State of Emergency declared by Governor Kemp ahead of upcoming winter storm

On By Littum

ATLANTA – Governor Brian Kemp has declared a statewide state of emergency in anticipation of a significant winter storm expected to affect Georgia beginning Friday. The emergency declaration is effective immediately and will remain in place through January 14, 2025.

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The declaration allows the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and deploy resources to address potential storm impacts. Central state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) and others, have been directed to provide personnel for the SOC, which will move to Level 2 activation beginning Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

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Governor urges caution

“The Georgia Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Public Safety, began treating roads early this morning to prepare for the impending winter storm,” Governor Kemp said. “I am asking all Georgians to help them do their jobs by limiting travel as much as possible in the coming days. Hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, can develop quickly and make travel very dangerous. Plan and follow updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe as our first responders continue to work tirelessly during this weather event.”

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The state of emergency prohibits price gouging, suspends restrictions on hours of operation for commercial vehicle operators involved in storm response, and temporarily increases weight, height and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.

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Forecast

The winter storm is expected to affect North and Central Georgia from Friday morning, with rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow spreading across the region.

Accumulation of snow and ice:

  • North Georgia: 2-4 inches of snow and sleet
  • Metro Atlanta: Up to 2 inches of snow and sleet
  • Ice accumulations: 0.1 to 0.25 inches in affected areas

Timing:

  • Precipitation will begin Friday morning and continue through the evening, tapering off early Saturday.
  • Travel conditions will deteriorate rapidly and remain hazardous through Saturday.

Temperatures:

  • Freezing temperatures are expected Friday morning through Saturday night, with lows in the 20s.

State Preparations

GDOT crews have already begun painting roads, focusing on areas north of and along I-20. Residents are encouraged to avoid traveling in heavily affected areas. DPS and Motor Carrier Compliance Division officers are on standby to respond to service calls and escort roadside treatment teams.

Safety tips for winter weather

Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Use space heaters with automatic shut-off and keep them away from flammable materials.
  • Insulate homes and provide proper ventilation for carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Prepare vehicles with antifreeze, blankets and emergency kits.
  • Keep pets indoors and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives.

MORE TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER:

Updates and resources

GEMA/HS will provide ongoing updates on winter weather conditions through its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media channels. Residents should also monitor the National Weather Service and local news for the latest developments.

For additional winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.

STORM WARNING WEATHER DAY

The FOX 5 Storm Team has declared Friday and Saturday Storm Alert Days due to the threat of winter weather in our region. Please note that FOX 5 Storm Alert Days are rare and are only issued when severe weather approaches North Georgia. The last time one was declared was when Hurricane Helene moved through Georgia in September.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Floyd, Bartow, Cherokee, Forsyth, Hall, Banks, Jackson, Madison, Polk, Paulding, Cobb, North Fulton, Gwinnett, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Haralson, Carroll, Douglas, South Fulton, DeKalb, Rockdale, Walton, Newton, Greene, Taliaferro, Heard, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Henry, Butts, Jasper and Putnam counties from Friday morning to Saturday morning.

Those in north central, northeast, northwest and west central Georgia will likely experience some form of winter weather.

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