The arctic blast that weather officials are calling a “once-in-a-generation” storm hit Georgia Friday, bringing with it high winds and freezing temperatures.
Power outages were reported across the state, impacting tens of thousands of customers, including across Northeast Georgia. Before sunrise Friday, Georgia Power reported over 85,000 customers were without electricity. The state’s electric cooperatives reported an additional 32,000 outages. By early evening, all but a few thousand of those outages had been restored.
High Wind Advisories for much of the state expired late Friday, but winds were still blustery Saturday, making the single-digit temps feel even colder. A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect through Christmas Day for parts of North Georgia, including Habersham, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, and White counties.
Early Friday, there were multiple reports of trees down in Habersham County, blocking roads and damaging power lines, but overall, the county fared well.
“Not much to report. The wind is as expected. A few trees came down early this morning. Other than that, we are good,” Habersham County Assistant E-911/EMA Director Melanie Bellinger told Now Habersham late Friday, December 23.
A few icy patches were detected on county roads, but nothing that caused significant problems.
White County 911 reported slick spots on Highway 75 north of Helen, and tree debris littered some county roads. Otherwise, the impacts of the storm were minimal, with the biggest threat being hypothermia caused by the dangerously cold temperatures.
“If you have to be outdoors today, tonight, tomorrow, tomorrow night, and even into Christmas Day, you gotta make sure that you’re prepared for that,” says White County EMA Deputy Director Don Strength. “If you’re going to be traveling, just be prepared in the event that you have some type of mechanical issue and you break down. You’re going to want extra clothing, blankets, you’re going to want to have water with you, maybe even some food, and make sure you keep your cell phone charged.”
A mixture of sleet and snow fell early Friday over the higher elevations of North Georgia but passed quickly. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph were recorded in some areas.
With temperatures that are this low, public safety officials caution black ice continues to pose a threat from any moisture left on roadways. Drivers should remain cautious and watch out for icy spots.
Georgia Department of Transportation workers treated 21,000 miles of state roads, interstates, and bridges with brine before the storm hit to try to reduce the potential for freezing. Still, officials warn drivers to stay off the roads if possible.
“We would like for everyone to stay warm and safe. If anyone needs to get out, be cautious of the roads for black ice and debris,” cautions Bellinger.
Since most schools are already out for the Christmas holiday, there are few closings and cancellations to report. The University of Georgia closed all its campuses on Friday. Stone Mountain Park suspended all activities, rides, and events, and golf courses at all Georgia State Parks were closed.
State parks continue to be used as public warming stations for those who need them. To check availability, click here.
