Georgia is gearing up for a winter storm predicted to bring snow and ice to much of the state on Friday. Governor Brian Kemp has urged residents to remain vigilant and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, while state agencies have begun implementing precautionary measures to mitigate the storm’s impact.
Governor Kemp Calls for Statewide Preparedness
Governor Kemp issued a statement on Tuesday urging Georgians to stay informed about the approaching storm. “Make necessary arrangements to keep your family safe and stay tuned for more information as this storm approaches,” he advised.
State meteorologists anticipate a mix of snow and ice, with accumulation expected across northern and central Georgia. Early forecasts predict a few inches of snow and up to a quarter-inch of ice in some areas, raising concerns about travel safety and power outages.
In response, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced plans to begin brining roads on Thursday. Priority will be given to regions along and north of Interstate 20, where the storm is expected to hit hardest.
GDOT’s Enhanced Winter Weather Plan
Chris Stallings, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), described the storm as having a “recipe for ice,” citing cold ground temperatures as a significant factor. However, Stallings reassured residents that the state is better prepared than it was during the infamous “Snowmageddon” of 2014.
Key measures include:
- Enhanced infrastructure: GDOT has bolstered its fleet with additional trucks and equipment.
- Brine production: The state now produces brine in-house, allowing for quicker and more extensive road treatments.
- Manpower: Over 1,900 GDOT employees are on call to cover Georgia’s extensive 49,525-mile road network.
Stallings emphasized that these improvements are designed to prevent the widespread gridlock and unpreparedness seen in past storms.
Atlanta and Georgia Power Step Up
In the City of Atlanta, officials have issued a “Level 2” response in anticipation of the storm. Starting Thursday at 1 a.m., crews will treat city roads to reduce ice-related hazards.
Georgia Power has also activated its winter weather protocols. Alicia Brown, a company spokesperson, highlighted recent investments in grid infrastructure to minimize the duration of power outages. “We are ready to help where needed and can restore power quickly if disruptions occur,” she stated.
Residents are advised to stock up on essentials and prepare for the possibility of prolonged outages in areas with heavy ice accumulation.
A Lesson from the Past
The memory of 2014’s “Snowmageddon” remains fresh for many Georgians, when a mere two inches of snow paralyzed metro Atlanta, leaving thousands stranded on roads. This time, officials are determined to avoid a repeat of that chaos.
“We’ve learned a lot since then,” said Stallings. “We’re ready to handle whatever comes our way.”
The storm is expected to peak Friday night into Saturday morning. While officials remain “optimistically nervous,” they urge residents to prioritize safety and stay informed about weather updates.
