Gwinnett County, January 26, 2026
Gwinnett County is recovering from the catastrophic impact of Winter Storm Fern, which resulted in downed trees and widespread power outages. With severe weather conditions persisting, utility crews are working tirelessly to restore electricity and ensure road safety. Thousands of residents faced outages during peak times, prompting the state’s emergency response. As conditions remain hazardous with ice threats, community support systems and warming centers have been put in place to assist those affected.
Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County has experienced the lingering effects of a significant winter storm over the past 48 hours, characterized by widespread downed trees and power outages across its communities. While restoration efforts have seen rapid progress in areas such as Suwanee, the intricate dance between nature’s force and human endeavor continues as utility crews work diligently to restore normalcy.
Winter Storm Fern Brings Icy Conditions and Disruptions
A powerful ice storm, designated Winter Storm Fern, swept across North Georgia and the wider Atlanta metropolitan area from Saturday, January 24, to Monday, January 26, 2026. This rare weather event brought freezing rain and sleet, leading to substantial ice accumulation on surfaces, trees, and power lines. Gusts of wind, reaching speeds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, compounded the challenges, contributing to the falling of ice-laden tree limbs and the disruption of electrical infrastructure. The National Weather Service issued an Ice Storm Warning, the first for the region since February 2014, which remained in effect for much of North Georgia until 10 a.m. on Monday, January 26.
Power Outages and Restoration Efforts
The impact on electrical service was immediate and widespread. Across Georgia, nearly 80,000 power outages were reported statewide by Sunday afternoon, January 25. In Gwinnett County, outages surged to nearly 15,000 customers by Sunday afternoon. However, by Sunday evening at 8 p.m., approximately 4,200 customers in Gwinnett County remained without power, and by 11 p.m. that figure had decreased to 842. As of the morning of Monday, January 26, at 5:20 a.m., 335 households in Gwinnett County were still impacted by outages. The latest reports indicate 636 homes and businesses in Gwinnett County are currently without power.
Utility providers, including Georgia Power and Georgia EMC, have deployed thousands of personnel to address the extensive damage. Crews are working 12-hour shifts to clear downed trees and repair damaged power lines, a process that can be protracted, especially when downed power poles require replacement. Residents are urged to maintain a safe distance from downed power lines, as they may remain energized and dangerous.
Hazardous Road Conditions Persist
The freezing precipitation rendered roadways treacherous. State officials repeatedly advised residents to remain off the roads due to hazardous travel conditions, particularly on untreated secondary routes and overpasses, where black ice was a significant concern. Road treatment operations, including the application of brine and salt mixtures, have been ongoing, though authorities emphasized the persistence of danger through Monday morning due to refreezing temperatures.
Broader Regional Impact and Response
Beyond Gwinnett County, the winter storm affected other parts of North Georgia severely. Rabun and White counties, in particular, experienced a high concentration of outages, with nearly 20,000 reported in these areas at one point.
In response to the storm’s extensive reach, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for affected areas, which remains in effect until Thursday at midnight. Furthermore, 120 members of the Georgia National Guard were deployed to Northeast Georgia to assist with response efforts in the hardest-hit regions.
Ongoing Challenges and Community Support
The bitter cold that followed the precipitation means that significant melting of ice is not expected immediately, extending the period of hazardous travel and potential for further infrastructure damage. Gwinnett County responded to the immediate needs of its residents by opening six warming centers, one of which was pet-friendly, providing shelter and sustenance during the cold snap. The comprehensive effort to restore power, ensure safe passage, and offer warmth stands as a testament to the resilience of communities and the dedicated work of emergency personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the recent power outages and downed trees in Gwinnett County?
The recent power outages and downed trees in Gwinnett County were caused by Winter Storm Fern, a significant ice storm that brought freezing rain, sleet, and strong winds to North Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area from January 24 to January 26, 2026.
When did Winter Storm Fern primarily impact Gwinnett County?
Winter Storm Fern primarily impacted Gwinnett County and the broader region over the weekend of January 24-25, 2026, with lingering effects into Monday, January 26, 2026.
How many power outages were reported in Gwinnett County during the storm’s peak?
Power outages in Gwinnett County surged to nearly 15,000 customers by Sunday afternoon, January 25, during the storm’s peak impact.
What is the current status of power restoration in Gwinnett County?
As of recent reports on Monday, January 26, 2026, 636 homes and businesses in Gwinnett County are currently without power, following extensive restoration efforts since the storm’s peak.
Were there any broader regional impacts beyond Gwinnett County?
Yes, the storm had widespread impacts across North Georgia, with nearly 80,000 power outages reported statewide by Sunday afternoon, January 25. Hardest-hit areas included Rabun and White counties.
What government actions were taken in response to the storm?
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency, which remains in effect until Thursday at midnight, and deployed 120 members of the Georgia National Guard to assist in the hardest-hit areas of Northeast Georgia.
Are roads still hazardous in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas?
Yes, despite ongoing road treatment efforts, hazardous travel conditions persist due to below-freezing temperatures leading to the formation of black ice, especially on untreated secondary roads and overpasses.
Key Features of Winter Storm Fern’s Impact
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause | Ice storm (Winter Storm Fern) with freezing rain, sleet, and gusty winds (20-35 mph). | North Georgia, Atlanta Metropolitan Area |
| Ice Accumulation | 0.25 to 1 inch in warning areas; up to a quarter-inch in Atlanta. | State-level (North and Central Georgia) |
| Peak Gwinnett Outages | Nearly 15,000 customers. | Gwinnett County |
| Latest Gwinnett Outages | 636 homes and businesses. | Gwinnett County |
| Statewide Peak Outages | Nearly 80,000 customers. | State-level (Georgia) |
| Ice Storm Warning Duration | Until 10 a.m. Monday, January 26. | State-level (North and North Central Georgia) |
| State of Emergency | Declared by Governor Kemp, in effect until Thursday at midnight. | State-level (Georgia) |
| National Guard Deployment | 120 members deployed to Northeast Georgia. | State-level (Northeast Georgia) |
| Road Conditions | Hazardous due to icy roads and black ice; refreezing expected. | North Georgia, Atlanta Metropolitan Area |
| Warming Centers | Six centers opened, including a pet-friendly facility. | Gwinnett County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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