Atlanta, January 25, 2026
An extensive ice storm has negatively impacted Metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia, resulting in hazardous road conditions, widespread power outages, and thousands of canceled flights. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors as officials declare a State of Emergency and anticipate dangerous conditions to persist through the forthcoming days. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning, with significant ice accumulation expected, and emergency services mobilized to assist those affected.
Atlanta.
An extensive ice storm continues to impact Metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia this Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing with it ongoing freezing rain, perilous road conditions, and widespread power interruptions across the region. Authorities urge residents to remain indoors as hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Monday morning.
Ongoing Winter Weather Conditions
Overnight hours into Sunday morning saw significant ice accumulation, with freezing rain continuing to fall across various parts of Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. The National Weather Service maintains an Ice Storm Warning for much of north-central and Northeast Georgia, including the metropolitan area, effective until 10 a.m. Monday. Forecasts indicate potential ice accumulations ranging from a quarter-inch to one inch across the warning area, with some locations experiencing locally higher amounts, particularly in Northeast Georgia, where half-inch totals are expected. Gusty winds, reaching 20 to 35 miles per hour, are also a factor, increasing the risk of downed trees and power lines.
Impact on Infrastructure and Daily Life
The accumulating ice has rendered travel conditions extremely dangerous or impossible throughout the affected areas. Roadways, especially untreated secondary routes, are expected to remain slick and hazardous through the Monday morning commute due to the continued freezing temperatures. Georgia officials have explicitly advised residents to avoid all non-essential travel.
The storm has led to considerable disruptions in essential services. As of Sunday morning, more than 4,000 Georgians were without power, primarily in Gwinnett and Fulton counties, as ice weighs heavily upon trees and power infrastructure. Georgia Power has mobilized over 10,000 personnel, including utility staff, contract companies, and partners, to support response efforts, ready to assess damage and restore service once conditions permit safe operation.
Air travel has also been significantly impacted. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has reported over 500 canceled flights in the past day, with an equivalent number of incoming flights also canceled. Many schools across the region have canceled weekend activities, and several school districts have announced closures for Monday. Public transit in Atlanta, MARTA, is operating under an inclement weather plan, with rail service running on a modified schedule and most bus routes suspended, save for lifeline routes serving major medical facilities and emergency rooms.
Government Response and Preparedness
In anticipation of the severe weather, Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia, effective from Thursday, January 22, through Thursday, January 29, 2026. This declaration activates state resources, includes provisions against price gouging, and allows for temporary adjustments to commercial vehicle limits for essential supplies.
On Saturday, President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for areas of Georgia expected to experience the most severe impacts. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) commenced treating highways with brine after midnight Saturday, utilizing 1,800 workers in 12-hour shifts. Furthermore, Governor Kemp deployed 120 members of the National Guard to Northeast Georgia to bolster local response capabilities, following an earlier standby order for 500 troops. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has activated the State Operations Center to coordinate efforts across federal, state, and local partners.
For those displaced or without heat, Georgia State Parks have opened warming stations in group shelters, waiving standard park fees for access.
Outlook and Public Advisory
Even as the precipitation eventually tapers, dangerous conditions are expected to persist. Following the storm, an extended period of extreme cold is anticipated, with very low temperatures potentially exacerbating hazardous conditions and prolonging the inability of ice to thaw. Residents are advised to continue monitoring weather forecasts, prepare for prolonged power outages, and have plans in place to ensure the safety and warmth of their families and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What areas are currently affected by the ice storm?
- An extensive ice storm continues to impact Metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia this Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing with it ongoing freezing rain, perilous road conditions, and widespread power interruptions across the region.
- How much ice accumulation is expected?
- Forecasts indicate potential ice accumulations ranging from a quarter-inch to one inch across the warning area, with some locations experiencing locally higher amounts, particularly in Northeast Georgia, where half-inch totals are expected.
- What are the primary impacts of the ice storm?
- The accumulating ice has rendered travel conditions extremely dangerous or impossible throughout the affected areas. The storm has led to considerable disruptions in essential services, including widespread power outages due to ice weighing heavily upon trees and power infrastructure, and significant air travel cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- Is there a State of Emergency in effect?
- Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia, effective from Thursday, January 22, through Thursday, January 29, 2026.
- What government responses are in place?
- On Saturday, President Trump approved a federal disaster declaration for areas of Georgia expected to experience the most severe impacts. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) commenced treating highways with brine after midnight Saturday, utilizing 1,800 workers in 12-hour shifts. Governor Kemp deployed 120 members of the National Guard to Northeast Georgia to bolster local response capabilities, and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has activated the State Operations Center to coordinate efforts.
- What is the public advisory for residents?
- Residents are advised to remain indoors as hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Monday morning. They should continue monitoring weather forecasts, prepare for prolonged power outages, and have plans in place to ensure the safety and warmth of their families and pets.
- Are warming centers available?
- For those displaced or without heat, Georgia State Parks have opened warming stations in group shelters, waiving standard park fees for access.
Key Features of the Georgia Ice Storm (January 2026)
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Ongoing freezing rain and ice accumulation. | Metro Atlanta, Northeast Georgia, North Central Georgia |
| Ice Storm Warning | In effect until Monday, January 26, 2026, 10 a.m. | Metro Atlanta, Northeast Georgia, North Central Georgia |
| Ice Accumulation | 0.25 to 1 inch, with locally higher amounts; half-inch totals in Northeast Georgia. | Metro Atlanta, Northeast Georgia |
| Wind Gusts | 20 to 35 mph, increasing risk of damage. | North Georgia |
| Road Conditions | Extremely dangerous or impossible travel, expected to remain hazardous through Monday morning. | State-level (Georgia), Metro Atlanta, Northeast Georgia |
| Power Outages | Over 4,000 Georgians without power (as of Sunday morning); widespread outages expected. | State-level (Georgia), predominantly Gwinnett and Fulton counties |
| Air Travel Impact | Over 500 flights canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. | Atlanta |
| State of Emergency | Declared by Governor Kemp, effective January 22-29, 2026. | State-level (All counties in Georgia) |
| Federal Disaster Declaration | Approved by President Trump for hardest-hit parts of Georgia. | State-level (Parts of Georgia) |
| National Guard Deployment | 120 members deployed to Northeast Georgia. | Northeast Georgia |
| Warming Centers | Available at Georgia State Parks (fees waived). | State-level (Georgia) |
| Post-Storm Outlook | Extended period of extreme cold with dangerous wind chills anticipated. | North and Central Georgia, Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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.
