Atlanta, January 24, 2026
The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for metro Atlanta and much of north central and northeast Georgia, indicating hazardous travel conditions are expected due to significant ice accumulation. With Governor Brian P. Kemp declaring a statewide State of Emergency, residents are urged to prioritize safety and preparedness as winter storm conditions develop, threatening power outages and tree damage.
Atlanta – An Ice Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for metro Atlanta and much of north central and northeast Georgia, effective from 1 PM EST Saturday, January 24, 2026, until 10 AM EST Monday, January 26, 2026. This critical alert signals the high probability of significant ice accumulation, between a quarter of an inch and one inch, with isolated higher amounts possible, promising extremely hazardous travel conditions and widespread disruptions. As a formidable winter storm advances into the state, the combination of accumulating ice and wind gusts up to 30 to 35 miles per hour poses a substantial threat of widespread power outages and significant tree damage.
The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City indicates that a winter storm is actively moving into north and central Georgia, with freezing rain expected to begin impacting far northwest Georgia in the early afternoon of Saturday, January 24, 2026. This precipitation will then spread eastward, affecting northeast Georgia and the Atlanta metro area by Saturday evening. While most of Saturday is anticipated to remain dry, conditions are set to deteriorate later in the afternoon and into the evening as a winter mix develops. The most significant impacts are forecast for overnight into early Sunday morning, when temperatures will be sufficiently cold for ice to accumulate on roads, bridges, trees, and power lines. Forecasters also caution about the likelihood of refreezing Sunday night as colder air returns, potentially creating dangerous black ice and renewed travel hazards. The warning specifically includes counties such as Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Morgan, Newton, North Fulton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rockdale, South Fulton, Taliaferro, Walton, Warren, White, and Wilkes. Travel could become impossible, with the hazardous conditions expected to impact the Monday morning commute.
A State of Preparedness Declared
In anticipation of these severe weather conditions, Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency on Thursday, January 22, 2026, ahead of Winter Storm Fern’s projected impact. This declaration extends through January 29, 2026, and initiated the activation of the State Operations Center (SOC) by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to mobilize necessary resources across the state. The State of Emergency also empowers the Georgia Department of Defense to provide up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops, should they be required for preparation, response, and recovery efforts. Furthermore, the executive order prohibits price gouging, aiming to protect consumers during this period of heightened demand and potential scarcity.
Navigating the Immediate Threat and Beyond
The imperative for residents is clear: to prioritize safety and preparedness. The National Weather Service strongly discourages travel during the warning period. For those for whom travel is unavoidable, essential safety items such as an extra flashlight, food, and water should be kept in vehicles in case of emergency. Preparing for potential power outages is crucial, with recommendations to ensure alternative heating sources are safe and functional, and electronic devices are charged. Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates closely and to adjust plans as the situation evolves. Information on road conditions can be obtained by calling 511. This collective attention to detail and shared responsibility underscores the community’s resilience in the face of nature’s stark challenge, a quiet acknowledgment of the human need for both foresight and solidarity during moments of widespread environmental pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of weather warning has been issued for metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia?
- An Ice Storm Warning has been issued for metro Atlanta and much of north central and northeast Georgia.
- When is the Ice Storm Warning in effect?
- The warning is effective from 1 PM EST Saturday, January 24, 2026, until 10 AM EST Monday, January 26, 2026.
- What amount of ice accumulation is expected?
- Forecasts indicate significant ice accumulation, between a quarter of an inch and one inch, with isolated higher amounts possible.
- What are the expected impacts of this winter storm?
- Expected impacts include extremely hazardous travel conditions, widespread disruptions, widespread power outages, significant tree damage, and the potential for black ice due to refreezing.
- Which authority issued this warning?
- The warning was issued by the National Weather Service.
- Has a State of Emergency been declared?
- Yes, Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency on Thursday, January 22, 2026, ahead of the storm’s impact.
- What action is strongly discouraged during the warning period?
- The National Weather Service strongly discourages travel during the warning period.
Key Features of the Ice Storm Warning
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Warning Type | Ice Storm Warning | State-level (specific regions) |
| Effective Period | 1 PM EST Saturday, January 24, 2026, to 10 AM EST Monday, January 26, 2026 | State-level |
| Affected Regions | Metro Atlanta, much of north central and northeast Georgia, including counties such as Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Morgan, Newton, North Fulton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rockdale, South Fulton, Taliaferro, Walton, Warren, White, and Wilkes. | State-level |
| Issuing Authority | National Weather Service | Nationwide (as NWS is a federal agency) |
| Expected Ice Accumulation | Between a quarter of an inch and one inch; isolated higher amounts possible. | State-level |
| Expected Wind Gusts | Up to 30 to 35 miles per hour. | State-level |
| Primary Impacts | Extremely hazardous travel, widespread power outages, significant tree damage, Monday morning commute disruption, potential for black ice due to refreezing. | State-level |
| State of Emergency Declared | Yes, by Governor Brian P. Kemp on January 22, 2026, through January 29, 2026. | State-level |
| Advisory for Travel | Strongly discouraged. | State-level |
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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.
