State of emergency extended as Georgia prepares for more freezing temperatures, wintry precipitation
Ice on Atlanta's Jackson Street Bridge on Dec. 26, 2022. (Billy Heath/FOX 5 Atlanta / FOX 5 Atlanta)
ATLANTA - Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp extended his state of emergency order as areas around the state deal with electrical and water supply issues due to days of freezing cold temperatures.
The state is also preparing for wintry precipitation that could affect roads Tuesday morning.
The declaration helps supplies be delivered for residential and commercial needs.
"In advance of the winter weather expected this evening and out of extra caution for the safety of Georgia families, I have extended the State of Emergency related to this weather event by an additional 24 hours," Kemp said in a statement. "I continue to urge all Georgians to be weather aware and prepared."
The Georgia Department of Transportation said it is closely monitoring the weather forecasts and notifying on-duty crews and on-call staff across north and central Georgia that there is a possibility of winter weather and response may be required.
Forest Park City Hall will remain closed on Tuesday due to ongoing water service issues impacting several cities throughout Clayton County. Officials said the following offices and departments will be closed to the general public:
- City Hall (incl. Finance and Executive offices)
- Human Resources
- Planning, Building and Zoning
- Recreation and Leisure
- Forest Park Senior Center
"DON'T PANIC AND DON'T DRIVE": FLOYD COUNTY SHERIFF ISSUES SNOW WARNING
The City of South Fulton is expected to delay the opening of city facilities Dec. 27 until 10 a.m. for essential workers only. Normal operations are expected to resume Wednesday morning. You can still make payments or use other online services here.
Fulton County's South Fulton Service Center, which includes the Probate Court, Clerk of Superior Court, Tax Commissioner's Office, and more, will be closed Tuesday due to a problem with the building's water service. All libraries, senior centers, arts centers, centers serving adults with developmental disabilities, and behavioral offices will be closed Tuesday as well.
Water flooding Morrow High School froze on Dec. 26, 2022 after pipes burst due to days of temperatures below freezing.
Fannin, Gilmer, Whitfield County Health Departments will also delay their opening to Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. You can find more updates on the North Georgia Health District website, or on their social media pages.
In Cobb County, the cold weather caused a sprinkler line to burst at the Vinings Branch Library, causing damage that will the facility and others for a least the week.
On Monday, several places were left dealing with water supply and pressure issues, including parts of Butts, Clayton, DeKalb, South Fulton, Haralson and Habersham counties.
Warming Centers open in Georgia
ATLANTA
When: Now until 9 a.m. Dec. 28
Where: *Old Adamsville Recreation Center; 3404 Delmar Lane NW
**Central Park; 400 Merritts Avenue NE
***Thomasville Recreation Center; 1835 Henry Thomas Drive SE
*men only
**women and children
CLAYTON COUNTY
When: Now until 12 p.m. Dec. 28
Where: Sequoyah Middle School; 95 Valley Hill Road, Riverdale
*cots and blankets will be provided
DEKALB COUNTY
When: 24 hrs until 7 a.m. Dec. 28
Where: Exchange Park Recreation Center; 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur
**Mason Mill Recreation Center; 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur
***Tobie Grant; 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale
GEORGIA STATE PARKS
Officials will open warming centers in 23 state parks for public use while waiving the usual ParkPass fees. A full map of the warming stations and the days they are available can be found here.
*This list will be updated as FOX 5 receives information about more openings. Check back regularly. Additional centers can be added by email newstipsatlanta@fox.com
Water distribution sites open in Georgia
CLAYTON COUNTY
When: 9 a.m. Dec. 27
Where: Forest Park Recreation Center Parking Lot; 803 Forest Parkway, Forest Park
*Water distributed on a first come, first served basis
**Residents must show proof of residency to receive a case of water
JASPER, GEORGIA
When: 9 a.m. Dec. 27
Where: Jasper Water Maintenance building: 852 Pioneer Road
The location is expected to open until at least noon