Gov. Kemp declares new statewide state of emergency ahead of winter storm

Emergency order runs through Feb. 6 as winter storm and extreme cold are forecast across Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency today ahead of a winter storm expected to impact Georgia this weekend.

The declaration is a separate executive order from the one issued Jan. 22 ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center beginning at noon today. The current state of emergency runs through Feb. 6.

“While Mother Nature may not be giving us a break with these back-to-back storms, the good news is we don’t take any days off when it comes to keeping Georgia communities prepared and safe,” Kemp said in a statement.

Kemp said state agencies have been monitoring the storm and preparing resources ahead of its arrival.

Expected weather impacts

Unlike last week’s winter weather event, which brought freezing precipitation and heavy ice, officials said the incoming storm is expected to bring extreme cold temperatures and snowfall in some areas.

State officials said even light snow accumulation could result in slick and dangerous road conditions.

GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb encouraged residents to limit travel before and during the storm.

“Fewer vehicles on the roads give GDOT crews the space they need to treat roadways safely and efficiently,” Lamb said.

State transportation response

The Georgia Department of Transportation has begun treating roadways in areas within the storm’s path, officials said.

GDOT crews are pre-treating more than 20,000 lane miles on interstates and state routes using brine, prioritizing areas expected to receive the heaviest precipitation. Crews will operate in 12-hour shifts and transition to plowing once snow begins to fall.

Officials said GDOT’s efforts are aided when residents remain off the roads, beginning Friday evening.

Provisions of the emergency order

According to the governor’s office, the emergency order includes provisions that prohibit price gouging, suspend hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities, and temporarily increase weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.

Ongoing preparation and guidance

An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued statewide for Saturday night and Sunday. Wind chills are expected to reach the single digits statewide and fall below zero in north Georgia on Sunday morning. Wind gusts of up to 35 mph are also forecast for Saturday.

GDOT has staged crews and equipment to prioritize high-traffic routes, emergency access corridors, and areas near hospitals and urgent care centers. The Department of Public Safety said troopers and officers will be on standby statewide, with response teams positioned in areas most affected by the storm.