Atlanta winter storm: Gov. Kemp updates public on winter storm impacts

Traffic not moving on I-75 in Cobb County

Traffic is currently not moving on I-75 south in Cobb County due to crashes caused by snowy weather on Friday morning. Kevyn Stewart reporting.

ATLANTA - Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. For those who must drive, Georgia Department of Transportation advises maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, avoiding sudden braking, and exercising caution, especially near bridges and overpasses.

The National Weather Service predicts that precipitation will end by midnight, but freezing temperatures will persist into Sunday, potentially causing refreezing on untreated surfaces.

LATEST WEATHER FORECAST

"Stay home, stay safe, and give our crews the space they need to do their jobs," Gov. Kemp advised during a press conference. "We’re in this together, and we’ll keep working around the clock until conditions improve."

Winter storm causes traffic problem on interstate

The winter storm is causing major traffic issues in Atlanta on I-75 northbound at West Paces Ferry Road. GDOT traffic cameras captured a wreck involving multiple vehicles, including a number of semi-trucks.

Gov. Kemp updates public on winter storm

State officials held a press briefing Friday morning at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) State Operations Center to update the public on their response to the winter storm impacting Georgia.

Georgia officials give update on winter storm response

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and state officials give update on the response to the winter storm. Full 10 a.m. press conference.

Gov. Brian Kemp, along with representatives from GEMA, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), and the National Weather Service (NWS), detailed the coordinated efforts underway to address the hazardous conditions.

Gov. Kemp emphasized the state's proactive approach, noting the state of emergency declared earlier in the week to ensure preparedness. "We’ve been tracking this system for days, coordinating with state and local partners, and ensuring resources are in place," Kemp said. "Our goal is to stay ahead of the storm."

Road Treatment and Clearing Efforts

GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry reported that crews pre-treated over 20,000 miles of roadways with brine and applied 770 tons of salt to bridges and overpasses before the storm's arrival. Over 300 snowplows and 600 personnel are actively clearing roads around the clock, focusing on interstates and major thoroughfares.

Emergency Resources Prepositioned

GEMA Director Chris Stallings outlined the deployment of emergency supplies, including generators, blankets, and food, to respond to potential power outages and assist those in need. He also highlighted efforts to clear stranded vehicles quickly to avoid disruptions on major roadways.

Shelter and Warming Stations
DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon reported that state parks, particularly in North Georgia, are near capacity and are available as warming stations. Local warming centers have also been activated for those seeking refuge from the cold.

Law Enforcement Assistance
Lieutenant Colonel Kendrick Lowe of the GSP confirmed that all available personnel are on duty, assisting GDOT with escorting treatment trucks and responding to incidents. The GSP is also working to clear disabled vehicles and address accidents across the state.

Weather and Driving Conditions

Will Langston, a meteorologist from GEMA, provided a weather update, cautioning that snowfall will transition to freezing rain and sleet later in the day, leading to potential ice accumulation. He warned of hazardous driving conditions, particularly as temperatures hover around freezing, and urged residents to avoid travel if possible.

Major traffic trouble in Gwinnett County

There are multiple cars that have ran into issues because of the weather Friday morning in Gwinnett County.

"Roads are already dangerous, and the risk will increase as ice forms on top of the snow," Langston said. Winds of 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph may cause additional challenges, such as downed trees and power lines.