Baldwin County issues emergency declaration while GDOT, Washington County EMA and the City of Sparta prepare for icy conditions
Baldwin County has declared a local state of emergency ahead of expected winter weather. Washington County and the City of Sparta are also preparing for icy conditions as GDOT begins brining operations.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Baldwin County officials have declared a local state of emergency ahead of expected winter weather that could significantly impact the area beginning this weekend. Baldwin County Schools is also among the first in the area to say that its school district will be closed on Monday.
The chairman of the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners issued the declaration earlier Friday, citing expectations that the county could experience an event of critical significance due to winter weather conditions. The local state of emergency is set to take effect Saturday.
Washington County begins brining operations
In Washington County, emergency management officials say preparations are already underway to address potential hazardous road conditions.
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency announced that brining operations are scheduled to begin Friday night. Officials urged drivers to remain alert for vehicles applying road treatments and to use caution while traveling.
GDOT advances brine operations across east-central Georgia
The Georgia Department of Transportation has also accelerated its winter weather preparations, advancing the start of brine operations in east-central Georgia to Friday evening.
GDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to begin treating Interstate 20, Interstate 520/Bobby Jones Expressway and state routes between State Route 540 and I-20 starting at 7 p.m. Friday. A contractor is expected to begin treating state routes north of I-20 at midnight.
Brining operations on Interstate 16 and state routes between I-16 and SR 540, the Fall Line Freeway, are set to begin Saturday at 7 a.m.
Brine, a solution of salt and water, is used to reduce the likelihood of freezing on roadways. GDOT officials noted that trucks must travel about 40 mph to properly apply the treatment and asked motorists to stay at least 100 feet behind brining vehicles.
Crews will be staffed around the clock until the winter weather threat has passed, with maintenance personnel working 12-hour shifts. Officials said plans are based on current forecasts and could change as conditions evolve.
City of Sparta in Hancock County limits response to emergencies only
In Sparta, city officials say they are closely monitoring the approaching winter weather system expected to impact the area this weekend and into early next week.
City staff have inspected and staged equipment, checked critical water, sewer and gas system components, and placed on-call personnel on standby to respond to emergencies. Backup plans are also in place in the event of power outages or icy conditions.
Due to anticipated hazardous road conditions, city officials said staff will respond to emergency situations only during the winter weather event.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions, including protecting exposed pipes, checking on elderly neighbors and limiting travel if roads become icy.
Updates will be shared through official city communication channels, including TextMyGov. Residents can receive alerts by texting the word “SPARTA” to 91896.
