Generator and heating use increase risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning

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January 16, 2022

Carbon monoxide alarm — (Santeri Viinamäki/Wikimedia)

Generators are selling out around Habersham County, temperatures are dropping, and the community is hunkering down to weather the coming winter storm. But while citizens are focusing on the potential dangers outside, they may not be paying close attention to those that could be developing inside.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas often known as the “invisible killer,” and claims many lives during cold weather and storms when people turn to generators for power sources and different methods to heat their homes.

CO poisoning is deadly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products. Data from the Center for Disease Control shows that in 2017, 399 people died of unintentional, non-fire-related CO poisoning.

Generators, ovens, fireplaces, water heaters, stoves, dryers and faulty heating equipment can bring CO into the home, and depending on the amount of CO in the air, can kill a person over the course of days or in a matter of hours.

One of the best ways to keep yourself and your family safe from CO poisoning is to make sure your CO detector is working properly. You should test your detector once a month, and change the batteries in it every 6 months.

You should also be sure to keep CO-emitting products out of the home. The CDC, CPSC, National Fire Protection Associaton and Federal Emergency Management Association recommend the following:

Generators should always be used outside, far away from open windows and doors at a minimum of 20 feet away
Heating sources should be inspected by a professional annually
Open the flue when using a fireplace
After winter weather, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up
If warming up a car, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it
Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside or in the garage
Do not heat your home with an oven or gas range

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, fainting and death. If your CO alarm goes off, or suspect you may have been exposed to CO, get to fresh air immediately and call 911.

CO poisoning isn’t the only threat to people heating their homes during winter weather— space heaters pose a significant fire risk and local families have lost their homes and lives in space heater fires. Read more about space heater fires here.

The Sky this Week: Clouds! Part 2

By

Tyler Penland

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January 16, 2022

Last week we began a look at different cloud types. We covered “high” clouds last week, those that form above 16,500ft.

Watch the Skies: Clouds!

This week we’re going to move a little lower in the atmosphere and look at by far the most common types of clouds: mid-level clouds.

Mid-level clouds are generally associated with precipitation and generally develop between 6,500ft and 23,000ft. They are generally made up of rain droplets rather than ice crystals during summer.

The first of these is the Altostratus clouds. These clouds usually form between 7,000 and 23,000ft. They are generally associated with warm fronts since they are caused by the gradual lifting of stable air. They are common in our region well ahead of cold fronts and generally signal incoming rainfall. Altostratus clouds are featureless and what you probably think of when you imagine a grey, cloudy day.

By The Great Cloudwatcher – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17465322

Not all altostratus clouds are featureless, though. They can develop “waves” like you see in the ocean due to a number of things. Wind shear is the most common cause of wavy (or undulating) altostratus. We see these clouds a lot locally due to the mountains causing the air to be lifted higher over the peaks and lower over the valleys. This often occurs to the southeast of the mountains as well due to gravity waves over the mountains. Historically these were considered a sub-type of altostratus although in 2017 particularly impressive displays of these clouds were given their own name: Asperitas.

Another common type of mid-level cloud are altocumulus. Much like the cirrocumulus clouds we looked at last week, these clouds form individually rather than as a sheet. These clouds are common during the summer and often indicate that storms will form later in the day. Altocumulus clouds are divided into several sub-categories depending on their appearance. They almost never produce precipitation though like their featureless cousin altostratus they often occur before precipitation begins.

Then, there’s the nimbostratus. Nimbostratus clouds actually cover multiple levels of the atmosphere, occurring between 3,000ft and 18,000ft. They generally begin development in the mid-level range, though. They develop most often along warm fronts where the atmosphere is undergoing slow lifting. They almost always produce rainfall and are generally featureless. If you step outside on a day when the wedge is dominating our weather you will almost certainly see some nimbostratus clouds. While they don’t generally produce thunder, they can occur alongside cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) clouds.

CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74402

Mid-level clouds occur commonly, and we will see plenty of them this weekend as a low pressure system brings rain and wintry precipitation to our area.

Stay warm and safe in this weather and, as always, watch the skies!

Life in Motion: It’s Saturday in Athens

By

Now Habersham

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January 15, 2022

UGA National Championship Celebration 202213 — (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)

It’s always special to head to Sanford Stadium on a Saturday to see the Bulldogs play, but this Saturday, on this weekend, it was different.

