup.

This ice accumulation could cause significant power outages Tuesday night, and residents are encouraged to have winter emergency supply kits for homes and vehicles.

Related: How Dave’s Landscaping & Nursery in Brunswick prepares plants for a freeze – and how you can too

Areas along and north of Waycross in southeast Georgia have a medium chance (40-50%) of seeing up to 1 inch of snow.

There is also a low chance (5-15%) of up to 3 inches of snow north and northwest of Waycross, which could lead to major impacts.

The Georgia Department of Transportation spent several days salting roads off interstate I-95 in Glynn and Camden counties.

RELATED: Georgia DOT Treats Highways, Bridges With Brine Ahead Of Dangerous Winter Storm

The department added that Georgia DOT snowplow crews are prepared to work to clear roads when precipitation begins to fall, but crews cannot clear roads that are full of vehicles.

The Coastal Health District of Georgia announced that all operations will be suspended at 12 Tuesday and will remain suspended on Wednesday.

Officials expect a delayed opening Thursday at 11. This includes all health department clinics and offices in Camden and Glynn counties.

Anyone who has previously scheduled an appointment during the closure will be contacted to reschedule.

Brantley County

Brantley County Emergency Management warned residents that a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to affect Southeast GA, including areas along US Highway 84, from Tuesday evening into Wednesday afternoon.

With temperatures dropping and dangerous road conditions likely, it’s important to be prepared.

Key actions to take:

• Stock up on food, water and winter clothes

• Check vehicle supplies and consider adjusting travel plans

• At home, allow faucets to drip, open cabinet doors to prevent pipes from freezing, and use flashlights instead of candles

• Stay tuned for updates as forecasts may change. Prepare now and stay informed to keep your family and community safe.

Schools

Brantley County Schools will be OPEN on Tuesday but will dismiss early at 2 p.m

In the interests of road safety, the district’s schools will be closed on Wednesday.

Camden County

All of Camden County is now under a freeze warning until Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

Camden County is under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 19.00 Tuesday and lasts until 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The warming center at 1050 Wildcat Dr. in Kingsland will remain open until 9 Tuesday. The heating center opens every evening at 8 p.m., as long as necessary based on weather conditions. Contact: 912-729-5602. If you or someone you know needs warmth and security overnight, spread the word!

County government and city offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday and will operate with essential staff only.

Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes, secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel in inclement weather. Stay tuned to the official communication channels for further updates or emergency instructions

Schools

No afternoon school activities on Tuesday and all schools closed on Wednesday.

All schools and offices will be closed for the safety of students and staff.

All after-school activities on Tuesday and Wednesday are cancelled.

The district will provide an update Wednesday after it assesses the readiness of roads and buildings to reopen Thursday.

Waste service

• MSW and C&D landfills will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 and will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday, January 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Extended hours will be offered on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

• County (unincorporated area): The Curbside Collection office will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Note: Garbage collection will be a day late; Wednesday collections are made on Thursday.

• Town of Kingsland: Garbage collection will pause on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 and will resume normal operations on Thursday, January 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Note: Garbage collection will be a day late; Wednesday collections are made on Thursday.

• St. Marys/Woodbine: Garbage collection will pause on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 and will resume normal operations on Thursday, January 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Note: Garbage collection will be a day late; Wednesday collections are made on Thursday.

Follow National Weather Service in Jacksonvillethe Camden County websiteand Camden County EMA Facebook. For non-emergencies, residents can call 912-729-5602.

Charlton County

The Winter Storm Watch was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for areas along and south of a line from Harris to Monroe to Jefferson Counties.

For areas north up to Haralson/Forsyth/Banks Counties, it has been upgraded to a winter weather advisory. Both will be valid from 10.00 Tuesday to 7:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Charlton County is under a winter storm warning from 19.00 Tuesday to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

A Cold Weather Advisory issued for all of North Central Georgia will be in effect Tuesday evening.

Please prepare for winter weather by visiting gema.georgia.gov/winter. Continue to closely monitor forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and trusted media throughout the week.

For more information, contact the Charlton County Emergency Management Agency at 912-390-2022 or visit the official website at www.charltoncountyga.us.

SchoolsCharlton County Schools will be OPEN and on a normal schedule on Tuesday. However, due to the forecast for sleet/freezing rain and potential snow on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, all after school activities on Tuesday are cancelled. In addition, the schools are CLOSED for all students and staff on Wednesdays. Schools are scheduled to be open and on schedule Thursday.

