North Georgia, January 26, 2026
North Georgia is facing significant challenges due to an unusual winter storm that brought freezing temperatures and hazardous icy conditions. With widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands and treacherous road conditions, a state of emergency has been declared. The region continues to deal with the aftermath as residents are urged to exercise caution. The storm, characterized by ice accumulations and strong winds, is expected to maintain dangerous conditions in the coming days.
Atlanta
Lingering Ice and Extreme Cold Grip North Georgia as Winter Storm’s Aftermath Unfolds
North Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area are contending with the enduring grip of an unusual winter storm, as freezing temperatures and hazardous icy conditions persist into Monday, January 26, 2026. This rare event, marked by significant ice accumulations and widespread disruptions, has prompted a state of emergency across Georgia and left tens of thousands without power. Residents are urged to maintain caution as the dangerous effects of the storm continue to impede daily life and challenge infrastructure.
Immediate Challenges: Power Outages and Treacherous Roads
The storm, which commenced with freezing rain and sleet on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and intensified through Sunday, January 25, has left a substantial layer of ice across much of North Georgia. Ice accumulation estimates ranged from a quarter-inch to one inch in many areas under an Ice Storm Warning, with some localized regions in northeast Georgia experiencing up to one inch or more. This accumulation, compounded by wind gusts between 20 to 35 miles per hour, has led to considerable damage to trees and power lines.
On Sunday, power outages surged dramatically, with reports indicating over 87,000 customers in Georgia were without electricity by 5:00 PM. While some power has been restored, tens of thousands still faced outages as of Monday morning, particularly in the northeastern counties such as Rabun and White. The cold, unrelenting temperatures are exacerbating the hardship for those without heat, preventing a rapid thaw of the ice and prolonging hazardous conditions.
Travel remains extremely perilous across the affected region. Roads, bridges, and overpasses are coated with ice, with officials repeatedly urging residents to avoid all unnecessary travel. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has deployed extensive crews, working in 12-hour shifts to treat and plow interstates and state routes. However, the refreezing of any moisture overnight, along with the potential for black ice, means that roadways, even those previously treated, continue to present significant dangers. All Georgia Express Lanes are closed until further notice. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced more than 1,100 flight cancellations on Sunday, reflecting the widespread impact on transportation.
Storm Progression and Meteorological Context
The National Weather Service issued an Ice Storm Warning, effective from 1:00 PM Saturday through 10:00 AM Monday for a broad swathe of north Georgia and metro Atlanta. This marked the first such warning for the area since February 2014, underscoring the severity and rarity of the event. Freezing rain began in far north Georgia early Saturday, spreading into the metro area later that evening and continuing overnight through Sunday.
A meteorological phenomenon known as “cold-air damming,” or “The Wedge,” played a crucial role in this storm. This occurs when a dense, cool, high-pressure air mass flows south along the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, becoming trapped and leading to prolonged freezing rain conditions as warmer, moisture-laden air overrides it. This atmospheric dynamic created a sharp temperature gradient across Georgia on Sunday, with temperatures in the 30s in North Georgia while parts of central Georgia experienced temperatures in the 70s.
Outlook and Ongoing Response
The immediate forecast predicts continued extreme cold across North and Central Georgia through Tuesday. Overnight lows on Monday are expected to plummet into the single digits to teens, with wind chill values potentially falling below zero in higher elevations. These frigid conditions are expected to prevent any significant melting of accumulated ice through Tuesday, sustaining the risk of hazardous travel and potential for pipe bursts and cold-related illnesses.
In response to the storm, Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency, which remains in effect through Thursday, January 29, 2026. Federal disaster relief was approved by President Donald Trump at Governor Kemp’s request, and members of the National Guard have been deployed to assist in impacted areas. Local government offices and schools, including Atlanta Public Schools and many county school districts, announced closures for Monday. Many universities also canceled classes. Officials continue to implore residents to remain indoors, check on vulnerable neighbors, and prepare for extended periods without power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary event impacting North Georgia?
A: North Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area are contending with the enduring grip of an unusual winter storm, as freezing temperatures and hazardous icy conditions persist into Monday, January 26, 2026.
Q: When did the ice storm begin and how long is it expected to last?
A: The storm commenced with freezing rain and sleet on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and intensified through Sunday, January 25. The National Weather Service issued an Ice Storm Warning, effective from 1:00 PM Saturday through 10:00 AM Monday for a broad swathe of north Georgia and metro Atlanta. Extreme cold is expected to continue across North and Central Georgia through Tuesday.
Q: How much ice accumulation occurred in North Georgia?
A: Ice accumulation estimates ranged from a quarter-inch to one inch in many areas under an Ice Storm Warning, with some localized regions in northeast Georgia experiencing up to one inch or more.
Q: What are the main impacts of this winter storm?
A: The main impacts include hazardous to impossible travel conditions due to ice-coated roads, widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of customers, significant tree damage, and numerous flight cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Q: What are the current temperature forecasts for North Georgia?
A: Overnight lows on Monday are expected to plummet into the single digits to teens, with wind chill values potentially falling below zero in higher elevations. Frigid conditions are expected to prevent any significant melting of accumulated ice through Tuesday.
Q: What is “cold-air damming” and how did it affect this storm?
A: “Cold-air damming,” also known as “The Wedge,” is a meteorological phenomenon where a dense, cool, high-pressure air mass flows south along the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, becoming trapped. This dynamic leads to prolonged freezing rain conditions as warmer, moisture-laden air overrides it, contributing to the significant icing experienced in this storm.
Q: What measures have authorities taken in response to the storm?
A: Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency, which remains in effect through Thursday, January 29, 2026. Federal disaster relief was approved, and the National Guard has been deployed. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) crews are continuously treating and plowing roadways.
Key Features of the North Georgia Ice Storm (January 2026)
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of Ice Storm Warning | 1:00 PM Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 – 10:00 AM Monday, Jan 26, 2026 | North Georgia and Metro Atlanta |
| Peak Ice Accumulation | 0.25 to 1 inch, with localized amounts of 0.5 to 1.0 inch or more | Northeast Georgia (highest impacts), North Georgia generally, Metro Atlanta (up to 0.25 inch) |
| Peak Power Outages Reported | Over 87,000 customers on Sunday, Jan 25, 2026 | State-level (primarily Northeast Georgia and Metro Atlanta) |
| Wind Gusts During Storm | 20 to 35 miles per hour | North Georgia, Northeast Georgia |
| Extreme Cold Forecast | Low temperatures in single digits to teens, wind chills potentially below 0°F (through Tuesday) | North and Central Georgia |
| Travel Conditions | Hazardous to impossible; black ice concerns; all GA Express Lanes closed | State-level (North and North-Central Georgia) |
| State of Emergency Declaration | Effective through Thursday, Jan 29, 2026 | State-level (Across Georgia) |
| Flight Cancellations (Sunday) | Over 1,100 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | Atlanta |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Freezing Temperatures and Icy Roads Threaten Metro Atlanta
Sandy Springs Experiences Significant Winter Storm Impact
North Georgia Faces Ice Storm Emergency
Winter Weather Event Causes Disruption in Metro Atlanta
Georgia Governor Declares Statewide Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
Utilities Mobilize in North Georgia and Metro Atlanta for Severe Weather
City of Oxford Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Due to Ice Storm
Georgia Grapples with Severe Ice Event; Officials Urge Residents to Shelter
Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration Approved for Georgia
Severe Winter Storm Hits North 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.
