Georgia, January 27, 2026
As Winter Storm Fern withdraws, Georgia grapples with power outages, treacherous travel conditions, and a statewide state of emergency. Ice accumulation and bitter cold persist, creating hazards across northern and central regions. The storm has significantly affected thousands, leading to flight cancellations and road hazards, while investigations unfold simultaneously in other parts of the state.
Atlanta.
As Winter Storm Fern began to recede from much of Georgia, its formidable grip presented immediate challenges to residents and infrastructure across the northern and central regions of the state. Thousands awoke to continued power outages and treacherous travel conditions on Tuesday, January 27, following a weekend of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The extreme cold lingered, prompting advisories and highlighting the necessity of careful movement and vigilant awareness of the environment.
Lingering Winter’s Chill and Widespread Disruption
The peak intensity of Winter Storm Fern, a colossal weather event, was felt acutely between the early hours of Sunday, January 25, and midday Monday, January 26, 2026. An Ice Storm Warning had been in effect for much of North Georgia, with ice accumulations ranging from 0.25 to 1 inch, and even higher in isolated locales. These icy burdens, coupled with gusty winds reaching 20 to 35 miles per hour, wrought significant damage, primarily through widespread power line failures and downed trees.
Across northeast Georgia, thousands of households and businesses remained without electricity as utility crews worked diligently to restore service amidst the frigid conditions. Georgia EMC reported more than 42,000 outages across the state, with approximately 24,000 concentrated in northeast Georgia and an additional 10,000 affecting the broader metro Atlanta area. These outages underscored the human cost of such extreme weather, as homes lost heat in dangerously low temperatures.
Transportation networks faced severe impediments. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced considerable flight disruptions, recording over 200 cancellations on January 26 and more than 130 canceled or delayed flights on January 25, impacting travelers both within the nation and internationally. On the ground, roadways, particularly in North and Central Georgia, remained hazardous. Despite the dedicated efforts of local and state transportation workers, who tirelessly treated and plowed roads, the threat of black ice persisted, especially on bridges, overpasses, and in shaded areas. State emergency officials repeatedly urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel.
The severity of the storm prompted Governor Brian Kemp to issue a statewide state of emergency, which remains in effect through Thursday, January 29, 2026. The Governor also authorized the deployment of up to 500 National Guard members to assist with response efforts if required. In a testament to community solidarity, temporary shelters were established to offer warmth and respite, with nearly 100 individuals finding shelter at Lay Park in Athens-Clarke County on Monday night. Many North Georgia school districts, prioritizing the safety of students and staff, announced closures, transitions to remote learning, or delayed starts for Tuesday, January 27.
As of Tuesday morning, January 27, a Cold Weather Advisory was in effect for most of Georgia. Forecasts indicated very cold temperatures, with widespread readings in the teens and single digits for North and Central Georgia, and wind chill values plunging to between -5 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit in many northern areas. Concerns remained high for potential pipe bursts and cold-related illnesses, particularly for those still without power or with prolonged exposure to the outdoors. While sunny, dry, and cold conditions are anticipated for the remainder of the week, meteorologists cautioned that another surge of cold air is expected over the upcoming weekend, though precipitation chances appear low.
Investigations and Legislative Inquiries
Beyond the immediate concerns of the winter storm, other significant events unfolded across Georgia in the preceding 48 hours. In Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) commenced an active and ongoing investigation into the shooting death of 29-year-old Shekela Woodard. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 25, at a party on Sullivan Court, with no arrests reported at this time.
Concurrently, a matter of national scope with local implications drew attention. Georgia U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff formally requested details from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem regarding a rumored federal immigration facility reportedly planned for a warehouse in a small Atlanta suburb. This inquiry highlights ongoing discussions surrounding federal operations and their potential footprint within the state.
Local Developments in Albany
In Albany, municipal affairs progressed with several key considerations. The Albany City Commission is actively reviewing proposals for funding a downtown hotel project, an initiative that could significantly impact the city’s economic landscape and hospitality sector. Furthermore, AT&T announced a substantial $17 billion investment to expand its network reach across the state of Georgia, promising enhanced connectivity for millions of residents. Amidst these developments, local officials in Albany are also addressing pressing social concerns, seeking to close a city-owned apartment complex deemed “not fit to live in,” reflecting a commitment to ensuring safe housing conditions for its citizens.
These interwoven threads of severe weather response, criminal investigation, national policy inquiry, and local development paint a picture of a state navigating both the elemental forces of nature and the enduring complexities of human endeavor and governance. Each event, in its own way, calls for careful attention and a measured response, reflecting the ongoing pulse of life across Georgia.
Key Features of Winter Storm Fern’s Impact in Georgia
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Impact | Freezing rain, sleet, and snow leading to significant ice accumulation (0.25 to 1 inch). | State-level (North and Central Georgia) |
| Power Outages | Over 42,000 outages reported by Georgia EMC, with major concentrations in northeast Georgia (24,000) and metro Atlanta (10,000). | State-level (Northeast Georgia, Metro Atlanta) |
| Travel Disruptions | More than 200 flights canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Jan 26. Hazardous road conditions, especially due to black ice, affecting state roadways. | State-level (Atlanta, North and Central Georgia) |
| Government Response | Statewide State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian Kemp through Jan 29, 2026; up to 500 National Guard members authorized. | State-level (All counties in Georgia) |
| Temperature Conditions | Dangerous wind chills (-5 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in North Georgia, 5 to 15 degrees in Central Georgia); Cold Weather Advisory in effect. | State-level (North and Central Georgia) |
| School Closures | Multiple North Georgia school districts announced closures, remote learning, or delayed starts for Jan 27. | State-level (North Georgia) |
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.