On January 15, 92,000 fans packed into the stadium, not to see the team play, but to cheer on their win – THE WIN – over Alabama’s Crimson Tide to clinch the national championship.

It was a day 41 years in the making. Here’s what it looked like going into the party and from down on Dooley Field.

UGA National Championship Celebration • Jan. 15, 2022

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Bulldog Nation celebrates: ‘A new standard for excellence has been set’

By

UGA News

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January 15, 2022

UGA head football Coach Kirby Smart and former UGA quarterback D.J. Shockley on stage at the Bulldogs' National Championship Celebration in Sanford Stadium on Jan. 15, 2022. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA)

ATHENS —n began Sept. 4, in Charlotte, N.C., where a Christopher Smith interception return for a touchdown was the difference in the Bulldogs’ 10-3 win over Clemson in the Duke’s Mayo Classic.

The Georgia football season ended last Monday night in Indianapolis, where a Kelee Ringo interception return for a touchdown sealed a 33-18 win over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

What has followed has been a weeklong celebration across the state as the Bulldogs and their devoted fans, tens of thousands of whom were there in Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday, exulted in Georgia’s first national championship since 1980.

That celebration reached its peak on Saturday afternoon in Athens, when the university, the city, the team and the fans from near and far all came together for a party, first in the streets and then in the place the Bulldogs call home – Sanford Stadium.

Bulldog fans line Lumpkin Street on the University of Georgia campus in Athens for the Bulldogs’ championship celebration parade. (Peter Frey/UGA)

Coach Kirby Smart and his team arrived at the stadium in style, slowly making their way down Lumpkin Street in a victory parade. The parade consisted of about two-dozen vehicles, from sporty convertibles to pickup trucks to some huge 18-wheelers with hay bales on the back. From start to finish, crowds three-, four- and five-people deep lined the road.

During the celebration that followed, Coach Smart told the 92,000-plus gathered inside the stadium that so much of what the Bulldogs achieved this season started about a year ago in the stadium when the players were there working out at 6 a.m.

“I want to give these guys a round of applause for what they did for this university,” he said, turning and encouraging his players to “Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!” Smart praised the fans who filled the stands on this Saturday and all the other Saturdays that preceded it. “You guys have been tremendous. You travel wherever we go and you take over stadiums.”

On and around the stage on Dooley Field were the players, the coaches, UGA President Jere Morehead, J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks, Gov. Brian Kemp and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.

“As someone who was in New Orleans 41 years ago,” Kemp said of the 1980 team’s win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl to win the national championship, “this has been a long time coming.” Kemp went on to proclaim that this day, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, was “Georgia Bulldog National Championship Day.”

Former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley served as Saturday’s master of ceremonies, bringing on the different speakers, including offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer and nose tackle Jordan Davis. When Shockley asked Davis what the University of Georgia meant to him, Davis needed just two words: “It’s everything.”

Sankey drew one of the biggest roars of the afternoon. As the top man in the SEC, which has won the past three CFP national championships, Sankey said he has been to a lot of national championship ceremonies. However, he said, “I have never been to a stadium full on a Saturday in January.”

As Coach Smart wound down his remarks he said, “A new standard for excellence has been set.”

The festivities ended with the seniors from the 1980 team raising the flag for the 2021 national championship. It was a moment to celebrate, a day to savor and cherish. Now, how about we do it again next year?

Jerry Lamar Carroll

By

Now Habersham

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January 15, 2022

Jerry Lamar Carroll, age 78, of Clarkesville, passed away on January 14, 2022.

Born on January 13, 1944, in Demorest, he was a son of the late Albert James Carroll and Flora Bertha Welborn Carroll. Mr. Carroll was a carpenter and a farmer. He was a loving husband to his wife, Edith Hooper Carroll, to whom he was married for 58 years. Jerry was a common hardworking man that loved his family. Mr. Carroll was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, Jerry is also survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Nicky Carroll of Demorest, Terry and Kelly Carroll of Clarkesville and Daniel Carroll of Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Chris Yeadon of Demorest; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother, Donald Carroll of Hollywood; sister, Betty Jean Carroway of Charlotte, North Carolina; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Macedonia Baptist Church, 6396 New Liberty Rd., Clarkesville, Georgia 30523.

