Northeast Georgia, January 23, 2026
Residents in Northeast Georgia are urged to prepare as an ice storm warning has been issued, covering several counties. Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for the region due to expected hazardous conditions and significant ice accumulations. The warning highlights potential widespread power outages and severe tree damage, prompting officials to recommend against travel during the storm. With a significant cold front expected, temperatures will drop, leading to a risk of frozen pipes and impacts on daily life.
Atlanta, Georgia – As a significant winter weather event approaches, an ice storm warning has been issued for parts of Northeast Georgia, including the region from Dawsonville. This development comes as Governor Brian Kemp has already declared a state of emergency across Georgia in anticipation of a widespread winter storm, with winter storm watches in effect for over 30 counties, encompassing Metro Atlanta and portions of central and east Georgia. These alerts signify the potential for hazardous conditions, prompting officials to urge vigilance and preparation among residents.
Impending Ice: A Looming Threat for Northeast Georgia
A perilous ice storm is forecast to move into portions of north Georgia this weekend. The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued an Ice Storm Warning, which will be in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday for certain areas, and until 1 p.m. Monday for others. This warning specifically includes counties such as Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, White, Habersham, and Rabun. Forecasters anticipate significant ice accumulations, ranging from a quarter of an inch to as much as one inch, with some areas potentially receiving up to two inches of snow and sleet. Compounding the danger, winds could gust up to 30 miles per hour. The combination of heavy ice and strong winds raises a substantial risk of widespread power outages and severe tree damage. Travel during this period is strongly discouraged and could become impossible. These hazardous conditions are expected to persist, potentially disrupting the Monday morning commute.
Widespread Watches Across the State
Beyond the immediate ice storm warning areas, a broad Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for numerous counties across Georgia. This watch covers much of North Georgia, including the entire Metro Atlanta area, and extends into parts of central and east Georgia. The expanded list of counties under this watch includes Fulton, Polk, Paulding, Cobb, Gwinnett, Haralson, Carroll, Douglas, DeKalb, Rockdale, Walton, Newton, Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Spalding, Henry, Butts, Jasper, Putnam, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Wilkes Hancock, Warren, Jones, Baldwin, Washington, Glascock, and Jefferson, in addition to many of the counties also under the ice storm warning. The watch period generally extends from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. In these regions, heavy mixed precipitation is possible, with anticipated ice accumulations between a tenth of an inch and three-quarters of an inch, alongside snow or sleet amounts generally an inch or less. The primary concern within the watch area centers on the potential for significant icing, which could lead to widespread power outages, tree damage, and make travel nearly impossible.
State-Level Preparedness and Executive Action
In response to the developing weather threat, Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. This executive order is effective through January 29, 2026. The declaration includes several critical provisions designed to facilitate emergency response and protect residents. It prohibits price gouging, aiming to prevent opportunistic increases in the cost of essential goods and services. Furthermore, it suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
To bolster readiness, Governor Kemp has authorized the deployment of up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops, should they be needed for preparation, response, and recovery efforts. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has been directed to activate the State Operations Center (SOC), which will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting Saturday morning at 7 a.m. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has also begun treating roadways in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. These measures reflect a sober recognition of the potential challenges ahead and a commitment to mitigating their impact on the human fabric of the state.
Regional Forecasts and Potential Lingering Cold
While the northern and central parts of the state face the most immediate and severe threats, the influence of the approaching cold front will be felt across Georgia. In Southeast Georgia, a 5% to 10% chance of minor freezing rain impacts was forecast earlier in the week. A strong cold front is expected to sweep across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia Sunday night into early Monday, bringing a weakening band of rain showers. Following this, temperatures are projected to drop significantly, with highs on Monday only reaching the 50s before plummeting to the 20s and 30s by early Tuesday. This will lead to a widespread frost and freeze, with another such event anticipated early Wednesday and inland early Thursday. Prolonged freezing temperatures raise concerns about frozen pipes, even as precipitation moves out.
Guidance for Residents: Preparation and Compassion
With the severe weather imminent, residents across the affected areas are strongly urged to take proactive measures. Preparing for potential extended power outages is critical, which includes having non-perishable food, ample water, and alternative heating sources. It is vital to use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and keep all heat sources at least three feet from flammable materials. The importance of having a working carbon monoxide detector cannot be overstated, especially when considering alternative heating methods.
Travel is advised against during the warning period; however, for those whose journeys are unavoidable, keeping an emergency kit in vehicles, complete with extra flashlights, food, and water, is recommended. Checking on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors, and bringing pets indoors, embody the communal spirit that sustains communities during difficult times. Many counties are opening warming centers to provide safe, heated spaces for those in need, reflecting a practical and humane response to the cold’s inevitable reach. Examples of such centers include locations in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Gordon, Houston, Whitfield, and White counties, among others. These shelters offer not only warmth but also a measure of safety and community amidst the cold. Authorities emphasize that in severe winter storms, emergency personnel may be delayed in reaching individuals, underscoring the necessity of personal and community preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the primary weather warning in effect for parts of Northeast Georgia?
- An ice storm warning has been issued for parts of Northeast Georgia.
- Which areas are covered by the Ice Storm Warning?
- The Ice Storm Warning includes counties such as Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, White, Habersham, and Rabun.
- What are the expected ice accumulations in the Ice Storm Warning areas?
- Expected ice accumulations range from a quarter of an inch to as much as one inch, with some areas potentially receiving up to two inches of snow and sleet.
- What is the duration of
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