Winter Weather - January 2025

State of Emergency

Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective immediately through Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in preparation for the approaching winter storm expected to impact Georgia. The State of Emergency authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts. 

For more information, click here. 

Current Weather Forecast

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for all of Central and South Georgia through Wednesday morning. Counties in the Warning area should expect to receive two to five inches of snowfall accumulation. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for much of North Georgia, including all of Metro Atlanta. Counties in the Advisory area should expect to receive up to two inches of snowfall accumulation.

Snow will continue to move into Georgia this morning. As it overspreads much of the state this afternoon, travel conditions could rapidly deteriorate as snow accumulates and ice forms on roadways. If you are under a Warning or an Advisory, be where you plan to be for a day or two by early this afternoon. Snow should begin to taper off in Metro Atlanta this evening, moving out of Central Georgia around midnight and South Georgia by sunrise tomorrow.

With frigid temperatures once again expected tonight and tomorrow morning, any snow that falls and sticks today will continue to cause travel disruptions tomorrow. High temperatures Wednesday afternoon are not forecast to rise much above freezing, so sufficient melting and drying may not occur before temperatures bottom out again Thursday morning. High temperatures Thursday afternoon should reach the low-to-mid 40s. Impacts will linger for a day or two even after the snowfall ends.

Dangerous travel conditions will be possible wherever snow accumulates today and tonight, especially in Central and South Georgia where the highest amounts are forecast. Road conditions could become hazardous very quickly after the snowfall begins and may not improve much before Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Power outages will also be possible where snow accumulates on trees and power lines. Final preparations should be rushed to completion by early this afternoon.

Another Extreme Cold Warning and/or Cold Weather Advisory is likely for tonight and tomorrow morning. Wind chills in North Georgia will drop into the single digits and below 20 across the rest of Georgia. The prolonged cold will continue to threaten pipes to burst and could pose a risk to those exposed to the cold for too long. Continue to closely monitor forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets through the week.

Please make final preparations today before the precipitation moves in tomorrow morning. As always, stay tuned to forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets.

State Action and Preparation

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) began brining operations on Sunday morning, focusing on pre-treating interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses across the state. Crews are prioritizing high-traffic routes and areas providing access to hospitals and urgent care centers. Residents are urged to avoid travel in the most impacted areas whenever possible. For those who must travel, GDOT advises motorists to exercise caution and provide ample space for crews to safely continue treating and clearing roads to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

To read more about GDOT's brining operations, please click here.

The Motor Carrier Compliance Division has partnered with GDOT to escort brining details across the metro area into northern Georgia to the Tennessee line. DPS Troopers and Officers will be on standby across the state for any service calls regarding the winter weather and the needs of the state.

Winter Weather Preparedness Guidance

Warming Centers

Residents should check with their local officials for information about warming centers and comfort station locations. Below is a list of Warming Shelters in various counties.

State parks with warming centers can be found here. 

More tips are as follows:

• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches. 
• Keep heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes. 
• Insulate your home and ensure doors and windows are sealed. 
• Check and install a working carbon monoxide detector. 
• Have backup heat sources like extra blankets, sleeping bags, or a wood-burning fireplace. 
• Check your antifreeze, brakes, heater, tires, and wipers. 
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. 
• Carry an emergency Ready kit with items like a portable phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction, and jumper cables. 
• Use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Allow pipes to drip or insulate them to prevent freezing. 
• Keep pets indoors and check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors. 

For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.