Georgia, January 25, 2026
Georgia is facing the severe impacts of Winter Storm Fern, characterized by freezing rain and ice. Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency, urging residents to remain indoors as hazardous conditions are expected. With ice accumulations predicted to range between one-quarter to one inch, state officials have warned against road travel. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is coordinating emergency responses, and essential community resources are being mobilized to mitigate power outages and provide support.
Atlanta
Georgia Grapples with Severe Ice Event; Officials Urge Residents to Shelter in Place
Georgia is currently under the profound grip of Winter Storm Fern, an event characterized primarily by freezing rain and ice, prompting Governor Brian P. Kemp to declare a statewide State of Emergency on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This critical declaration, set to remain in effect until January 29, 2026, underscores the severity of conditions unfolding across the state, particularly within North Georgia and extending into parts of Metro Atlanta. State officials have issued an urgent plea for residents to remain indoors, emphasizing that this is unequivocally an ice event, rather than a snow event, with hazardous conditions anticipated through midday Monday, January 26.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) Director, Josh Lamb, explicitly advised residents in affected areas to conclude their preparations by 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, and plan to stay safely in place for the subsequent 48 hours, urging against road travel through Monday morning. This widespread advisory comes as forecasts predict ice accumulations ranging from one-quarter to one inch across the Ice Storm Warning area, compounded by wind gusts of 20-30 mph. These conditions pose a substantial risk for widespread power outages and significant tree damage, rendering travel potentially impossible.
Immediate Impacts and State Response
The State Operations Center (SOC) has been activated at Level 1, its highest alert status, to meticulously coordinate resources across state and regional partners. In anticipation of deteriorating conditions, Governor Kemp authorized the Georgia Department of Defense to ready up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops, with 120 members already deployed to northeast Georgia by Saturday, January 24, to bolster response efforts in the most impacted regions. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) commenced treating roadways with brine late Friday and early Saturday morning, concentrating efforts on areas north of Interstate 20, utilizing 1,800 workers operating in 12-hour shifts.
The unfolding storm has led to extensive disruptions across daily life. Numerous school districts throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia proactively canceled weekend activities, with several, including Hall County Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, Cherokee County Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, Walker County Schools, and Chickamauga City Schools, announcing closures for Monday, January 26, encompassing both in-person and remote learning options. Travel has become exceedingly perilous, with officials strongly advising against it as road conditions continue to degrade.
Community Preparedness and Support
Recognizing the substantial threat of power disruptions, Georgia Power has mobilized over 10,000 personnel, including contract and partner utility crews, poised for restoration efforts once safety permits. The utility also temporarily suspended disconnections for unpaid bills until Thursday. Furthermore, President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for parts of Georgia, providing crucial federal support alongside the state’s efforts.
In a compassionate outreach, several Georgia State Parks have opened warming stations, and confirmed warming centers are available in White, Walker, and Rabun counties, receiving support from the American Red Cross, offering refuge for those who may lose heat or power. Public transit services in Atlanta have also been affected; MARTA rail operations commenced at 6 a.m. on Sunday with trains running every 20 minutes, while most bus routes were suspended, save for essential lifeline routes directed to major medical facilities and emergency rooms.
GEMA Director Josh Lamb underscored the importance of personal preparedness, urging residents to stock non-perishable food, gas, and other essential supplies for at least three days. He also issued stern warnings against unsafe heating methods, such as using ovens to warm homes or operating generators indoors, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This comprehensive winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is impacting millions across more than 30 states nationwide, with Georgia experiencing its first ice storm warning in 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary characteristic of Winter Storm Fern in Georgia?
Winter Storm Fern in Georgia is primarily an ice event, characterized by freezing rain and ice.
When was the statewide State of Emergency declared in Georgia for Winter Storm Fern?
Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency on Thursday, January 22, 2026, ahead of Winter Storm Fern’s impact on the state.
How long will the State of Emergency remain in effect?
The State of Emergency is set to remain in effect through January 29, 2026.
What is the key advisory issued to Georgians regarding travel?
State officials urge Georgians to stay in place from Saturday evening into Monday, recommending being in place by 6 p.m. on Saturday for the next 48 hours and staying off the roads.
What ice accumulations are forecast for the Ice Storm Warning area?
Ice accumulations of one-quarter to one inch are forecast across the Ice Storm Warning area.
Have schools in Georgia been affected by Winter Storm Fern?
Many school districts across metro Atlanta and north Georgia canceled weekend events, and some, including Hall County Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, Cherokee County Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, Walker County Schools, and Chickamauga City Schools, announced closures for Monday, January 26.
What role is the Georgia National Guard playing?
Up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops were made available, with 120 deployed to northeast Georgia by Saturday, January 24, to assist the hardest-hit areas.
Are there warming centers available for residents?
Several Georgia State Parks are opening warming stations, and confirmed warming centers are available in White, Walker, and Rabun counties, supported by the American Red Cross.
What precautions should residents take regarding power outages and heating?
Residents should stock non-perishable food, gas, and other essential supplies for at least three days. They are warned against using ovens for heat or operating generators indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Has federal aid been approved for Georgia?
President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for parts of Georgia.
Key Features of Winter Storm Fern Impacting Georgia
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | Primarily an ice event with freezing rain, sleet, and potential for snow. | State-level |
| State of Emergency | Declared by Governor Brian P. Kemp on January 22, 2026, active through January 29, 2026. | State-level |
| Affected Areas | North Georgia, particularly areas north of I-20, including Metro Atlanta; portions of northern, central, northeastern, and northwestern Georgia. | State-level |
| Ice Accumulation Forecast | One-quarter to one inch in Ice Storm Warning areas. | State-level |
| Wind Gusts | Expected to be 20-30 mph. | State-level |
| Primary Risk | Widespread power outages, tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impossible travel conditions. | State-level |
| Public Advisory | Stay in place from Saturday evening (Jan 24) into Monday (Jan 26). Avoid road travel. | State-level |
| GEMA/HS Activation | State Operations Center (SOC) activated at Level 1 (highest level). | State-level |
| National Guard Deployment | 120 members deployed to northeast Georgia; up to 500 available. | State-level |
| School Closures | Numerous districts canceled weekend events and closed for Monday, January 26. | State-level |
| Federal Declaration | Federal disaster declaration approved by President Donald Trump. | State-level |
| Warming Centers | Available at Georgia State Parks and in White, Walker, and Rabun counties. | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration Approved for Georgia
Severe Winter Storm Hits North Georgia
Severe Ice Storm Hits Metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia
North Georgia Prepares for Major Ice Storm and Cold Snap
Severe Winter Storm Impacts Northeast Georgia
Winter Storm Fern Causes Power Outages in Georgia
North Georgia Grapples with Extensive Ice Accumulation and Power Outages
Ice Storm Hits Georgia As Freezing Rain and Sleet Accumulate
Georgia Faces Severe Winter Storm and Ice Storm Warning
Georgia Power Prepares for Winter Storm Fern in Atlanta
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.
