Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for Georgia ahead of severe winter weather. The goal of the declaration, announced Monday, is to help mobilize resources and support agencies throughout the state as they prepare for the storm’s arrival.
Under the State of Emergency order, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) can activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and deploy needed resources. The order also allows the Georgia Department of Defense to activate up to 250 National Guard soldiers for response and recovery if necessary.
“Before the full force of the incoming winter weather arrives, many Georgians are already experiencing dangerously low temperatures ahead of expected freezing precipitation on Tuesday,” said Gov. Kemp. “We encourage Georgians to heed all warnings and advisories from trusted sources, and to take all necessary precautions to stay safe in the days ahead.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation has been treating roads since Sunday morning.
The State of Emergency runs through Tuesday, January 28. It also includes provisions to help prevent price gouging, suspend certain commercial vehicle hours of service regulations supporting disaster relief efforts, and temporarily adjust weight, height and length restrictions for essential vehicles.
Winter Storm Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for 128 Georgia counties — all of South Georgia, most of Central Georgia and Metro Atlanta. Snowfall could reach 2 inches between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, with significant ice accumulations in South Georgia.
State offices in Atlanta will be closed Tuesday, January 21, including the State Capitol, ahead of the winter storm. State employees within the city limits are encouraged to telework. The closures are intended to help keep traffic off the roads and to support GDOT crews as they work to clear and treat them. Agency heads may close offices outside of Atlanta and have employees telework for their safety. This discretion extends into Wednesday and possibly Thursday depending on the weather.
Since Sunday morning, the GDOT has treated roads across the state, focusing on interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses. Motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution, limit travel if possible and give crews plenty of room to work safely. Crews will be concentrating on primary routes and those serving hospitals and urgent care.
The Department of Public Safety and the Motor Carrier Compliance Division are also supporting the effort, escorting brining detail,s and monitoring the situation across the state.
Citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to weather updates, contact local officials for the location of warming centers and take other precautions for their safety in the coming days as the winter storm approaches.
Now Habersham is closely monitoring the weather. Check the NowHab weather page for ongoing updates.
