Atlanta, Georgia, January 25, 2026
As Winter Storm Fern moves through Georgia, nearly 9,500 homes and businesses are without power due to freezing rain, ice, and strong winds. Key areas affected include Gwinnett and Fulton counties, while Georgia Power has mobilized thousands for restoration efforts amidst ongoing hazardous conditions. Residents are advised to exercise caution and prepare for potential outages, with utilities providing guidance and reporting options.
Atlanta, Georgia – Winter Storm Fern Brings Widespread Power Disruptions Across State
Atlanta, Georgia – As Winter Storm Fern traverses the state, a significant number of homes and businesses across Georgia find themselves without electrical power. As of Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, a total of 9,482 homes and businesses were without electricity statewide, representing 0.18% of the 5,341,369 customers tracked across Georgia. These outages are a direct consequence of the freezing rain, accumulating ice, and strong winds brought by the winter weather system.
Impacted Areas and Utility Responses
The most significant concentration of outages has been observed in key counties. Gwinnett County leads with 2,135 customers currently without power, while Fulton County reports 1,503 affected customers. Other utilities and regions also report service interruptions, including Amicalola EMC with 1,894 customers, Jackson EMC with 1,417, Cobb EMC affecting 526 customers, and Habersham EMC with 327 outages. Pickens County has 935 customers without power, and Rockdale County reports 864 outages.
Georgia Power, one of the state’s primary utility providers, accounts for 4,583 of the current outages. In anticipation of the storm’s effects, Georgia Power has mobilized over 10,000 personnel, encompassing their own crews, contract companies, and partner utilities, all poised to support the extensive restoration efforts. Crews are prepared to operate continuously, working around the clock to address damages and expedite the return of service. Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) across the state have also undertaken preparatory measures for several days, including winterizing vehicles, loading emergency equipment, and securing essential materials like poles, wires, connectors, and transformers. Mutual aid agreements have facilitated the positioning of additional crews from outside the state, such as from Florida, and from southern Georgia to assist in the most heavily impacted regions.
The initial phase of restoration involves damage assessment once conditions are deemed safe for personnel to enter affected areas. This assessment helps determine the extent of damage and the resources needed before vegetation crews clear debris, paving the way for repair teams.
Winter Storm Fern and Ongoing Conditions
Winter Storm Fern’s primary concern remains ice accumulation, as ice coats tree limbs and power lines, adding weight that can lead to snapping branches and fallen lines, causing extensive damage to the electrical distribution system. The hazardous conditions are predicted to persist, with an Ice Storm Warning remaining in effect until Monday at 10 a.m. for portions of north central and northeast Georgia. Gainesville-Hall County, for instance, has braced for significant icing and heavy snow.
In response to the challenging weather, all service disconnections for Georgia Power customers have been suspended through Wednesday, January 28, with normal operations slated to resume on Thursday, January 29. Federal and state emergency declarations are in effect, with President Trump having approved a federal disaster declaration for certain areas of Georgia, and Governor Brian Kemp’s State of Emergency remaining active until Thursday at midnight. Additionally, 120 National Guard members have been deployed to northeast Georgia to bolster response capabilities.
Guidance for Residents
Residents are strongly advised to exercise caution and heed safety recommendations. Remaining off the roads is crucial due to hazardous driving conditions, including the potential for quickly forming black ice, which can make travel perilous and delay emergency assistance. In the event of an outage, it is vital to be aware of safety risks. Individuals should be watchful for downed power lines, avoid chain link fences or standing water that may be electrified, and under no circumstances attempt to remove tree branches from power lines.
For those experiencing power loss, essential preparations include keeping phones and medical devices charged. Households are encouraged to stock an emergency kit containing batteries, flashlights, blankets, water, and non-perishable food items. In the interest of food safety, refrigerator and freezer doors should be kept closed to preserve temperatures. A full freezer can maintain a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours, while a half-full freezer can do so for about 24 hours. Perishable items such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers should be discarded if refrigeration is lost for more than four hours. Portable gas generators, while useful, must never be operated in enclosed spaces due to the silent and odorless danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Utility providers offer various methods for checking outage status and reporting new disruptions. Georgia Power customers can utilize the Georgia Power Outage Map for near real-time information or call 1-888-891-0938 to report an outage. North Georgia EMC encourages visiting its live outage map, while Walton EMC customers can report outages or seek updates by calling their Outage Hotline at 678-639-3300. Checking with specific local utility providers is the most effective way to obtain accurate, localized information and ensure proper reporting of any service interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Power Outages
- How many homes and businesses are currently without power in Georgia?
- As of Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, 9,482 homes and businesses are without power in Georgia.
- Which areas in Georgia are most affected by power outages?
- The counties with the most reported outages are Gwinnett County with 2,135 customers and Fulton County with 1,503 customers.
- What is causing the power outages in Georgia?
- The power outages are primarily caused by Winter Storm Fern, which is bringing freezing rain, ice accumulation on tree limbs and power lines, and strong winds across the state.
- How can Georgia Power customers report an outage?
- Georgia Power customers can report an outage by calling 1-888-891-0938.
- How can I check the status of a power outage in Georgia?
- Georgians can check the status of power outages by visiting the Georgia Power Outage Map. North Georgia EMC also provides a live outage map.
- What should I do if I see a downed power line?
- If you see a downed power line, do not approach it. You should watch for downed wires, avoid chain link fences or standing water, and not attempt to remove any tree branches from power lines. If it is a dangerous condition, including downed power lines, call 1-888-891-0938.
- Are utility disconnections suspended during Winter Storm Fern?
- Yes, Georgia Power has suspended all service disconnections through Wednesday, January 28.
Key Features of Power Outage Information & Reporting in Georgia
| Feature | Description | Provider(s) | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time Outage Maps | Interactive maps displaying current outages and status updates. | Georgia Power, North Georgia EMC | State-level |
| Outage Reporting Hotline | Dedicated phone numbers for reporting new power outages. | Georgia Power (1-888-891-0938), Walton EMC (678-639-3300) | State-level |
| Outage Alerts | Personalized notifications and updates via text message for subscribed customers. | Georgia Power | State-level |
| Suspension of Disconnections | Temporary halt of service disconnections during severe weather events. | Georgia Power (until Jan 28, 2026) | State-level |
| Safety Information | Guidelines on how to stay safe during an outage, including advice on downed lines and generator use. | Georgia Power, various utilities | State-level |
| Emergency Preparedness Tips | Recommendations for stocking supplies and preparing homes for winter weather and power loss. | Georgia Power, Georgia EMC | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Georgia Grapples with Extensive Ice Accumulation and Power Outages
North Georgia Health Facilities Close for Winter Weather
Georgia Power Prepares for Winter Storm Fern in Atlanta
Ice Storm Warning Expands Across Metro Atlanta
Atlanta Braces for Severe Winter Ice Storm
Freezing Rain Expected to Impact North Georgia and Metro Atlanta
Ice Storm Warning Issued for Metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia
Winter Storm Watch Issued for North Georgia and Atlanta
Impending Winter Storm Threatens North Georgia and Metro Atlanta
Approaching Winter Storm Causes Widespread Closures in Georgia
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.
