Winter Storm Jan 2026

State of Emergency

Governor Brian Kemp issued a new State of Emergency order for all counties in Georgia in preparation for another winter storm this weekend. As the storm moves through the state beginning Saturday morning, wintry precipitation is expected throughout North and Central Georgia. The State of Emergency went effect on Friday, January 30, and will run through February 6, 2026. Access the full State of Emergency Executive Order here. 

Winter Storm 1/31-2/1

Update as of 7:30 a.m. February 1, 2026:

An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for all of North and Central Georgia until 1PM this afternoon. Dangerously cold wind chills ranging -15 to 5 degrees are expected areawide. Wind gusts up to 30 MPH remain possible through noon today but are expected to trend down during the afternoon and evening. For areas with snow on the ground, some melting may occur today, but temperatures will drop back below freezing tonight. Untreated roads may remain slick and snow covered through Monday. 

There's an increased threat for cold related illness with the frigid temperatures and wind chills this morning, and sub-freezing temperatures again Monday morning. There's also an increased risk for pipe bursts with the extended period of sub-freezing temperatures. Travel may remain difficult in locations where any snowfall remains, or where roads remain slick. 

GEMA/HS is closely monitoring the forecast and coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to ensure Georgians have the resources and information they need before, during and after potential winter weather impacts.

We encourage residents to stay informed. For the most up to date information, follow GEMA/HS, your local National Weather Service office, your local emergency management agency and reliable media outlets. 

Visit our winter weather page for tips on what to do before, during and after a storm.

Warming Centers

Georgia State Parks are opening warming stations for public use during this weather event. ParkPass fees will be waived for those using the shelter warming stations. For locations, dates, times, and the latest updates, please visit: https://gastateparks.org/Alerts.  

Please check with your local emergency management agency for local comfort station locations here: gema.georgia.gov/locations.

Reporting Damages

Damage reports for Rabun County can be sent to [email protected].

Residents that receive damage from the winter storm should report their damages through this portal. It is designed to allow for Georgia citizens to self-report damages to their homes, businesses, and public facilities. This information can be used by GEMA in order to visualize and summarize damage assessments as they are collected by the public. The information submitted through this form still needs to be verified by local, state, and federal emergency management officials before determining whether damage caused by a natural or man-made disaster exceeds State or Federal declaration thresholds. Please visit FEMA's Individual Assistance Web Page for more info regarding Individual Assistance. Visit GEMA's Public Assistance Web Page for more information regarding Public Assistance. 

To report a power outage or downed power lines, call Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938. 

To request assistance for debris removal, contact your local EMA office.

You can also call 844-965-1386 for a Crisis Cleanup Hotline for property cleanup assistance. This nonprofit service is not guaranteed as its volunteer based, but they will help if they can.