Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's Winter Storm Preparedness Briefing

Winter Storm Preparedness and Forecast

• ⚠️ A major winter storm is expected to impact much of Georgia, primarily north of I-20, with potential for significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
• 🌡️ The exact impact, including whether precipitation falls as rain, snow, or ice, depends critically on temperatures, which could shift the storm's line north or south.
• 🗓️ The winter storm watch is in effect from Friday evening through Monday morning, with impacts expected to begin early Saturday morning.

State Actions and Resources

• 🚨 A state of emergency has been declared for all Georgia counties, effective immediately for seven days, with the possibility of extension.
• 🛡️ 500 National Guardsmen have been authorized for call-up to assist with response efforts if needed.
• 🚚 Suspended truck weights are in effect to facilitate the movement of fuel and other essential supplies around the state.
• ⚙️ The State Operations Center will be activated 24/7 starting Saturday morning until the event passes, coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies.

Agency and Partner Coordination

• 🤝 Constant communication is maintained with the National Weather Service, local emergency management agencies, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Georgia Power, EMCs, and other utility partners.
• 🌲 Chainsaw cut teams from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commission are on standby to clear roads if necessary.
• 🚗 GDOT will begin treating roads north of I-20 around midnight Friday/early Saturday morning, urging drivers to give crews plenty of room.

Public Preparedness Recommendations

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Prepare your family by creating a communication plan, checking on neighbors, and ensuring at least three days of non-perishable food, water, medications, warm clothing, blankets, and charged devices.
• 🏠 Prepare your home by testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, covering outdoor pipes, and ensuring safe heating methods, avoiding using an oven for heat and never bringing portable generators indoors.
• 🚗 Prepare your car with a full gas tank and an emergency kit including essentials like a first aid kit, charger, blankets, and an ice scraper.
• 🛣️ Stay off the roads as much as possible, especially during the storm's peak, to ensure personal safety and allow utility and DOT crews to work effectively.

Monitoring and Updates

• 📊 The situation is being monitored 24/7, with continuous updates provided to the public through official channels.
• 🌐 Georgians are urged to pay attention to guidance from local officials and monitor the National Weather Service and trusted news sources for the latest information. GEMA Homeland Security will provide updates via their website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media (@georgiahs).