Atlanta, Georgia, January 23, 2026
Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia due to Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring significant winter weather. The declaration mobilizes state resources to assist local jurisdictions in preparing for hazardous conditions, such as ice accumulation and power outages. Citizens are urged to prepare for the weather impacts and are advised to stay off the roads if possible. The State of Emergency will remain in effect for one week as the storm approaches.
Atlanta, Georgia – Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency for all Georgia counties in anticipation of a significant winter weather system, identified as Winter Storm Fern, expected to impact the state this weekend. The declaration, issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, aims to mobilize state resources and aid local jurisdictions in preparing for potential hazardous conditions, including ice accumulation, freezing temperatures, and widespread power outages. This emergency order will remain in effect through Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Anticipated Weather and Impacts
The impending winter storm is forecast to bring a complex mix of precipitation to various parts of Georgia, with a particular focus on the northern third of the state and the Metro Atlanta area. Forecasts indicate the possibility of heavy mixed precipitation, including freezing rain, sleet, and snow, particularly north of Interstate 20. Accumulations of ice ranging from one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch are possible in counties under a Winter Storm Watch between Saturday afternoon and Sunday night. There is a broader concern for locally catastrophic ice accumulation, potentially exceeding one inch in some areas stretching across the Southern Plains to the Southeast, which could threaten critical infrastructure and travel across much of the eastern United States, with Georgia being within this impacted zone.
Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing by Sunday evening and remain frigid through Tuesday, creating conditions ripe for any residual moisture on roadways to refreeze. This persistent cold also raises the risk of burst pipes and other property damage from Monday night into Tuesday morning. Such conditions pose a significant threat to daily life, potentially leading to widespread power outages due to ice weighing down power lines and tree limbs. Travel could become nearly impossible across affected areas, underscoring the gravity of the forecasts.
State Response and Preparedness Measures
In response to the evolving weather threat, Governor Kemp directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC), ensuring coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local partners to address potential needs statewide. The declaration also allows for the deployment of up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops, should they be required for preparation, response, and recovery efforts.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is preparing to treat roadways, particularly north of I-20, beginning late Friday night or early Saturday morning, in an effort to mitigate the hazards of icy conditions. Beyond direct emergency response, the State of Emergency includes provisions such as the prohibition of price gouging, temporary suspension of hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities, and increased weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies. These measures reflect a pragmatic foresight, aiming to protect citizens from undue exploitation while facilitating the swift movement of critical resources.
Call for Citizen Preparedness
As the weekend approaches, authorities are urging all Georgians to prioritize preparedness and safety. The primary recommendation is for residents to stay off the roads if at all possible, as hazardous travel conditions are anticipated. For those who must travel, it is advised to ensure vehicles are fully winterized, with mechanics checking antifreeze, brakes, defrosters, tires, and wipers. Keeping gas tanks at least half full is also a prudent measure.
Beyond travel, residents are encouraged to prepare their homes and families for potential disruptions. This includes having a comprehensive winter storm preparedness kit, which should contain essentials like flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, sufficient food and water for several days, extra prescription medicine, and supplies for infants and pets. Preparing homes by ensuring adequate insulation, weather stripping, and working carbon monoxide detectors is vital. Considering alternative heat sources like fireplaces with ample dry firewood, or safely ventilated space heaters, along with extra blankets and warm clothing, can offer comfort and safety during potential power outages. These collective acts of foresight, from individual households to state-level coordination, embody a community’s quiet strength in facing the elements, seeking to minimize hardship through careful planning and mutual aid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the scope of Governor Kemp’s State of Emergency declaration?
- Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency for all Georgia counties.
- When was the State of Emergency declared and how long will it last?
- The State of Emergency was declared on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and will remain in effect through Thursday, January 29, 2026.
- What type of weather is expected from Winter Storm Fern?
- Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring heavy mixed precipitation, including freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
- What are the potential ice accumulations?
- One-quarter to three-quarters of an inch of ice accumulation is possible in Watch counties between Saturday afternoon and Sunday night.
- What are the primary risks associated with this winter storm?
- Primary risks include hazardous travel conditions, widespread power outages due to downed trees and power lines, and burst pipes from extreme cold.
- What actions are state agencies taking?
- The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has activated the State Operations Center (SOC), and up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops can be deployed. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will begin treating roadways.
- What are citizens advised to do for preparedness?
- Citizens are advised to stay off the roads if possible, prepare a winter storm kit, ensure vehicles are winterized with full gas tanks, and prepare homes with insulation, carbon monoxide detectors, and alternative heat sources.
Key Features of the State of Emergency and Winter Storm Preparedness
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Declaration Authority | Governor Brian P. Kemp | State-level |
| Declaration Date | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | State-level |
| Effective Period | Through Thursday, January 29, 2026 | State-level |
| Geographic Scope | All Georgia counties | State-level |
| Anticipated Weather | Winter Storm Fern: freezing rain, ice, sleet, snow | State-level |
| Expected Ice Accumulation | 0.25 to 0.75 inches (locally over 1 inch possible) | State-level |
| Key Risks | Hazardous travel, power outages, downed trees/lines, burst pipes | State-level |
| State Resources Activated | GEMA/HS State Operations Center, Georgia National Guard (up to 500 troops), GDOT road treatment | State-level |
| Emergency Order Provisions | Prohibition of price gouging, commercial vehicle exemptions for response | State-level |
| Citizen Recommendation: Travel | Stay off roads; winterize vehicles, full gas tank (if essential travel) | Individual/Household |
| Citizen Recommendation: Home Safety | Winter storm kit, insulation, carbon monoxide detectors, alternative heat sources, warm clothing | Individual/Household |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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