Atlanta, Georgia, January 26, 2026
A Georgia Department of Public Safety vehicle was struck while escorting brine trucks amid severe winter conditions in Georgia. The crash occurred as officials urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, with no injuries reported. Winter Storm Fern has led to hazardous road conditions and widespread power outages, prompting a statewide emergency declaration. The situation highlights the risks faced by public safety crews during severe weather as they work to maintain roadway safety.
Atlanta, Georgia
Public Safety Vehicle Struck Amidst Georgia Ice Storm Response
Atlanta, Georgia – Early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, a Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) unit was struck while actively escorting brine trucks engaged in treating Georgia roadways in preparation for and during a severe winter storm. The incident, which resulted in a badly damaged public safety vehicle, occurred as winter weather conditions intensified across the state, prompting urgent pleas from officials for residents to avoid all non-essential travel. No injuries were reported in connection with the crash.
The Immediate Circumstances of the Incident
The collision took place during critical overnight operations when public safety personnel were working to ensure the viability of state routes amidst freezing rain and sleet. The DPS vehicle was performing its essential duty of accompanying brine trucks, which apply a salt mixture to prevent ice formation on roads and bridges. The vehicle was described as a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit. While the specific details of the other vehicle involved were not extensively reported, the event underscores the inherent dangers faced by emergency and road treatment crews during hazardous weather.
State officials, in response to this and other incidents, reiterated the critical importance of drivers staying off the roads when travel is not necessary. They also emphasized the need for motorists to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and disabled vehicles. The crash highlights the risks associated with winter weather response, even as public safety and transportation agencies work diligently to mitigate perilous driving conditions.
Broader Impact of Winter Storm Fern on Georgia
The incident occurred as Winter Storm Fern brought a significant and dangerous mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow to large portions of Georgia, particularly north of Interstate 20. The Governor had previously declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective through January 29, 2026, activating the State Operations Center and mobilizing resources to address the storm’s impact. Federal assistance was also approved to support local response efforts across 112 Georgia counties impacted by the storm.
The storm led to widespread hazardous road conditions, especially on bridges, ramps, and elevated surfaces, with significant ice accumulation reported. This necessitated extensive road treatment operations by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), involving hundreds of crews working 12-hour shifts to apply brine and other de-icing agents to thousands of lane miles across interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses.
Beyond road safety concerns, the winter storm caused substantial disruption. Thousands of Georgians experienced power outages, with projections indicating potential increases as temperatures fluctuated and refreezing was expected. Emergency services responded to numerous weather-related calls, primarily involving downed trees and power lines. Travel was severely impacted, with flight disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and suspended or reduced public transit services. Many schools and government offices across the state announced closures or shifted to remote operations.
Ongoing Efforts and Public Guidance
As temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through at least Tuesday, January 27, prolonging icy conditions, state and local officials continue to urge extreme caution. The Georgia Department of Public Safety and GDOT have consistently requested that motorists stay home, emphasizing that reduced traffic volumes greatly assist their treatment efforts. For those who must travel, the guidance remains clear: drive slowly, avoid cruise control, and maintain significant distance between vehicles, showing particular deference to emergency and work crews. The collective well-being of the community rests on the prudence of individual decisions in these challenging times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to the public safety vehicle?
A Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) unit was struck while escorting brine trucks treating Georgia roadways.
When did the incident occur?
The incident happened early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries were reported in connection with the crash.
What was the public safety vehicle doing when it was struck?
The public safety vehicle was escorting brine trucks that were treating roads to prevent ice formation during a winter storm.
What is the current guidance for drivers in Georgia due to the winter storm?
Officials are asking drivers to stay off the roads if travel isn’t necessary, to slow down, and to move over for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and disabled vehicles.
What is the name of the winter storm affecting Georgia?
The winter storm affecting Georgia is named Winter Storm Fern.
What kind of weather conditions has Winter Storm Fern brought to Georgia?
Winter Storm Fern has brought a dangerous mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow to large portions of Georgia.
Has a state of emergency been declared in Georgia?
Yes, a statewide State of Emergency has been declared in Georgia, effective through January 29, 2026.
Are power outages occurring in Georgia due to the storm?
Yes, thousands of Georgians have experienced power outages, with potential increases expected.
Key Features of the Georgia Winter Storm Incident
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Type | Public safety vehicle struck while escorting brine trucks. | State-level |
| Date of Incident | Early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026. | State-level |
| Vehicle Involved | Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) unit. | State-level |
| Injuries Reported | No injuries. | State-level |
| Context | Winter Storm Fern brought freezing rain, sleet, and snow. | State-level |
| Public Safety Message | Drivers urged to stay off roads, slow down, and move over for emergency vehicles. | State-level |
| Declaration | Statewide State of Emergency declared through January 29, 2026. | State-level |
| Impacts | Hazardous road conditions, power outages, travel disruptions, school/office closures. | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Winter Storm Fern Disrupts Travel in Atlanta
Warming Centers Activate Amidst Ice Storm in North Georgia
Sinkhole Emerges in Downtown Lawrenceville Following Winter Storm
Power Outage Affects Roswell Police Department
Freezing Rain Causes Power Outages in Metro Atlanta
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
DeKalb County Suspends Trash and Recycling Services
Gwinnett County Faces Aftermath of Winter Storm Fern
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.