No funeral services are planned at this time www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Stocking up for winter storm leaves shelves empty

By

Hadley Cottingham

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January 15, 2022

Walmart winter storm — (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

As winter weather approaches, threatening Northeast Georgia with ice, high winds, sleet and snow, the community is making sure they have gas in their tanks and food in their pantries to make it through the next few days.

But with everyone in the region making sure they have what they need to get through the storm, from water bottles in case water stops running to having plenty of food on hand, shelves are looking bare.

The lunch meat cooler at Walmart in Cornelia was bare, save for a few hotdogs and scattered items. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

Rodacker searches for any instant ramen left on barren shelves. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

“I’ve never seen it [stock] so empty,” Habersham County local Cooper Rodacker said. “Everything’s gone.”

Rodacker, out shopping with family, was surprised with how busy Walmart in Cornelia was, with shelves around the store that usually included pantry staples, like canned soup, instant noodles, snacks and bread nearly empty.

Gia, a Walmart cashier, helped manage a completely full self-checkout while also helping customers with their questions. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

Cornelia Walmart employees said that it’s been a busy day, and between filling online orders, trying to stock shelves with what grocery items they still have and managing long checkout lines, they’re stretched thin. The employees working into the night will have to manage to get home as road conditions become treacherous.

Zach Armour and Jessica Traylor of Demorest shopped Saturday afternoon for necessities and things to keep them warm during the storm. They’re expecting a power outage at home, Armour saying it’s happened before.

“It’s going to happen,” Armour said. “If it gets bad, it’s going to happen. It always happens in Habersham County.”

With so many residents expecting power outages, it’s not just groceries people are scrambling to get. Area hardware stores are selling out of generators.

Generators at Lowe’s in Cornelia are selling out fast as locals prepare for power outages as a result of the winter storms passing through Northeast Georgia. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

“The 60 [generators] I had this morning went super fast,” says Cornelia Lowe’s Store Manager Jeremy Gattis. “I have more coming tonight also.”

The store sold 100 generators on Friday and another 60 Saturday morning, and is selling its generators on a first-come-first-serve, all-sales-final basis. The next shipment should arrive sometime Saturday night.

Ace Hardware in Cornelia is also expecting a shipment of generators, but Habersham Hardware and Home Center in Clarkesville is sold out and is not expecting another shipment until Monday, according to the clerk who answered the phone when Now Habersham called.

The aisle generators usually sit on at Lowe’s in Cornelia is completely empty, but the store is hoping for another shipment Saturday night. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

Even with the strong possibility of iced roads, power outages and struggles with shopping, the community seems to still be excited about the potential of snow in Northeast Georgia.

Rodacker says he’s hoping for snow. “I don’t want to go to work Monday,” he says.

Zach Armour (left) and Jessica Traylor (right) spent their Saturday afternoon prepping for winter storms set to start Saturday night, stocking up on bread, water and things to keep warm. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

Armour and Traylor are excited for the prospect of a snow-covered Habersham, but the ice and all the issues it could bring is something they’re hoping will stay away.

“I like the snow part,” Traylor says. “It’s the ice part I don’t like.”

They encourage their community to stay home and off the roads as the winter weather passes through.

“Stay warm,” Armour says. “And be safe,” Trailer finished.

Georgia DOT brining the roads, preparing for plow operations Saturday night

By

Now Habersham

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January 15, 2022

Georgia DOT crew and brine truck — A Georgia Department of Transportation crew prepares a brine truck for road surface prep operations. Since Friday, GDOT has spread brine over 19,500 miles of state roadways. (GDOT)

ATLANTA – Georgia DOT crews spent Friday laying the first layer of brine on 19,500 centerline miles of interstates and major state routes around metro Atlanta and north Georgia in preparation for the incoming winter weather system that is expected to hit the region this evening. An estimated 900,000 gallons of brine have been spread as of this morning. Today, the department continues its brine operations on interstates and state routes in areas expected to be impacted by the storm.

