Atlanta, Georgia, January 26, 2026
Georgia’s northern and central regions face significant disruptions due to Winter Storm Fern, deploying the National Guard to assist in emergency efforts. The storm has led to extensive power outages, treacherous travel conditions, and state declarations of emergency. With temperatures plummeting and ice accumulation affecting roadways, communities are grappling with daily life challenges, including school and office closures. The storm marks the first Ice Storm Warning since 2014, stressing the need for effective response and recovery measures.
Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia’s northern and central regions, including the expansive metro Atlanta area, have been gripped by the profound effects of an extensive ice storm, known as Winter Storm Fern, since Saturday, January 24th, 2026. In response to the hazardous conditions, 120 members of the Georgia National Guard were deployed on Saturday to assist in the hardest-hit areas, primarily focusing on managing road closures and ensuring routes remain passable. This decisive action follows Governor Brian Kemp’s declaration of a State of Emergency for all Georgia counties, which took effect on Thursday, January 22nd, and is slated to continue through January 29th, 2026. The storm has brought significant ice accumulation, widespread power outages, and severe disruptions to travel, presenting considerable challenges to the state’s infrastructure and the daily lives of its residents.
Immediate Impacts and State Response
The ice storm has inflicted major to extreme impacts across Georgia, with an Ice Storm Warning in effect for a substantial portion of north Georgia, generally along and north of Interstate 20, encompassing much of metro Atlanta. Ice accumulations ranging from one-quarter to one inch have been forecast for areas under the Ice Storm Warning, with the potential for even higher localized amounts, particularly in northeast Georgia. Central Georgia counties south of the Ice Storm Warning have been placed under a Winter Weather Advisory, anticipating lighter ice accumulations of up to 0.25 inches.
Travel conditions across the affected regions have become perilous, with state emergency officials strongly advising against unnecessary movement on roadways and interstates. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous to impossible travel, especially on bridges and overpasses, where ice refreezing presents a persistent hazard. To combat these conditions, the Georgia Department of Transportation deployed 1,800 employees working 12-hour shifts, treating 18,000 miles of roadways, with 300 plow trucks on standby to clear routes.
The profound cold that has settled over the state is exacerbating the already difficult conditions. Extreme cold is anticipated through Tuesday, with wind chills plummeting to single digits and teens on Monday morning, and overnight lows expected to be between 5 and 15 degrees. These dangerously low temperatures pose an additional concern for emergency personnel and those experiencing power loss, where the absence of heat could become a grave matter.
Disruptions to Daily Life
The storm’s toll on power infrastructure has been significant. On Sunday afternoon, power outages across Georgia peaked at approximately 100,000 customers, with tens of thousands in the Atlanta area alone. By Monday morning, this figure had decreased to just over 37,000, though the challenge of restoration persists amidst ongoing icy conditions and gusty winds. These outages are largely attributed to the weight of ice on tree branches, causing them to break and fall onto power lines.
Air travel has also been severely impacted. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced over 1,100 flight cancellations on Sunday, with more than 190 flights canceled for Monday. The ripple effect extended nationwide, with over 11,800 flights canceled across the country on Sunday. Public transit within metro Atlanta, managed by MARTA, has seen reduced train service and the suspension of most bus routes, with exceptions made for lifeline routes serving major medical facilities and emergency rooms.
In recognition of the prevailing dangers, most metro Atlanta school districts canceled classes for Monday, and numerous city and state offices also remained closed, allowing communities to navigate the storm’s aftermath and prioritize safety. Warming shelters have been opened in certain areas, such as Walker County, offering respite to those without power or adequate heating.
Broader Context
This event marks a significant weather occurrence for the region, representing the first Ice Storm Warning for the area since February 2014. State meteorologists have underscored the severity, noting that ice accumulations of up to an inch rival some of the most substantial ice storms historically experienced in Georgia. Such conditions not only render travel impossible but also foreshadow power outages that may endure for an extended period. The enduring cold through the week further complicates recovery efforts, as temperatures are expected to hinder natural thawing. The collective efforts of state agencies, emergency responders, and utility crews continue as they work to restore normalcy to the affected communities under these challenging winter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions regarding the recent ice storm in Georgia:
- When did the Georgia National Guard deploy members for the ice storm?
- The Georgia National Guard deployed 120 members on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, in response to the ice storm.
- How many Georgia National Guard members were deployed?
- 120 Georgia National Guard members were deployed.
- What is the primary focus of the Georgia National Guard deployment?
- The primary focus of the Georgia National Guard deployment is on road closures and clearing routes.
- When did the State of Emergency for Georgia become effective?
- Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia, which became effective on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026.
- How long will the State of Emergency in Georgia last?
- The State of Emergency in Georgia is slated to continue through January 29th, 2026.
- What type of weather warning is in effect for north Georgia?
- An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for a substantial portion of north Georgia, generally along and north of Interstate 20, encompassing much of metro Atlanta.
- What kind of ice accumulation is expected in Ice Storm Warning areas?
- Ice accumulations ranging from one-quarter to one inch are forecast across the Ice Storm Warning area, with the potential for even higher localized amounts, especially in northeast Georgia.
- How has air travel been affected in Atlanta?
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced over 1,100 flight cancellations on Sunday, with more than 190 flights canceled for Monday.
Key Features of the Georgia Ice Storm Response
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| National Guard Deployment | 120 members deployed on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. | State-level |
| Deployment Focus | Mainly on road closures and clearing routes. | State-level |
| State of Emergency | Declared for all Georgia counties, effective Jan 22 – Jan 29, 2026. | State-level |
| Primary Affected Area | North and Central Georgia, particularly along and north of I-20, including metro Atlanta. | State-level |
| Ice Accumulation | 0.25 to 1 inch expected in Ice Storm Warning areas; locally higher in northeast Georgia. | State-level |
| Power Outages (Peak) | Approximately 100,000 customers affected on Sunday afternoon. | State-level |
| Air Travel Impact | Over 1,100 flight cancellations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday. | State-level |
| Road Conditions | Dangerous to impossible due to ice, refreezing, especially bridges and overpasses. | State-level |
| Extreme Cold | Wind chills 5-15 degrees Fahrenheit, dangerously cold temperatures through Tuesday. | State-level |
| School/Office Closures | Most metro Atlanta school districts and many city/state offices closed Monday. | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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North Georgia Faces Ice Storm Emergency
Winter Weather Event Causes Disruption in Metro Atlanta
Georgia Governor Declares Statewide Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
Utilities Mobilize in North Georgia and Metro Atlanta for Severe Weather
City of Oxford Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Due to Ice Storm
Preparations Underway as Winter Storm Approaches 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.
