Gov. Kemp issues a State of Emergency for Georgia ahead of storm

Gov. Kemp declares 'State of Emergency' as Georgia faces storm threat

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a "state of emergency" as a powerful storm system threatens parts of Georgia. He shares what to expect, which counties areas are impacted, and what the state is doing to prepare.

ATLANTA - Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a statewide state of emergency as Georgia prepares for a major winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet and significant ice across much of the state this weekend.

Kemp made the announcement during a virtual briefing Thursday, saying state agencies have been ramping up preparations for days as forecasts increasingly point to a high-impact winter weather event, particularly north of Interstate 20. While Atlanta is not guaranteed to see the worst conditions, Kemp cautioned that even small temperature changes could shift the threat farther south.

"This is shaping up to be a major winter storm," Kemp said, noting that ice accumulation remains the biggest concern because of its potential to cripple roads and knock out power.

Winter Storm Watch UPDATE: Temperatures continue to fall

We give you the latest, in-depth look at the weekend forecast after Governor Kemp announced a "State of Emergency" in Georgia. Temperatures continue to drop even further than previously expected, following heavy rain falls.

The state of emergency applies to all 159 Georgia counties and will remain in effect for seven days, with the option to extend if necessary. Kemp also authorized the call-up of up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops to ensure rapid response if conditions deteriorate. In addition, the governor suspended truck weight limits to help move fuel, supplies and emergency equipment across the state.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, led by Director Josh Lamb, is activating the State Operations Center at 7 a.m. Saturday and will staff it around the clock until the storm passes. GEMA officials said they are coordinating closely with local emergency managers, state agencies and federal partners, including the National Weather Service.

According to state officials, the Georgia Department of Transportation will begin treating roads north of I-20 late Friday night into early Saturday morning. Motorists are urged to give brine trucks plenty of space and to stay off the roads once conditions worsen. The Georgia State Patrol will be positioned to assist stranded motorists and respond to emergencies.

Utility companies are also preparing for possible outages. Kemp said he spoke with Georgia Power and other electric membership cooperatives, which are already moving crews and equipment into areas most likely to be impacted. Chainsaw crews from the Georgia Forestry Commission and Department of Agriculture are on standby to help clear downed trees and reopen roads.

Forecasts indicate winter precipitation could begin early Saturday, with the most dangerous conditions expected Saturday night through Sunday. Temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing into early next week, raising concerns that ice could linger on roads and that power outages could last longer than usual.

Lamb urged Georgians to begin preparing immediately by creating a family communication plan, stocking up on nonperishable food, water and medications for at least three days, and assembling emergency kits for homes and vehicles. He also emphasized generator safety and warned residents never to use ovens or grills for heat indoors.

What to buy for last-minute storm prep

Tyrice Douglas, Chamblee Walmart store manager, shares what customers should buy as we face the threat of major ice and how Walmart is helping customers prepare for damage and power outages.

Both Kemp and Lamb stressed that the most effective way to stay safe is to avoid travel once winter weather begins.

"If it’s bad where you are, please stay home," Kemp said. "That helps keep you safe and allows our crews to do their jobs."

State officials said they will continue monitoring the storm 24/7 and provide updates as conditions evolve.

Current Weather Forecast from Gov. Kemp's Office

A major winter storm is expected to bring significant impacts to parts of Georgia, especially north of I-20, this weekend.
Much of North Georgia is under a Winter Storm Watch from late Friday night through Monday morning, with the possibility of being upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory, and additional counties may be added.
Chances for wintry precipitation are high across North Georgia throughout the weekend.
The current expectation is for most of that precipitation to be freezing rain.
The presence of rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow will depend on the exact temperature at any given time.
Precipitation will likely begin in northern Georgia Saturday afternoon and will continue through Sunday evening before temperatures reach the teens and 20s on Monday morning.
Temperatures will remain very cold through Tuesday, January 27.
Prolonged freezing temperatures could prevent melting and drying on roads and potentially cause pipes to burst.
Dangerous travel conditions will be possible beginning Saturday and could continue into Monday and Tuesday.
Widespread power outages are possible in impacted areas, with gusty winds continuing through Monday.
Impacts for specific locations will continue to be refined over the next few days as forecast confidence improves.
As always, stay tuned to forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets.