Georgia under state of emergency as winter storm approaches – WABE

This story was updated on Monday, January 20 at 16.12

Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Georgia on Monday in preparation for winter weather that could bring up to 2 inches of snow to Atlanta.

The declaration activates the state operations center and mobilizes resources among state agencies, including the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

The order includes bans on price spills during the storm and temporarily increases height, weight and length limits for commercial vehicles carrying essential supplies. It also activates up to 250 Georgia National Guard troops as needed for preparation, response and recovery.

GDOT brine trucks began treating roads Sunday morning.

“They, along with our emergency management and public safety teams, will be working throughout this winter storm,” Kemp said in a news release. “As we continue to coordinate with state and local officials across the state, I urge everyone to make their own preparations to ensure they and their families can stay safe in the coming days, especially if road conditions prevent travel.”

Kemp closed state offices in Atlanta, including the Georgia State Capitol and surrounding areas on Tuesday.

The state of emergency runs until January 28.

Atlanta below days of frost, 2 inches of snow possible

Temperatures in Georgia dropped below freezing Sunday night and may remain there for several days, while inches of snow could be dumped across the state.

Temperatures above freezing are not expected in Atlanta until Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Residents are advised to protect “the 4 Ps” in the meantime: pets, pipes, vulnerable populations and plants.

Central Georgia will likely see the most snow on Tuesday. A winter storm warning is in place from 10 Tuesday to Wednesday at 7, and the NWS is expecting up to 3 inches of snow accumulation.

A winter storm advisory is in place for that time window for parts of north and central Georgia, including metro Atlanta. Snow accumulations of less than 1 inch are possible, according to the NWS.

Residents should plan for slick, hazardous road conditions in the affected areas that could affect the commute Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

The city of Atlanta opened two warming centers Sunday night that will remain open through Wednesday afternoon. The centers are in the Central Park Recreation Center on Merritts Avenue and Selena S. Butler Park on WM Holmes Borders Drive. The Butler Park Warming Center is for women and children only.

The Old Adamsville Recreation Center on Delmar Lane will serve as an overflow location.

This will mark the second time in 2025 that Atlanta residents will prepare for potential snowfall. A winter storm hit the city on January 10, prompting Georgia to be placed under a state of emergency, canceling schools, flights and more.