Georgia Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Major Ice Storm
ATLANTA, January 22, 2026 – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all counties on Thursday, mobilizing state resources ahead of a potentially dangerous ice storm forecast to hit northern parts of the state this weekend. The declaration, effective for seven days, activates 500 National Guard members and suspends key regulations to expedite emergency response.
Impending Winter Storm Threat
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of northern Georgia from 1 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday. Forecasters warn of significant ice accumulations of a quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch, with the highest risk in northeast Georgia where up to 1.25 inches is possible. The primary threat is freezing rain, which can create a smooth, invisible layer of ice on roads, bridges, trees, and power lines, leading to treacherous travel, widespread power outages, and tree damage. Snow and sleet are expected to be minimal.
State Mobilization and Preparedness
Governor Kemp’s emergency order includes several key provisions to ensure a coordinated response. It prohibits price gouging, suspends hours-of-service rules for commercial truck drivers involved in relief efforts, and temporarily increases weight and size limits for vehicles transporting essential supplies like fuel. The State Operations Center will activate at 7 a.m. Saturday and operate 24/7. The Georgia Department of Transportation will begin pre-treating roads early Saturday morning.
“We just want all of Georgia to be winter aware,” Kemp stated during a press briefing. Officials are urging residents north of Interstate 20, particularly along the I-85 corridor toward Athens and Gainesville, to prepare for significant impacts.
Key Forecast Details & Risks
| Risk Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Threat | Freezing rain and significant ice accumulation. |
| Timeline | Winter Storm Watch: 1 a.m. Saturday, Jan 24 – 10 a.m. Monday, Jan 26. |
| Greatest Impact Area | Northeast Georgia, including communities near the South Carolina border. |
| Primary Dangers | Dangerous travel conditions, scattered power outages, tree damage. |
| Lingering Hazard | Arctic air will keep temperatures at or below freezing early next week, worsening conditions if outages occur. |
Cold Air Damming: The Key Factor
Meteorologists point to “cold air damming” – often called “the wedge” – as the primary driver for this severe ice threat. This phenomenon occurs when dense, cold air becomes trapped against the Appalachian Mountains in north Georgia. As warmer, moist air rides over this shallow cold layer, rain droplets freeze on contact with surfaces, creating a glaze of ice. This process can persist for days, leading to prolonged hazardous conditions.
Resident Safety Recommendations
State and local emergency management agencies are urging Georgians to take immediate precautions:
- Prepare Your Home: Insulate pipes, seal windows and doors, and test carbon monoxide detectors. Have alternate heat sources ready.
- Build an Emergency Kit: Include at least three days of non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, and warm blankets.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Fill the gas tank and pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger.
- Plan for Power Outages: Charge electronic devices and have backup power sources ready. Never use gas stoves or generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risk.
- Avoid Travel: Postpone non-essential travel from late Friday through the weekend, especially in areas expecting ice accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under the greatest threat?
Northeast Georgia faces the highest risk for significant ice accumulation (up to 1.25 inches), which increases the potential for prolonged power outages and tree damage. Communities in the watch area include Atlanta, Rome, Gainesville, Dalton, Athens, and Augusta.
How long will the dangerous conditions last?
Freezing precipitation is expected to begin Friday evening and continue through Sunday. Furthermore, a strong Arctic high-pressure system will settle over the region early next week, keeping temperatures at or below freezing through at least Tuesday, which could slow recovery efforts and increase risks like frozen pipes.
Where can I get the latest road conditions and outage maps?
Officials recommend checking the Georgia Department of Transportation’s 511 service for real-time road conditions. For power outages, monitor the Georgia Power outage map or the Georgia EMC outage map, which updates every 15 minutes.