Gov. Kemp declares statewide emergency ahead of winter storm
Georgia activates State Operations Center as freezing rain and power outages threaten parts of the state
ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency Thursday as Georgia prepares for the expected impacts of a winter storm this weekend.
Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center and mobilize resources statewide. The emergency declaration runs through Jan. 29, 2026.
“As forecasts continue to evolve, Georgians should be prepared for freezing precipitation that causes dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss beginning Saturday,” Kemp said in a statement. He urged residents to take precautions to ensure families and pets can remain safe, warm and fed.
State resources activated
Under the emergency order, the Georgia Department of Defense may deploy up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops if needed for preparation, response, and recovery.
The declaration also prohibits price gouging, suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response efforts, and temporarily increases size and weight limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
Winter storm forecast
State officials said a major winter storm is expected to bring significant impacts to parts of Georgia, especially north of Interstate 20.
Much of North Georgia is under a Winter Storm Watch from late Friday night through Monday morning, with the possibility of upgrades to warnings or advisories. Additional counties may be added as forecast confidence improves.
Forecasters expect a high chance of wintry precipitation across North Georgia through the weekend, with freezing rain currently the most likely scenario. Precipitation could begin Saturday afternoon and continue through Sunday evening, followed by very cold temperatures in the teens and 20s early Monday.
Temperatures are expected to remain very cold through Tuesday, January 27, raising concerns about frozen pipes, prolonged hazardous road conditions and lingering power outages.
In Middle Georgia, the treat of ice remains a possibility, although it appears to be less of a threat based on the latest models. Still, Middle Georgians should prepare by getting non-perishable food items/food you don’t need to cook and water. High level ice storms can cause extended power outages and make travel near impossible, so it is essential to prepare in the event these things occur.
Extremely cold weather looks possible early next week as well once the system has passed.
Transportation and public safety preparations
The Georgia Department of Transportation is staging crews and equipment and plans to begin brining operations on interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses. Officials said priority will be given to high-traffic routes, emergency corridors and access points to hospitals and urgent care facilities.
The Department of Public Safety will have troopers and officers on standby statewide, with response teams positioned in areas expected to be most affected.
The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is partnering with GDOT to escort brining operations.
Utility and environmental response
Response teams from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Commission and Department of Agriculture are prepared to assist with debris removal, public safety needs, and other critical requests.
The Environmental Protection Division will identify debris staging areas and support critical infrastructure, including drinking water and wastewater systems.
Preparedness guidance for residents
State officials are urging residents to check with local governments about warming centers and comfort stations and to take steps now to prepare for winter conditions.
Recommended actions include insulating homes, checking carbon monoxide detectors, using space heaters safely, preparing emergency kits for vehicles, protecting pipes from freezing, and keeping pets indoors. Residents are also advised to avoid unnecessary travel in impacted areas.
