Atlanta, January 26, 2026
Atlanta and much of Georgia are facing significant travel disruptions due to Winter Storm Fern, leading to numerous Greyhound bus cancellations. Passengers have been left stranded as icy conditions and road closures continue to pose challenges. The state is under an Ice Storm Warning with power outages impacting thousands, prompting state officials to declare an emergency and urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. Efforts are underway to clear roads and restore services amidst the ongoing cold temperatures.
Atlanta
An unexpected confluence of winter weather has brought significant disruptions to travel across Atlanta and much of Georgia, culminating in numerous Greyhound bus cancellations that left passengers stranded at the city’s bus station over the past 48 hours. The cancellations stem from a widespread ice storm, unofficially named Winter Storm Fern, which has impacted a broad region of North America and led to hazardous road conditions and power outages across the state. Many travelers found themselves without immediate options, facing uncertainty regarding the resumption of their journeys.
Widespread Cancellations and Passenger Hardship
Dozens of individuals at the Atlanta Greyhound station have faced prolonged delays since Friday, January 24, with many uncertain of when their trips would recommence. Passengers who had planned to depart as early as Friday morning were informed of cancellations by the afternoon, highlighting the swift impact of the developing weather system. The abrupt halts in service underscore the fragility of travel plans when confronted with severe and sudden climatic shifts. Greyhound cited severe winter weather across its network as the cause for the cancellations, indicating a broader systemic challenge beyond Atlanta’s immediate vicinity.
Impact of Winter Storm Fern on Georgia
Winter Storm Fern, an extensive weather system stretching over 2,000 miles, began affecting North Georgia on January 24, bringing freezing rain and sleet, with ice accumulations expected to reach between one-quarter and one inch in some areas. The National Weather Service issued an Ice Storm Warning for much of North and Central Georgia, including Metro Atlanta, in effect through midday Monday, January 26. This warning highlighted the potential for extremely dangerous or impossible travel conditions, particularly on untreated secondary roads where refreezing was a significant concern.
State-Level Responses and Infrastructure Strain
In response to the deteriorating conditions, Georgia officials urged residents to avoid non-essential travel. Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia, effective from January 22 through January 29, activating 500 National Guard members to assist with the storm’s impact. Road treatment efforts commenced with the Georgia Department of Transportation deploying 1,800 employees on 12-hour shifts, treating 18,000 miles of roadways with 1.5 million gallons of brine and 2,500 tons of salt and rock fragments. Despite these extensive measures, approximately two dozen state routes experienced closures at various points during the storm, and 25 vehicle crashes were reported by Sunday afternoon, including an incident involving a brine truck.
Broader Travel and Utility Disruptions
The effects of the ice storm extended beyond bus services. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced considerable flight disruptions, with approximately 1,200 flights canceled and 450 delayed on Sunday alone. Nationwide, the storm accounted for over 12,000 flight cancellations and more than 19,000 delays by Sunday evening. Public transportation in Atlanta, specifically MARTA, operated with reduced service on both Saturday and Sunday, continuing limited rail and lifeline bus routes on Monday, January 26.
Power outages also became a significant concern, with over 33,000 customers initially affected statewide by January 25. This number surged to about 87,000 by Sunday afternoon, primarily in metro Atlanta and the northeastern corner of Georgia, before falling to just over 37,000 by Monday morning. Officials warned of the dangerous weight of ice on power lines and trees, contributing to the outages. The prolonged cold temperatures were expected to exacerbate hazardous conditions, hindering ice melt through Monday and Tuesday.
Looking Ahead
As precipitation began to clear, the immediate challenge shifted to enduring bitter cold temperatures, with Atlanta expecting a low of 14 degrees Fahrenheit and wind chills between 5 to 10 degrees on Monday. The human dimension of such events, where individual plans and necessities are met with the indifferent force of nature, calls for a patient understanding and a communal spirit of resilience. The meticulous efforts of emergency crews continued amidst these challenging conditions, working 12-hour shifts to clear roads and restore essential services, reflecting a quiet determination to mend what the weather has disrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What caused the Greyhound cancellations in Atlanta?
The Greyhound cancellations in Atlanta were caused by a widespread ice storm, unofficially named Winter Storm Fern, which led to hazardous road conditions and power outages across Georgia.
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When did the travel disruptions begin?
Travel disruptions at the Atlanta Greyhound station began as early as Friday, January 24, with some passengers’ buses canceled by Friday afternoon.
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What was the extent of the ice accumulation in Georgia?
Ice accumulations were expected to reach between one-quarter and one inch in some areas across North Georgia.
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Did the State of Georgia declare an emergency?
Yes, Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia, effective from January 22 through January 29, 2026, in response to Winter Storm Fern.
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Were other forms of transportation affected in Atlanta?
Yes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced approximately 1,200 flight cancellations and 450 delays on Sunday. MARTA, Atlanta’s public transportation system, operated with reduced service.
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How many power outages occurred in Georgia?
Initially, over 33,000 customers were affected by power outages statewide by January 25, surging to about 87,000 by Sunday afternoon, before reducing to just over 37,000 by Monday morning.
Key Impacts of Winter Storm Fern in Georgia
| Impact Category | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Greyhound Bus Service | Cancellations at Atlanta station, leaving many passengers stranded. | Local (Atlanta) |
| Ice Accumulation | Expected between one-quarter and one inch in North Georgia. | State-level |
| Travel Conditions | Extremely dangerous or impossible, especially on secondary roads, due to ice and refreezing. | State-level |
| State of Emergency | Declared by Governor Brian Kemp for all Georgia counties (Jan 22-29, 2026). | State-level |
| National Guard Deployment | 500 members authorized; 120 deployed to assist with storm impact. | State-level |
| Road Treatment Efforts | 1,800 GDOT employees, 18,000 miles of roadway treated with brine and salt. | State-level |
| Road Closures & Accidents | Approximately two dozen state routes closed, 25 vehicle crashes reported. | State-level |
| Flight Disruptions (Atlanta) | 1,200 flights canceled, 450 delayed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday. | Local (Atlanta) |
| Nationwide Flight Disruptions | Over 12,000 cancellations and 19,000 delays nationwide by Sunday evening. | Nationwide |
| MARTA Service | Reduced rail and lifeline bus routes operating. | Local (Atlanta) |
| Power Outages | Over 33,000 customers initially, peaking at ~87,000, reducing to ~37,000 by Monday morning. | State-level |
| Temperature Outlook | Bitter cold, with Atlanta expecting 14°F low and 5-10°F wind chill on Monday. | Local (Atlanta) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Significant Flight Disruptions at Atlanta Airport Due to Ice Storm
Public Transit in Atlanta Faces Service Reductions Due to Icy Weather
DeKalb County Suspends Trash and Recycling Services
Gwinnett County Faces Aftermath of Winter Storm Fern
State Officials Urge Georgians to Stay Off Roads Due to Ice
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.
