Georgia, January 26, 2026
Georgia experienced a significant ice storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, leading to widespread power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and numerous closures. State officials declared a State of Emergency as residents were advised to stay indoors for safety. With ice accumulation affecting primarily northern and central regions, including Metro Atlanta, the storm caused significant disruptions, notably in air travel and daily activities. Emergency services were activated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation as cold temperatures and icy roads continued to pose risks for residents.
Atlanta
A significant ice storm, unofficially referred to as < b > Winter Storm Fern < /b >, descended upon Georgia over the weekend, prompting state officials to urge residents to remain indoors from Saturday evening through Monday morning. The hazardous conditions led to widespread disruptions, including extensive power outages, travel impediments, and numerous closures across the northern and central regions of the state. As the event began to subside by midday Monday, lingering ice and dangerously cold temperatures continued to pose risks, particularly across northeast Georgia.
Widespread Impacts and Official Directives
The severity of the event necessitated a < b > State of Emergency < /b > declaration by Governor Brian Kemp for all Georgia counties, effective from January 22 through January 29, 2026. This measure provided a framework for a coordinated response to the unfolding winter storm. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) Director Josh Lamb underscored the gravity of the situation, noting it was the first Ice Storm Warning issued for the area in 12 years.
State officials consistently advised Georgians within affected areas to stay off the roads, with GEMA Director Josh Lamb specifically recommending residents be in place by 6 p.m. on Saturday and plan to remain there for approximately 48 hours. This directive aimed to mitigate the dangers of icy roadways, which included the potential for black ice, particularly on secondary and untreated surfaces, even as precipitation ceased. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) deployed personnel and equipment to treat roadways, focusing on areas north of Interstate 20. Despite these efforts, travel remained extremely dangerous or impossible throughout the weekend and into Monday morning.
Ice Accumulation and Its Consequences
The storm brought an < b > Ice Storm Warning < /b > to most counties along and north of I-20, encompassing much of Metro Atlanta, where ice accumulations ranged from one-quarter to one inch. Twenty counties in Central Georgia, situated south of the Ice Storm Warning, were under a < b > Winter Weather Advisory < /b >, with forecasts of a light glaze up to one-quarter inch of ice. In some localized areas, total snow and sleet accumulations reached up to four inches.
The combination of significant ice accumulation and wind gusts, reaching speeds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, led to widespread power outages across the state. Tens of thousands of residents experienced a loss of electricity, with specific reports indicating thousands of outages in populous counties like DeKalb and Fulton. Beyond Georgia, the broader storm system contributed to over a million simultaneous power outages nationwide, with a significant portion occurring in the Deep South. To alleviate immediate concerns for affected citizens, Georgia Power temporarily suspended disconnections for unpaid utility bills until January 29, 2026. The risk of further power disruptions persisted into Monday, especially in northeast Georgia, where lingering ice and windy conditions heightened the potential for falling tree limbs and damaged power lines.
Disruptions to Daily Life
The extensive icy conditions and safety concerns resulted in numerous closures. Many schools and colleges across the affected regions announced closures for Monday, January 26. State offices in North Georgia also remained closed on Monday. Air travel was significantly impacted at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which experienced over 1,100 flight cancellations. This collective pause in routine activities reflected a community heeding the call for caution, recognizing the impermanence of daily structures when faced with nature’s more insistent demands.
Emergency Response and Continued Vigilance
In anticipation of and response to the storm, the State Operations Center was activated at Level 1, the highest readiness level, to coordinate state and regional resources. Emergency supplies, including water and blankets, were pre-positioned in northern Georgia, the area expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s impact. Furthermore, warming centers were established in White, Walker, and Rabun counties with support from the American Red Cross, and several Georgia State Parks also opened their facilities as warming stations for those who might lose heat or power. Up to 5,000 members of the Georgia National Guard were made available, with over 10,000 personnel statewide, including utility crews and emergency responders, placed on standby. A federal emergency declaration was also in effect for 112 Georgia counties impacted by the storm.
As Monday progresses, the immediate threat of new precipitation diminishes, but the lingering effects of the ice event remain. Temperatures are forecast to struggle to rise above freezing on Monday, with extreme cold expected to persist through Tuesday. Monday night lows could drop into the 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit range, and wind chills in Atlanta were reported at 8 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday morning. This continued cold impedes natural thawing, prolonging hazardous conditions and necessitating ongoing vigilance from residents and emergency services alike.
Key Features of the Georgia Ice Event
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | Major Ice Storm (Winter Storm Fern) | State-level |
| Duration of Primary Impact | Saturday, January 24 (evening) through Monday, January 26 (midday) | State-level |
| Ice Storm Warning Area | Counties along and north of I-20, including Metro Atlanta | State-level |
| Ice Accumulation (Warning Area) | 0.25 to 1 inch | State-level |
| Official Directive | Stay in place Saturday evening into Monday morning (48 hours) | State-level |
| State of Emergency | Issued for all Georgia counties (Jan 22 – Jan 29, 2026) | State-level |
| Power Outages | Widespread, tens of thousands affected in Georgia | State-level (Nationwide >1,000,000) |
| Temperature Outlook (Monday Night) | Lows of 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit | State-level |
| Airport Disruptions | Over 1,100 flight cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | City-level (Atlanta) |
| National Guard Activation | Up to 5,000 members available | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Lingering Ice and Extreme Cold Hit North Georgia
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
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.
