Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp instructed his state’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and other departments to begin monitoring and preparing for the imminent arrival of a major winter storm.
The announcement on Jan. 7 follows several days of freezing storm conditions across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic states, which produced record-setting and travel-deterring levels of snowfall.
“As with any weather system that might impact Georgia communities, we are actively monitoring the approaching winter storm and taking action now to ensure our communities are prepared for any possible impact,” the governor said in a statement.
“Along with state agency leaders, I’m urging Georgians to stay weather aware, especially as they make plans for the coming days.
“Please make necessary arrangements to keep your family safe and stay tuned for more information as this storm approaches.”
This watch area includes Atlanta and Athens.
Forecast conditions include a mixture of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Up to four inches of snow is possible, along with a buildup of a tenth of an inch of ice.
The governor’s office warned of hazardous road conditions, especially along the I-20/I-85 corridors, and the combination of snow and wind could bring down powerlines.
Georgia’s Department of Transportation will begin spraying the roads with salt brine on Jan. 9 in an effort to prevent ice buildup, and residents are asked to avoid traveling to the most affected areas.
The governor’s office shared several tips for residents to combat the conditions safely.
These include having electric space heaters and generators at their disposal, making sure the electric heaters have automatic shut-off switches, and ensuring that sources of heat are kept at least three feet away from drapes and furniture.
Residents should keep gas-powered generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents and should install working carbon monoxide detectors inside.
Drivers were advised to have emergency “ready” kits featuring portable phone chargers, an ice scraper, jumper cables, extra blankets, and sand to ensure vehicles can get traction on slippery roads.
The NWS renewed its warning on Jan. 8, extending it to the morning of Jan. 9.
Winter storm watches have also been issued for Tennessee and northern parts of Alabama and Mississippi, as well as areas of Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
The weather service predicted up to four inches of snow in some areas, with others predicted to see as much as eight inches.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also instructed his state’s emergency management to increase its readiness to deal with the extreme conditions on Jan. 7.
“I thank all the first responders and emergency management personnel for their efforts to help Texas communities brace for winter weather.”
Up to six inches of snow is possible across the state.
