Georgia Cold Snap: Kemp Declares State Of Emergency

ATLANTA, GA — Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency statewide as weather officials put metro Atlanta and surrounding counties under a wind chill watch ahead of cold temps.

The state of emergency is effective Wednesday until 11:59 p.m. Monday. The declaration will allow propane to be delivered to residential and commercial buildings, if needed.

Georgia is already under a state of emergency for supply chain disruption until Jan. 10, 2023.

Low Temps

The National Weather Service's Peachtree City office issued a wind chill watch in effect from midnight Friday to noon Saturday for several metro counties, including Cherokee, Forsyth, Paulding, Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Barrow, Clarke, DeKalb and Douglas counties.

According to the weather service, wind chills are predicted to get as low as 10 degrees below zero in most areas. Areas in the higher terrain are expected to get wind chills as low as 15-20 degrees below zero.

"Temperatures are expected to rapidly begin dropping into the teens and 20s behind an arctic front late Thursday night into Friday. Lows on Saturday morning will range from the single digits to mid-teens across much of north and central Georgia.

"In addition, windy conditions are anticipated with northwest winds of 15-20 mph with frequent of 30-40 mph likely. Higher gusts are possible in the higher terrain," weather officials said.

Georgia emergency management officials warn of hypothermia and possible frostbite, urging people to not attempt to use direct heat sources as treatment.

Road Prep

Russell McMurry, the Georgia Department of Transportation commissioner, announced crews on Thursday will begin brining roadways and interstates, stretching for at least 21,000 miles. He asked drivers to not travel, if not necessary, to not disrupt the brining.

"If you see a roadway that looks wet, assume it has ice on (it)," McMurry said.

Operations will start at 7 a.m. Thursday in metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia and will last into Friday. Brining started Wednesday in northwest Georgia, according to GDOT.

Interstates and state routes will be salted Thursday evening into Friday morning, as needed, according to GDOT. Priority routes are Interstate 20, Interstate 85 south of Atlanta to Columbus, Interstate 75 north of metro Atlanta, I-75 south of metro Atlanta to Macon.

Georgia express lanes are being closed at midnight Thursday into Friday and will reopen as conditions allow, according to GDOT.

Travel is being limited Thursday into Friday morning.

"If you must venture out during this time, please give GDOT crews room and space on the roads to help ensure they can safely do their jobs. Please be aware of the brine trucks and know they must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment. Please pay attention and stay back at least 100 feet," GDOT officials said.

Home Prep

James C. Stallings, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, shared tips on how people can get through the anticipated cold weather.

"The state is ready," he said. "We’re just challenging you now to make sure you’re ready."

Stallings said power loss is a significant concern, so he encouraged people have preparation kits for three days that include flashlights and battery-operated devices. He also said people should have first-aid kits, extra medicine and any special items for infants and pets in the prep kits.

He reminded people to check on their neighbors, especially those who are older.

"If your power is out, most likely your neighbors are too," Stallings said.

If people lose electricity, he said people should have alternate heating sources such as extra coats or blankets.

Stallings shared additional tips:

• Space heaters should have temperature sensors to avoid house fires and be kept away from curtains while generators are to be kept at least 20 feet away from doors, windows or outlets that pull in fresh air.
• Pipes should be wrapped in styrofoam. Faucets should be dripped and cabinets should remain open to protect pipes.
• People should ensure their doors are weather-stripped and their homes are insulated.
• Remain hydrated

Statewide warming shelters can be found here.