Atlanta, GA, January 26, 2026
A significant freezing rain event has struck metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia, leading to hazardous conditions and widespread power outages. The storm began on January 25, causing dangerous travel conditions with ice accumulation on roads, sidewalks, and trees. Residents face challenges due to power interruptions, affecting their daily lives. The icy conditions are expected to persist, urging people to exercise caution in their movements. This event follows a series of recent weather disturbances in the area, demonstrating the region’s vulnerability to severe weather patterns.
Atlanta
Heavy freezing rain continues to impact metro Atlanta and communities across northeast Georgia, creating hazardous conditions and leading to disruptions for residents. The precipitation, which began yesterday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 3:58 PM EST, has solidified into a layer of ice, making travel treacherous and raising concerns for public safety. This prolonged period of freezing rain is expected to persist in certain northeastern parts of the state through the evening hours of Sunday, January 25, 2026, culminating around 6 PM EST.
The immediate and most tangible consequence of this sustained freezing rain event has been the growing number of power outages. As ice accumulates on trees and power lines, the added weight and strain are causing failures in the electrical infrastructure. Homes and businesses across the affected regions are experiencing interruptions to their power supply, a circumstance that often brings with it a quiet struggle for warmth, light, and the simple rhythms of daily life in the winter months.
Current Conditions and Ongoing Concerns
As of early today, Monday, January 26, 2026, the frozen precipitation continues to blanket surfaces, with the weight of the ice presenting an ongoing risk. The cumulative effect of the freezing rain means that even as new precipitation might subside, the ice already present remains, posing dangers from slick roads, sidewalks, and potential falling tree limbs. This necessitates continued vigilance and careful movement for all individuals in the impacted areas. The presence of such widespread icing often brings with it a quiet challenge for communities, requiring patience and mutual support.
The conditions underscore the vulnerability of daily life to the natural world’s unyielding forces. For those in northeast Georgia, where the freezing rain has been particularly heavy and persistent, the immediate future holds the challenge of navigating these icy realities and managing the effects of lost power. This period calls for prudence in travel and heightened awareness of the environment, as the frozen landscape holds both a stark beauty and significant peril.
Broader Context of Recent Weather Patterns
This freezing rain event follows a period of varied and at times challenging weather for metro Atlanta and northern Georgia. In May 2025, strong and severe storms swept through the region, bringing with them heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and hail. There was also a notable, albeit low, risk for brief, localized tornadoes during that period. Such events remind us of the varied meteorological forces at play across the state through different seasons.
Later in the summer, specifically in August 2025, heavy rains led to flash flood warnings being issued for metro Atlanta. While these warnings were eventually canceled, the intensity of the rainfall caused localized flooding. Notably, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office reported flooding within the Rice Street Jail during this time, highlighting the immediate and sometimes unexpected impacts of significant precipitation on public infrastructure. These past events, while distinct in their nature, illustrate the ongoing adjustments communities in Georgia must make to the dynamic patterns of weather, each presenting its own set of challenges and requiring a steady response from both individuals and public services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather event is currently affecting metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia?
Heavy freezing rain continues to impact metro Atlanta and communities across northeast Georgia.
When did the freezing rain event begin?
The precipitation began yesterday, January 25, 2026, at approximately 3:58 PM EST.
What are the primary consequences of the freezing rain?
The immediate and most tangible consequence of this sustained freezing rain event has been the growing number of power outages across Northeast parts of the state.
How long is the freezing rain expected to last in northeast Georgia?
This prolonged period of freezing rain is expected to persist in certain northeastern parts of the state through the evening hours of Sunday, January 25, 2026, culminating around 6 PM EST.
What other significant weather events have affected metro Atlanta and northern Georgia recently?
In May 2025, strong and severe storms swept through the region with heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and hail. In August 2025, heavy rains led to flash flood warnings, with localized flooding reported at the Rice Street Jail in Fulton County.
Key Features of the Freezing Rain Event
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Event | Heavy Freezing Rain | State-level (Metro Atlanta, Northeast Georgia) |
| Start Time | January 25, 2026, 3:58 PM EST | State-level |
| Expected Duration | Through 6 PM EST on January 25, 2026 (for persistent freezing rain in northeast areas) | State-level (Northeast Georgia) |
| Main Impact | Power Outages | State-level (Northeast parts of the state) |
| Secondary Impact | Hazardous driving conditions due to ice accumulation | State-level (Metro Atlanta, Northeast Georgia) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Metro Atlanta Winter Storm Causes Disruptions
Significant Flight Disruptions at Atlanta Airport Due to Ice Storm
Public Transit in Atlanta Faces Service Reductions Due to Icy Weather
Gwinnett County Faces Aftermath of Winter Storm Fern
State Officials Urge Georgians to Stay Off Roads Due to Ice
Persistent Icy Conditions Grip North Georgia
Georgia Ice Storm Causes Hazardous Conditions
Georgia Faces Winter Storm Challenges and Preparation
Severe Ice Storm Impacts Georgia Regions
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Faces Recovery After Winter Storm
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.