Georgia Department of Transportation snowplows are lined up and ready to be deployed as needed. (GDOT)

“As the system approaches Georgia this evening, Georgia DOT will continue to monitor road conditions and will adjust operations as needed, whether that is transitioning to salt and gravel or snowplows,” the transportation department says in a news release.

Express lane closures

Currently, Georgia DOT plans to proactively close the I-75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes northwest of Atlanta and the I-75 South Metro Express Lanes south of Atlanta at midnight tonight. Conditions will be monitored throughout the evening and the timing of the closure may be adjusted as a result, GDOT says.

Express Lanes will reopen when conditions allow.

Extended hours for rest areas

Georgia DOT and state and local authorities strongly encourage motorists to avoid all non-essential travel as the storm begins to impact Georgia later today. However, for those who must travel, the department is actively working in the potentially affected areas to extend hours of operation at rest areas and welcome centers by keeping restrooms open and regularly cleaned around the clock for the duration of the storm. Georgia DOT will announce those locations once finalized.

Transportation officials urge drivers to watch for brine trucks, snowplows and other winter weather safety crews and stay a safe distance behind them. (GDOT)

GDOT crew safety

Please be aware of the brine trucks in your areas given they must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment. Pay attention to Georgia DOT trucks spreading materials and stay back a safe distance. As the impacts from the storm become reality through the weekend, it will become vitally important that motorists avoid all unnecessary travel in these areas.

Georgia DOT crews continue to follow safe COVID protocols as outlined by public health agencies including wearing masks, regularly sanitizing vehicles and equipment and social distancing.

HEMC crews prepare for major winter storm

By

Joy Purcell

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January 15, 2022

Utility companies across Georgia are getting ready for what’s expected to be a major winter storm. The storm, named ‘Izzy’ by the Weather Channel, is expected to move into the South from the midwest Saturday before heading north.

Izzy dumped up to a foot of snow on parts of northern North Dakota and western Minnesota. A couple inches of snow blanketed parts of the Twin Cities. Snow fell at the rate of 1 inch per hour Friday afternoon in Des Moines, Iowa, according to the Weather Channel.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties ahead of the storm and power companies are getting ready.

Georgia Power and local electric cooperatives are bringing in outside crews and resources to assist with restoring power outages that are likely to occur.

Habersham EMC is one of the main utility providers in Northeast Georgia, serving over 26,000 members in six counties.

Now Habersham asked its Director of Strategy and Communications Nicole Dover about preparations for the storm. Here’s the Q&A:

How is Habersham EMC preparing for the predicted winter storm? Habersham EMC personnel are monitoring the forecasts and are ready to respond should outages occur. HEMC has also called in additional utility contractor crews to assist with restoration efforts. These crews will be stationed in our service area Saturday afternoon in anticipation of the winter storm. We also have staff prepared to assist members with reporting outages.

With current forecasts as they are, do you anticipate widespread power outages and, if so, how should members prepare? Widespread power outages are a possibility given the current forecast. Depending on the type of precipitation and winds, these could be extended or some members may experience recurring outages due to additional damage to infrastructure. We encourage our members to always have an emergency kit prepared for their homes, offices and vehicles. FEMA’s Ready.gov website has several checklists to help members assemble their personalized emergency kits. Members need to have a plan to keep warm, prepare food, keep foods/medicine cold, take care of medical needs and stay informed during a power outage.

What do you advise members to do in the event of prolonged power outages? Please know that HEMC and additional crews are working to restore your power as safely and quickly as possible. Immediately following a storm, HEMC personnel assess the damage to determine the extent and what resources are needed. This takes time due to blocked roadways that must be cleared, etc. Then crews must transport the materials needed to the sites and begin the work. Electricity has to have a complete circuit in order to reach the destination. While you may not see much or any damage at your location, the damage along the circuit must be repaired before the electricity reaches your location. If the damage is repaired at your location, but not further down the line, you still will not have power until that damage is repaired and the circuit is complete.

Is there anything else you would like to add? Avoid downed lines and treat all as if live. Report hazards and outages through the SmartHub app, online portal or by phone: 706-754-2114, 706-865-4362 or 800-640-6812. Please do not attempt to report through social media as these accounts are not monitored 24/7. Using the app, online portal or calling will instantly record your outage. Please be aware that the outage map updates frequently, but your outage may not show immediately after reporting.

