State of Emergency declared by Gov. Kemp ahead of incoming winter storm
ATLANTA - Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency in anticipation of a significant winter storm expected to impact Georgia starting Friday. The emergency declaration is effective immediately and will remain in place through Jan. 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. Key state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), and others, have been instructed to provide personnel to 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 approaching winter storm," said Gov. Kemp. "I’m 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 ahead and stay tuned to updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe while our first responders continue to work tirelessly throughout this weather event."
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The State of Emergency prohibits price gouging, suspends hours-of-service limitations 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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Weather Forecast
The winter storm is expected to affect North and Central Georgia starting Friday morning, with rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow spreading throughout the region.
Snow and Ice Accumulation:
- 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 begins Friday morning and continues through the evening, tapering off early Saturday.
- Travel conditions will deteriorate quickly and remain hazardous into Saturday.
Temperatures:
- Freezing temperatures are expected from Friday morning through Saturday night, with lows in the 20s.
State Preparations
GDOT crews have already begun brining roads, focusing on areas north of and along I-20. Residents are encouraged to avoid travel in heavily impacted areas. DPS and Motor Carrier Compliance Division officers are on standby to respond to service calls and escort road treatment crews.
Winter Weather Safety Tips
Residents are advised to take the following precautions:
- Use space heaters with automatic shut-offs and keep them away from flammable materials.
- Insulate homes and ensure 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 TO PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER:
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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 tips on winter weather preparedness, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.
Storm Alert 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 serious weather is approaching North Georgia. The last time one was declared was when Hurricane Helene moved through Georgia in September.
A Winter Storm Warning 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 for Friday morning through Saturday morning.
Those in north central, northeast, northwest, and west central Georgia will likely experience winter weather in some form.
The Source: Gov. Brian Kemp's Office sent a news release regarding the State of Emergency. The FOX 5 Storm Team and The National Weather Service contributed to this report.