Atlanta, January 22, 2026
Georgia is preparing for a substantial winter storm expected this weekend, prompting Governor Brian Kemp to call for resident preparedness. The storm will bring heavy mixed precipitation including snow, sleet, and freezing rain, potentially impacting North Georgia and metro Atlanta. Residents are advised to secure supplies and ready their homes for possible power outages as a State of Emergency has been declared to facilitate response efforts.
Atlanta
Georgia Prepares for Significant Winter Storm as Governor Urges Public Readiness
Georgia is bracing for a substantial winter storm expected to unfold across the state this weekend, prompting Governor Brian Kemp to issue a strong call for residents to prioritize preparedness. The Governor has urged Georgians to secure essential supplies such as food and gas, and to ready themselves for potential power outages, as a complex weather system approaches.
The impending weather event, characterized by forecasts of heavy mixed precipitation, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain, is anticipated to affect North Georgia and portions of central Georgia, including the metropolitan Atlanta area. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for most of North Georgia, commencing late Friday night, January 23, 2026, and extending through Monday morning, January 26, 2026. Forecasters indicate a concerning potential for ice accumulation, with predictions ranging from a half-inch to one inch in some northern areas, and snow accumulations possibly reaching up to four inches in parts of the affected region.
The confluence of cold arctic air and Gulf moisture is expected to create hazardous conditions. The primary concerns revolve around the likelihood of widespread and potentially prolonged power outages due to ice accumulation weighing down trees and power lines. Travel is expected to become dangerous, with roads and bridges possibly rendered impassable, and conditions could persist for several days as temperatures are projected to remain low, leading to refreezing. The hazardous travel conditions are specifically noted to potentially impact the Monday morning commute. Following the storm, extremely cold temperatures are forecast, with Atlanta expecting lows around 22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5.6 Celsius) early Monday.
State-Level Preparations and Emergency Measures
In anticipation of these severe conditions, Governor Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective immediately and continuing through Tuesday, January 28, 2026. This declaration empowers the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center and deploy necessary resources. The Georgia Department of Defense has been authorized to provide up to 250 Georgia National Guard troops for preparation, response, and recovery efforts, if required.
State agencies are actively coordinating with federal partners, and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) commenced treating roadways as early as Sunday morning, January 18, 2026. The State of Emergency also includes provisions to mitigate economic and logistical challenges, such as prohibiting price gouging, temporarily suspending hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators engaged in response activities, and increasing weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
Essential Preparedness for Households
Beyond stocking food and fuel, residents are advised to take comprehensive steps to safeguard their homes and families. It is crucial to monitor weather reports consistently, utilizing sources such as NOAA Weather Radio.
Home and Utility Protection
- Insulation and Sealing: Prepare homes to retain warmth by ensuring adequate insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping doors and windows. Covering foundation vents and outside faucets is also recommended.
- Pipe Protection: To prevent freezing pipes, disconnect and drain garden hoses, allow faucets to drip slightly, and open cabinet doors beneath sinks to expose pipes to indoor heat.
- Emergency Heating and Lighting: Have backup heat sources such as extra blankets, sleeping bags, or a properly ventilated fireplace or space heater. Flashlights with ample extra batteries should be used instead of candles during power outages to prevent fire hazards. Never use an oven as a heat source. If utilizing a portable generator, ensure it is operated outdoors at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, or vents to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. A working carbon monoxide detector should be installed and checked.
Vehicle and Travel Safety
- Vehicle Maintenance: Before the storm, ensure vehicles are thoroughly checked, including antifreeze levels, brakes, heater, tires, and wipers. Keeping the gas tank at least half full is advised to prevent ice formation in the tank and fuel lines.
- Travel Planning: Avoid traveling alone if possible, and always inform someone of your itinerary and chosen routes. If travel is unavoidable during the storm, drive cautiously, slow down, and ensure the vehicle is completely clear of snow and ice. If visibility becomes poor, pull over safely. If trapped in a vehicle, remain inside.
- Vehicle Emergency Kit: A car emergency kit should include items such as a portable phone charger, ice scraper, an extra blanket, sand for tire traction, and jumper cables.
Personal Well-being and Community Care
- Outdoor Safety: Limit time spent outdoors. If going outside, wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing. Be vigilant for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid overexertion, particularly when engaging in strenuous activities like shoveling snow, as this can increase the risk of heart attack.
- Sustenance and Warmth Indoors: Should heat be lost, close off unused rooms, place towels or rags under doors to seal cracks, and close blinds or curtains to help retain heat. Eating and drinking adequately provides the body with energy to generate warmth.
- Vulnerable Populations: A humane attentiveness to the well-being of others is crucial. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors and to ensure pets are brought indoors.
These preparations, diligently undertaken, reflect a prudent understanding of winter weather’s potential to disrupt the quiet rhythm of daily life and offer a measure of protection against its cold indifference.
Key Features of the Impending Winter Storm and Preparedness Measures (State-level)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Significant Winter Storm |
| Primary Timing | Late Friday night, January 23, 2026, through Monday morning, January 26, 2026 |
| Affected Areas | North Georgia and portions of central Georgia, including metro Atlanta |
| Precipitation Types | Snow, sleet, freezing rain (heavy mixed precipitation) |
| Expected Accumulations | Up to 4 inches of snow/sleet; 0.5 to 1 inch of ice accumulation (North Georgia) |
| Major Impacts | Widespread power outages, tree damage, hazardous/impossible travel, refreezing roads, Monday commute disruption |
| Post-Storm Temperatures | Extremely cold; Atlanta lows around 22°F (-5.6°C) early Monday |
| State of Emergency | Declared by Governor Kemp, effective immediately through January 28, 2026 |
| State Resources | GEMA/HS activation of State Operations Center, up to 250 Georgia National Guard troops (if needed), GDOT road treatment |
| Key Public Actions Urged | Secure food, fill gas tanks, prepare for power loss, monitor weather, protect pipes, assemble emergency kits, check on vulnerable persons, bring pets inside |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
