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Snow, ice headed for metro Atlanta: How Georgia prepares for winter weather

By
Updated  January 7, 2025 7:06pm EST
Winter Weather
FOX 5 Atlanta

Snowmageddon 2.0? Georgia prepares for snow, ice

Georgia road crews and power companies are keeping a close eye on winter weather headed our way this weekend, with the potential for snow and ice. Here's how they're preparing, and how you can help out, too.

The Brief

    • Gov. Brian Kemp has directed state agencies to monitor the incoming winter weather, with potential snow and ice expected in the area this weekend.
    • The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is preparing to treat roads in northwest Georgia with salt and brine, having significantly increased their brine storage capacity since 2014.
    • Georgia Power is monitoring the weather system and has developed a smart grid to help redirect power in case of outages, while also preparing crews for potential repairs.
    • Residents are advised to prepare for the storm by stocking up on food, water, and emergency supplies, and to stay off the roads once the weather begins.
    • Safety reminders include keeping heaters away from flammable materials and ensuring generators are used outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

ATLANTA - The metro Atlanta area could see snow and ice this weekend. Meanwhile, road crews and power companies are keeping a very close eye on the forecast. Gov. Brian Kemp has instructed all relevant state agencies to monitor the incoming winter weather. There are steps you and your family can take now to prepare.

Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) crews will hit the roads starting Wednesday throughout northwest Georgia.

"We have everything ready, whether we need to put out salt or the brine or both, depending on where it's at," Joe Schulman with GDOT said.

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The Georgia Department of Transportation is preparing for snow and ice this weekend.

GDOT says they can store 1.8 million gallons of brine statewide, and can make thousands more per hour. It's a big change from 2014 when GDOT only had a fraction of that amount of brine on hand to treat the roads. That's when thousands of people were stuck on north Georgia roads for hours.

RELATED: Snowmageddon 10 years later: What Georgia has learned

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Georgia Power is keeping a close eye on the system too.

"With ice and downed trees and heavy lines, that's always a concern," Matthew Kent with Georgia Power said.

RELATED: Snow, ice, or rain in Atlanta? Winter storm to bring all 3 across North Georgia

"What we've been building for a decade now is our smart grid. We've been working to make sure that if there is a power outage that we may be able to re-direct power around where the breakage is in the line and restore power to people," he explained. "And then, we'll send crews out to repair the line."

But officials say even with the storm just days away, it's a good idea to prepare now.

Icicles form on branches.

"Be prepared. Have enough food and water just in case there are some power outages," Kent said.

"Have a to-go kit, have blankets, have batteries charged. Have all those things that you need to keep you warm and safe," he added.

And once GDOT crews do begin treating roadways, GDOT officials encourage drivers to give them space to make sure the roads are properly treated.

"Whatever you can do before it comes in so you're off the roads once the winter weather starts, that's what we suggest," Schulman said.

The governor's office also reminds everyone to keep heaters at least 3-feet away from furniture or drapes and to keep any generators outside if your power does go out.

MORE TIPS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER: 

Did we miss something? Email us at newstipsatlanta@fox.com.

The Source: This is an original article by FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Kim Leoffler. Interviews with the Georgia Department of Transformation were used for winter weather tips and tricks.

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