Other Georgia EMCs and Georgia Power also offer important information on their websites about preparing for winter storms, reporting outages and staying safe.

UGA National Championship Celebration today in Athens

By

Now Habersham

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January 15, 2022

APTOPIX CFP Championship Football — Georgia's Stetson Bennett celebrates after the College Football Playoff championship football game against Alabama Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Indianapolis. Georgia won 33-18. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

As Georgia prepares for a major winter storm, football fans will gather in Athens today to celebrate their national champ Bulldogs. The team’s big win on January 10 against Alabama’s Crimson Tide handed the Bulldogs their first national title since 1981.

The University of Georgia will celebrate the Bulldogs’ 2021 National Championship in a ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Gates open at Noon. A parade down Lumpkin Street to Sanford Stadium will start at 12:30 with a Dawg Walk at 1 p.m., and a formal program beginning at 2 p.m.

The stadium celebration is a ticketed event. Complimentary tickets were issued via online request through Friday.

According to the Georgia Football website, all regular gameday procedures will be followed with campus opening up to visitors on Saturday at 7 a.m.

Gov. Brian Kemp declared January 15 as “Georgia Bulldogs National Championship Saturday” in celebration of the football team’s victory. Read Kemp’s resolution here.

Athens-Clarke County is under a Winter Weather Advisory. If you’re traveling to the Classic City for the celebration, please plan accordingly.

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School names STAR Student and Teacher

By

Joy Purcell

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January 15, 2022

Rabun Gap STAR Student and Teacher 2022 — Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s STAR Teacher, Dr. Maggie Renken and STAR Student Sam Watts.

Sam Watts, a boarding student from Thomasville, GA, has been named STAR Student at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Watts selected Dr. Maggie Renken as STAR Teacher.

The Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition Program, organized by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, honors the state’s top-achieving seniors and their inspirational teachers. To secure the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score of the SAT taken and be in the top-10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on GPA.

“We’re so proud of this year’s STAR Student Sam Watts,” said Head of School Jeff Miles. “Sam is an incredible student, leader, and contributor to our arts program. He represents the best of the Class of 2022. ”

Watts joined the Rabun Gap community last school year and quickly made an impact on campus. Sam brings lots of experience to the Rearden Stage – he’s been acting since age 3 and has been a part of more than 30 productions in his career. At Rabun Gap, he was the Baker in Into the Woods and will play Professor Callahan in the upcoming musical production of Legally Blonde. Watts is also a two-year member of The Gap 8, Rabun Gap’s exclusive 8-member acapella group, and sings in the choir. In addition to his work in the arts department, Watts serves as co-president of the Chess Club on campus.

“It’s an absolute honor to get this award. Our senior class has the highest average GPA of any in Rabun Gap’s history. I couldn’t be prouder to represent us,” Watts said.

After graduation, Watts plans to attend a small liberal arts college to study engineering or engineering management. His dream is to run an engineering firm or company someday.

Watts selected Renken as his STAR Teacher. Renken is Rabun Gap’s Director of STEAM and leads the STEAM program across all three divisions, as well as teaches AP Physics, AP Psychology, and Artificial Intelligence. She came to Rabun Gap in 2020 after serving as a tenured professor at Georgia State University, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, led research experiences, and oversaw masters’ and doctoral students’ theses. She taught Watts last year in her AP Physics class.

“Out of all the teachers I have ever had, Dr. Renken spent by far the most time working with me. As I prepared for the AP Physics 1 exam, she probably dedicated days worth of time, making sure I was ready. That was after school, during breaks, and wherever else possible,” said Watts. “She would identify the types of questions I had trouble with, as opposed to just the concepts. She’s helped me more than anyone else as a teacher, and I can’t think of anyone else who deserves it more.”

Renken called Sam one of the most delightful students she’s worked with in her 11-year career of teaching at the high school and university level.

“The delight I find in working with Sam comes largely from his self-awareness and persistence in self-improvement. Sam is among the top students I have taught in Physics. He received the Outstanding Physics Student award for the 2020-2021 school year as a result of his hard work, resiliency, and inherent interest in the field,” she said. “Sam is persistent in not only solving problems but also in understanding the processes behind why his solutions are successful. Outside of the classroom, Sam has a broad set of interests in the domains of art, science, and sociopolitical climates. He approaches each of these with clever, thoughtful perspectives.”

