As Georgia braces for an arctic blast bringing dangerously cold temperatures and snow, Gov. Brian Kemp wasted no time in declaring a State of Emergency in the state. Effective immediately, this declaration aims to prepare for the freezing temperatures and winter weather set to impact Georgia on Tuesday. The FOX 5 Storm Team, led by Meteorologist Jonathan Stacey, has designated Tuesday as a Storm Alert Day, urging residents to stay weather aware as the situation unfolds.
The State of Emergency empowers the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency cGEMA/HSc to activate the State Operations Center cSOCc and deploy necessary resources to tackle the potential impacts of the impending weather system. This executive order is set to remain in force through next Tuesday, Jan. 28, indicating the severity of the situation at hand.
One of the key provisions under the State of Emergency is the authorization for the Georgia Department of Defense to deploy up to 250 Georgia National Guard troops for preparation, response, and recovery efforts. Furthermore, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for 128 counties starting Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning, covering South Georgia, most of Central Georgia, and Metro Atlanta along the I-85 Corridor. Residents in these areas can expect up to 2 inches of snow accumulation, with some regions in South Georgia potentially experiencing ice accumulation from freezing rain.
As the winter storm progresses, temperatures are forecasted to plummet, especially in North and Central Georgia, leading to dangerously cold conditions. Afternoon highs are expected to only reach the mid-to-upper 30s, with any lingering precipitation likely to freeze as temperatures drop even further. The State of Emergency also implements measures to prevent price gouging, suspends certain limitations for commercial vehicle operators engaged in response activities, and adjusts weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
Gov. Kemp emphasized the need for preparedness, highlighting the collaborative efforts of state agencies, emergency management teams, public safety officials, and the Georgia Department of Transportation in readiness and response measures. Various state offices, including those in Atlanta, are set to operate remotely for employee safety, with the discretion to extend closures beyond Tuesday, possibly into Wednesday and Thursday.
The FOX 5 Storm Team has been closely monitoring the weather situation, issuing a Storm Alert Day for snow across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. As the winter system unfolds, detailed predictions indicate varying snowfall amounts across different regions. While northern areas may experience minimal snowfall, southern and eastern parts are likely to see more significant accumulations.
Looking ahead, residents are urged to follow the latest updates from the FOX 5 Storm Team and prepare for potential disruptions due to the severe weather conditions. With multiple winter storm alerts in place affecting various counties in Georgia, it is crucial to heed official warnings and stay informed about the evolving situation.
As the state braces for the cold snap and winter storm, numerous flight cancellations and delays have already been reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, prompting several airlines to offer free rebooking options for affected passengers. Additionally, businesses and schools have started announcing closures, with institutions like Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta Botanical Garden modifying their operating hours in response to the extreme weather conditions.
In conclusion, as Georgia gears up for the impending winter weather, vigilance, preparedness, and adherence to official guidance are crucial for ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions. Stay tuned for further updates and changes to forecasts as the situation continues to develop.
