Georgia Declares State of Emergency as Arctic Blast Brings Snow, Freezing Temperatures

ATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency on Monday as an arctic blast is expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures and snow to the state starting Tuesday. The executive order mobilizes state resources and activates the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to address potential impacts.

The FOX 5 Storm Team has declared Tuesday a Storm Alert Day, with a Winter Storm Watch in effect for 128 counties across South Georgia, Central Georgia, and Metro Atlanta. Areas under the watch could see up to 2 inches of snow accumulation and up to one-quarter of an inch of ice in far Southeast Georgia. Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens in North and Central Georgia and the 20s in South Georgia on Wednesday morning.

“Before the full force of the incoming winter weather arrives, many Georgians are already experiencing dangerously low temperatures ahead of expected freezing precipitation on Tuesday,” Gov. Kemp said in a press release. He emphasized that state agencies, including the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), have been preparing since Sunday, treating roadways and coordinating response efforts.

The State of Emergency also includes measures to prevent price gouging, suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators, and increases weight, height, and length limits for vehicles transporting essential supplies. State offices in Atlanta will be closed Tuesday, with employees working remotely, and agency officials have discretion to extend closures into Wednesday and Thursday.

FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Jonathan Stacey warned that the cold air will persist, with temperatures not rising above freezing for the next 36 to 48 hours. “This system, unlike the one that we had about a week and a half ago, will not be bringing us a mix of sleet and freezing rain. It is going to pretty much be an all-snow maker,” Stacey explained. However, any snow that melts will refreeze due to sub-freezing temperatures.

Snow showers are expected to begin in southern portions of the state by 2 p.m. Tuesday, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Areas south and east of the I-85 corridor, including Upson County and Eatonton, could see up to 2 inches of snow, while the metro area may only experience a dusting or coating.

Behind the snow, frigid air will persist, with wind chills feeling as low as 5°F in Ellijay and 11°F in Carrollton by Wednesday morning. A Cold Weather Advisory and Winter Weather Advisory are in effect for multiple counties, with very cold wind chills expected across the state.

Businesses and schools have already begun announcing closures. Zoo Atlanta delayed its opening Monday due to extreme cold, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden will be closed Tuesday. Residents are urged to monitor the forecast and prepare for hazardous road conditions.