Kemp declares State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties ahead of winter storm

By

Joy Purcell

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January 14, 2022

Kemp winter weather briefing — Gov. Brian Kemp held a press briefing Friday, Jan. 14, to talk about the state's preparations for the impending weekend winter storm. The heads of several state agencies joined him including GEMA, the Georgia Department of Transportation, National Guard, and Georgia Department of Public Safety. (livestream image)

Governor Brian Kemp Friday declared a State of Emergency for 91 Georgia counties ahead of the winter weather that’s expected to impact North Georgia and Metro Atlanta over the weekend.

Kemp encouraged Georgians to stay updated on the forecast and “plan accordingly.”

“By being ready and knowing what to do in the event of winter weather, you can help us minimize risk, reduce the time it takes to recover, and most importantly keep everyone safe,” Kemp said during a press conference Friday afternoon.

WATCH Kemp winter weather briefing

The governor’s emergency declaration frees up state resources to more quickly respond to any weather-related issues that develop. It helps to ensure that the state department of transportation, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, and other such agencies are fully staffed and equipped to respond. The governor also called up 1,000 National Guard troops to be on standby, ready to assist if needed.

Kemp also suspended restrictions on truck drivers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel, food, and other goods and supplies that may be needed.

The emergency order takes effect on Saturday, January 15, and will remain in effect for seven days through 11:59 p.m. on January 22.

Counties under State of Emergency

The storm is expected to impact areas north of I-20. Here are the Georgia counties currently under a state of emergency:

Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bleckley, Burke, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Elbert, Emanuel, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Glascock, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Madison, McDuffie, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Murray, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Rabun, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Spalding, Stephens, Talbot, Taliaferro, Towns, Treutlen, Troup, Twiggs, Union, Upson, Walker, Walton, Warren, Washington, White, Whitfield, Wilkes, and Wilkinson.

READ Gov. Kemp’s emergency order

SEE ALSO

Winter Storm Warnings issued for parts of Northeast Georgia, Winter Storm Watch expanded

Habersham first responders prep for coming winter weather

By

Hadley Cottingham

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January 14, 2022

Habersham County E-911 NWS weather briefing — Habersham County officials attended a winter weather briefing by the National Weather Service, preparing for what's to come this weekend. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

A winter storm warning for the Northeast Georgia region will begin Saturday at 6 p.m., running until 8 a.m. Monday. Friday afternoon, members from Habersham County Schools, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services, Public Works and E-911 Department attended a National Weather Service winter weather briefing, where they discussed threats to the Northeast Georgia area coming Saturday night.

“Our confidence is starting to increase even more that we are going to see a pretty significant winter event across some parts of North Georgia beginning sometime Saturday night with impacts being felt into Monday,” the Peachtree City NWS said during the briefing.

The NWS warned that high winds, freezing temperatures, ice and snow are all very likely in Northeast Georgia. Saturday night, those conditions should begin and could stretch into Tuesday. School system officials discussed the possibility of schools being closed Tuesday due to prolonged dangerous conditions.

HCES is preparing for the weather with salt on the ground at their stations, as well as attaching snow plows to emergency vehicles and bringing in four-wheel-drive trucks made for navigating winter weather.

HCES is getting ready for winter weather, getting their vehicles best suited for treacherous roads. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

“Y’all be careful out there,” Sheriff Joey Terrell told first responders today that would be responding to incidents this weekend. “Above all, be careful out there with all this stuff.”

Public safety officials and local power companies expect issues with ice, wind and powerlines. Black ice is also expected— first responders are asking drivers to stay off the roads.

The NWS said in their briefing that Northeast Georgia can expect moderate to major impacts from the storm, which could be a threat to life and property, and would make road conditions in the area very dangerous.

The Georgia Department of Transportation also is anticipating “substantial” icing east of I-75 and North of I-20 and also asks drivers to stay off the roads.

“We just want to make a call to the public to please stay home,” Habersham County Public Information Officer Carolyn Gibson said. “Go ahead and stock up now, the Red Cross recommends three days’ worth of supplies.”