Georgia Braces for Severe Winter Storm and Extreme Cold

Georgia is preparing for a significant winter storm expected to begin Friday night, bringing accumulating snow and dangerously low temperatures across much of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective from 1 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday for multiple counties, including Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett. Additionally, an Extreme Cold Warning has been declared for all of north and central Georgia, with wind chills anticipated to drop between 0 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Georgia under state of emergency as winter storm nears metro AtlantaGeorgia Winter Storm Warning: Snow totals, timing, and rare -15° wind chill forecast

• Friday Night (8 p.m. – Midnight): Light snow showers may begin in far northwest Georgia.

Georgia Winter Storm Warning: Snow totals, timing, and rare -15° wind chill forecast

• Saturday Morning (3 a.m. – 8 a.m.): Snow will spread across the I-20 and I-85 corridors, reaching areas from Columbus to Macon by breakfast.

Georgia Winter Storm Warning: Snow totals, timing, and rare -15° wind chill forecast

• Saturday Afternoon: The heaviest snow accumulations are expected, with wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph, creating hazardous travel conditions.

Georgia Winter Storm Warning: Snow totals, timing, and rare -15° wind chill forecast

• Saturday Evening: Snow is forecasted to taper off by dinner time, but temperatures will plummet, leading to extreme cold overnight.

Georgia Winter Storm Warning: Snow totals, timing, and rare -15° wind chill forecast

Forecasts indicate varying snow totals across the state. Metro Atlanta is likely to see 1 to 2 inches, while areas northeast of Atlanta could receive 3 to 5 inches, with localized totals of up to 6 inches in counties like Habersham and Rabun. In contrast, western Georgia may only experience a dusting.

Georgia under state of emergency as winter storm nears metro Atlanta

The primary hazards associated with this winter storm include life-threatening cold and hazardous road conditions. Meteorologists warn of "dangerous to impossible" travel, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages and infrastructure issues, such as ruptured water pipes due to prolonged sub-freezing temperatures. Homeowners are encouraged to "drip your faucets" to prevent pipe failures.

Georgia Winter Storm Warning: Snow totals, timing, and rare -15° wind chill forecast

In response to the impending storm, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, mobilizing resources among state agencies and prohibiting price gouging. The declaration also allows for the temporary increase of transportation limits for essential supplies and authorizes the call-up of 500 Georgia National Guard members to assist if necessary.

Georgia under state of emergency as winter storm nears metro Atlanta

Residents across the state are taking precautions by stocking up on supplies and preparing their homes for the extreme cold. In Southeast Georgia, individuals are bundling up indoors and ensuring they have adequate food and water supplies. Local businesses are experiencing a slowdown in activity as people stay home to avoid the harsh weather.

Southeast Georgia braces for extreme cold, community readies for weekend weather

The severe winter weather is expected to persist into Monday morning, with temperatures remaining low before a warming trend begins on Monday afternoon. By Tuesday, temperatures are projected to rebound into the 50s and 60s, bringing an end to the winter storm conditions.

Georgia Winter Storm Warning: Snow totals, timing, and rare -15° wind chill forecast