Atlanta, January 24, 2026
In anticipation of Winter Storm Fern, Georgia Power has mobilized over 10,000 personnel statewide to address potential power outages. Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a State of Emergency, with preparations underway for hazardous icy conditions. The Georgia Department of Transportation is pre-treating roads for safety. Residents are advised to stock up on essentials and prepare for possible disruptions in service and travel due to expected significant ice accumulation across the region.
Atlanta
Georgia Power Mobilizes Thousands as Winter Storm Fern Approaches, Threatening Outages Across State
Georgia Power has activated thousands of personnel and placed them on standby across the state in anticipation of potential power outages as Winter Storm Fern approaches. The utility company has affirmed its readiness to address disruptions caused by the expected ice storm, which poses a significant risk to the integrity of the electrical grid. This mobilization underscores a concerted effort to mitigate the storm’s impact on communities and ensure a swift response to any service interruptions.
Statewide Preparations Underway for Icy Conditions
As temperatures are expected to plummet and bring dangerous ice accumulations, state-level preparations are extensive. Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency on Thursday, January 22, ahead of Winter Storm Fern’s impact, which will run through January 29, 2026. This declaration mobilizes resources and allows for measures such as prohibiting price gouging and suspending certain transportation limitations for commercial vehicles involved in response activities. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has commenced brining operations, pre-treating interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses, working from Macon north to the state line. However, officials caution that the efficacy of road treatments is inherently limited during severe ice storms, acknowledging the challenges that persistent freezing rain can present for maintaining safe travel conditions, as ice cannot be plowed. GDOT crews will prioritize keeping high-traffic routes passable for emergency vehicles and first responders, as well as areas providing access to hospitals and urgent care centers. Residents are urged to avoid travel in the most impacted areas whenever possible this weekend.
An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for almost all counties along and north of I-20, including most of Metro Atlanta, with significant ice accumulation likely. Forecasts indicate that areas could receive from one-tenth to one-half inch of ice, with some northern and eastern Atlanta areas potentially seeing up to one inch, leading to widespread, long-duration power outages and impossible travel. Governor Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize needed resources, including up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops if required for preparation, response, and recovery efforts. Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers and Officers will be on standby across the state.
Georgia Power’s Proactive Measures and Customer Advisories
Georgia Power’s current state of readiness includes more than 10,000 personnel, encompassing internal crews, contracting companies, and partner utilities from Florida and other states, all engaged and ready to support response efforts. The company has been monitoring the forecast for nearly a week and will relocate crews to areas where damage is expected to allow for flexibility and an efficient response once conditions are safe. Georgia Power has also suspended all service disconnections through Wednesday, January 28, with normal operations resuming on Thursday, January 29.
Customers are strongly urged to take proactive steps to prepare their homes and families for the expected severe weather. Recommendations include stocking up on essentials such as batteries, flashlights, blankets, water, and non-perishable food items. It is also advised to keep phones and medical devices charged, check in on pets and loved ones, and pick up any critical medicine. Maintaining proper home insulation by keeping doors and windows closed and dripping faucets to prevent pipes from freezing are also critical steps. Fire officials and Georgia Power consistently emphasize safety precautions, particularly concerning fire hazards from candles and safe usage of portable gas generators due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. These advisories, while practical, carry a quiet insistence on the wisdom of foresight, reminding us that a measure of readiness can often be a gentle bulwark against the harshest elements.
Reflecting on Winter’s Unfolding Path
The anticipated arrival of Winter Storm Fern serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s formidable power and the human endeavor to anticipate and respond to its challenges. The widespread preparations across Georgia, from utility crews mobilizing to state agencies activating emergency protocols, reflect a collective understanding of the gravity of such events. While the logistical operations are robust, the deeper human meaning of these events often lies in the quiet acts of preparation within homes, the neighborly concern shared, and the collective resilience of communities facing the cold together. These moments, where the everyday rhythms of life are paused by weather’s decree, invite a collective reflection on our shared vulnerability and our enduring capacity for communal strength amidst the elemental forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What preparations has Georgia Power made for Winter Storm Fern?
- Georgia Power has activated thousands of personnel and placed them on standby across the state in anticipation of potential power outages as Winter Storm Fern approaches. More than 10,000 personnel, including Georgia Power, contracting companies, and partner utilities, are engaged and ready to support the company’s response effort.
- Has a State of Emergency been declared in Georgia for Winter Storm Fern?
- Yes, Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency on Thursday, January 22, ahead of Winter Storm Fern’s impact, which will run through January 29, 2026.
- Are road crews prepared for the ice storm in Georgia?
- The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has commenced brining operations, pre-treating interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses. However, officials caution that the efficacy of road treatments is inherently limited during severe ice storms, as ice cannot be plowed.
- What areas are under an Ice Storm Warning?
- An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for almost all counties along and north of I-20, including most of Metro Atlanta, with significant ice accumulation likely.
- What advice has Georgia Power given to customers?
- Customers are strongly urged to take proactive steps to prepare their homes and families for the expected severe weather, including stocking up on essentials, keeping devices charged, checking on loved ones, and ensuring homes are insulated.
Key Features of Winter Storm Fern Preparedness in Georgia
| Entity / Measure | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power Personnel Mobilization | Over 10,000 personnel (including contractors and partner utilities) on standby for power outage response. | State-level |
| State of Emergency Declaration | Declared by Governor Kemp on January 22, running through January 29, 2026, for all counties in Georgia. | State-level |
| Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) | Brining operations underway, pre-treating roads from Macon north; prioritizing high-traffic and emergency routes. | State-level |
| Ice Storm Warning Areas | Almost all counties along and north of I-20, including most of Metro Atlanta. | Regional (within Georgia) |
| Customer Preparedness Advisories | Recommendations for stocking essentials, charging devices, insulating homes, and practicing generator safety. | State-level |
| Service Disconnections Suspension | Georgia Power has suspended all service disconnections through January 28. | State-level |
| Georgia National Guard | Up to 500 troops authorized for deployment for preparation, response, and recovery efforts. | State-level |
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.
