State Officials Urge Georgians to Stay Off Roads Due to Ice

Atlanta, Georgia, January 26, 2026

Georgia state officials are warning residents to stay off the roads as a winter storm causes hazardous icy conditions. Freezing rain and sleet have created treacherous travel surfaces, with potential black ice forming overnight. Various incidents involving brine trucks emphasize the dangers present on the roads. Authorities deployed National Guard members and urged drivers to exercise extreme caution. Power outages have impacted tens of thousands, and many schools are closing or shifting to remote learning. Public safety remains the primary concern as ice storm warnings are in effect.

Atlanta, Georgia

State Officials Urge Georgians to Remain Off Roads Amid Persistent Icy Conditions

Georgia state officials issued urgent pleas throughout Sunday and into Monday, advising residents to stay off roads across the state as a winter storm brought perilous icy conditions, heightened by an incident involving a brine truck. The warning comes as freezing rain and sleet created treacherous driving surfaces, with the threat of refreezing expected to persist overnight and into Monday morning. The call to caution reflects a deep concern for public safety as the winter weather system continues to impact travel and daily life across the region.

The pervasive ice, a result of freezing rain and sleet, has notably affected north central and northeast Georgia. State authorities emphasized that even areas where roads may have appeared clear on Sunday afternoon could become hazardous due to the formation of black ice overnight and into Monday morning, a consequence of falling temperatures and brisk winds.

A stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working to clear the roads occurred on Sunday morning when a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit was struck on January 25, 2026, while escorting brine trucks engaged in treating roadways. This incident followed another from the night prior, January 24, 2026, where a brine truck was hit on I-85. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident involving the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit. Such occurrences underscore the profound need for motorists to heed warnings and allow ample space for emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Extensive Response to Icy Conditions

In response to the widespread hazardous conditions, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) deployed crews who worked continuously in 12-hour shifts. These teams applied a substantial volume of materials to state routes and interstates, including over 1.5 million gallons of brine, 1.6 million pounds of salt, and 3.5 million pounds of aggregate across northern Georgia. Despite these diligent efforts, the capricious nature of winter weather and the ongoing precipitation meant that treated surfaces could refreeze.

Impacts on Daily Life and Public Safety

The storm’s reach extended beyond just roadways, leading to considerable disruptions. Approximately 80,000 power outages were reported as of Sunday afternoon, primarily concentrated in the metro Atlanta area and the northeast section of the state. The perils of the icy roads were further evidenced by over 25 crashes by Sunday afternoon, including the aforementioned incidents involving brine treatment vehicles.

In a measure of prudence and public cooperation, traffic volume on Sunday saw a reduction of 70% to 80% compared to a typical Sunday, which aided road treatment operations. Nonetheless, several state routes experienced closures due to the dangerous conditions. Many public school systems and government offices in metro Atlanta, including in DeKalb County, opted to close or transition to remote learning for Monday to ensure the safety of students and employees. Athens-Clarke County also joined in urging residents to stay home, if possible.

Governor Brian Kemp authorized the deployment of 500 National Guard members, with about 120 members activated to assist first responders and aid in clearing roads, particularly in Rabun, Stephens, and White counties.

Continuing Caution and Advisories

An Ice Storm Warning remained in effect until 10 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026, for portions of north central and northeast Georgia, as issued by the National Weather Service. Furthermore, a cold weather advisory was in effect for Monday morning, with wind chill values projected to range between 0 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit above zero by Monday morning, and some areas in north Georgia experiencing wind chills as low as 0 degrees.

Officials urged all drivers who must travel to exercise extreme caution: reduce speeds, avoid cruise control, and maintain increased following distances. In instances of power outages, intersections with dark traffic signals should be treated as four-way stops. These measures are not mere suggestions but crucial acts of communal responsibility, born from a respect for the fragile nature of life and the intricate dance between human endeavor and the formidable forces of nature. The quiet wisdom of staying home when the roads call forth danger is a simple, yet profound, act of care for oneself and for others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary warning issued by Georgia state officials?

Georgia state officials urged residents to stay off roads across the state due to hazardous icy conditions.

What caused the icy road conditions in Georgia?

The icy road conditions in Georgia were caused by freezing rain and sleet, particularly in north central and northeast Georgia, leading to significant ice accumulation.

Was there an incident involving a brine truck?

Yes, a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement unit was struck on January 25, 2026, while escorting brine trucks, and a brine truck was also hit on I-85 on January 24, 2026.

What were the efforts made to treat the roads?

GDOT crews applied over 1.5 million gallons of brine, 1.6 million pounds of salt, and 3.5 million pounds of aggregate across northern Georgia.

What were the major impacts of the storm?

The major impacts included approximately 80,000 power outages, over 25 crashes, reduced traffic volume, and the closure or transition to remote learning for schools and government offices in some areas.

Were National Guard members deployed?

Yes, about 120 National Guard members were activated to assist first responders and aid in clearing roads.

What advisories remained in effect?

An Ice Storm Warning was in effect until 10 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026, for portions of north central and northeast Georgia, and a cold weather advisory was in effect for Monday morning.

What safety recommendations were given to drivers?

Drivers were advised to reduce speeds, avoid cruise control, maintain increased following distances, and treat intersections with dark traffic signals as four-way stops.

Key Features of the Winter Storm in Georgia (State-level)

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Severe Ice Storm Fern Hits Georgia
Georgia Ice Storm Causes Hazardous Conditions
Georgia Faces Winter Storm Challenges and Preparation
Severe Ice Storm Impacts Georgia Regions
Lingering Ice and Extreme Cold Hit North Georgia
Freezing Temperatures and Icy Roads Threaten Metro Atlanta
Sandy Springs Experiences Significant Winter Storm Impact
North Georgia Faces Ice Storm Emergency
Winter Weather Event Causes Disruption in Metro 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.