Glynn County

As of Monday, Glynn County expects freezes Tuesday late afternoon into Wednesday morning. Glynn County Schools will be closed on Wednesday.

Key points for Glynn County:

• Nocturnal inland freezes through the coming weekend: Morning wind chill in the low to mid 20s. The cold weather advisory is still in place, especially Wednesday morning. Freezing conditions are possible Wednesday night through Saturday night.

• Winter storm warning for Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon: Increasing confidence for wintry precipitation. There is a medium chance (30 50%) of snow and wintry mix for Inland Southeast GA north of Waycross.

• Potential impacts of cold and winter precipitation: Potential ice accumulation and impacts to power lines, trees and roads. Be aware of the potential for black ice.

Recreation and Parks will cancel activities scheduled for after 16 Tuesday.

Glynn County Libraries close at 16 Tuesday and will remain closed throughout Wednesday.

Schools

Based on the latest forecast for winter weather conditions and discussions with local emergency management officials, Glynn County Schools will remain open on Tuesday.

But all leisure activities and after-schools end on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Due to potential hazards such as black ice on roadways, impacts to power lines and trees, and freeze advisories expected Tuesday evening, all schools will be closed Wednesday as a precaution.

This decision has been made with a view to the safety and well-being of students, staff and families. Please take the necessary precautions and stay tuned for further updates regarding school schedules as the weather situation develops.

Updates will be communicated via ParentSquare, our district website, Facebook pageand media partners.

Stay informed about weather conditions by following updates from the Glynn County Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.

Pierce County

Pierce County is under a winter storm warning from 16.00 Tuesday to 13.00 Wednesday with a risk of freezing rain and snow.

• Freezing rain: High chance (50-80%) south of US 84 to I-10 in NE FL. Ice accumulation up to 0.25” can lead to power outages and hazardous travel.

• Snow: 1-2 inches possible along and west of US 84 in SE GA, with higher amounts near the Altamaha River.

The county opens a warming home at 2pm Tuesday at the NFC Gym at 705 College Ave. in Blackshear.

Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as possible as road conditions are expected to become increasingly hazardous.

Please bring all necessary materials to stay as long as the dangerous weather continues, including blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, medicine, personal hygiene items, non-perishable food and other necessities.

Chairs, tables and toilets will be available.

Cold temperatures throughout the week:

• Night freezes: Hard frosts are expected inland with lows below 25°F through the weekend.

• Wind chill: Low to mid 20s most mornings.

Safety tips:

• Stock up on food, water and winter supplies.

• Protect pets, crops and pipes.

• Avoid traveling in icy conditions and prepare for potential power outages.

Stay up to date with the current weather forecast at and be safe if you work outdoors and while driving.

SchoolsPierce County Schools will release early Tuesday and be closed Wednesday. There will be no after school activities on Tuesday or Wednesday. Primary schools are released at 13.00 Tuesday, the middle school is released at 14.15, and the high school is released at at 2:30 p.m. Pierce County High School’s home varsity basketball vs. Appling Co. Tuesday 21 January has been moved to Tuesday 28 January. Only Varsity matches will be played played that day starting at

Ware County

Confidence is increasing Tuesday evening through midday Wednesday with snow and a wintry mix in Ware County.

Time of winter precipitation:

• Wintry mixing begins after 15 on Tuesday and ends mid-morning on Wednesday until

Safety measures:

• Emergency kit: Stock up on winter emergency supply kits for both home and vehicle.

• Travel plans: Consider adjusting travel plans. Be aware of black ice if you must travel. If you do not need to travel during the winter storm, it is recommended to stay off the roads.

• Remember that emergency services and utility services may be delayed during the wintry mixed event.

Monitor the National Weather Service, Jacksonville, FL or other accurate reliable media outlets for updates.

For more information, check (Ready.gov winter weather)(https://ready.gov/winter-ready).

Schools

Ware County Schools will implement a 90-minute early release on Tuesday.

All schools are closed on Wednesdayand all after-school activities, including athletic practices, will be canceled on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Daffodil Pre-K is released at 12.45, and primary schools come out at 1 p.m. The gymnasium is published at 13.38, and both middle schools come out at 2 p.m.

The district will continue to monitor weather conditions and will provide updates regarding school schedules for the rest of the week as more information becomes available.

Make sure you plan for the early release on Tuesday and stay tuned to the district’s official channels for updates.