Gov. Kemp announces safety plans, tips as Georgia prepares for potential winter storm

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has announced safety plans in advance of the wintry weather that may potentially hit Georgia later this week.

Gov. Kemp announced he has instructed GEMA (Georgia Emergency Management Agency) and Homeland Security Agency, the Georgia Department of Public Safety, Georgia Department of Transportation and other important state agencies to monitor the winter weather forecast.

“As with any weather system that might impact Georgia communities, we are actively monitoring the approaching winter storm and taking action now to ensure our communities are prepared for any possible impact,” said Gov. Kemp. “Along with state agency leaders, I’m urging Georgians to stay weather aware, especially as they make plans for the coming days. Please make necessary arrangements to keep your family safe and stay tuned for more information as this storm approaches.”

Georgia Department of Transportation vehicles and crews will prepare roads in areas north of and along I-20 on Thursday ahead of the anticipated wintry weather on Friday.

“A significant winter weather event is likely to occur across north and central Georgia on Friday with impacts lingering through the weekend,” according to a press release. “Hazardous travel conditions are possible on Friday and Saturday, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roadways.”

If possible, residents are encouraged to avoid travel in the most impacted areas, if possible. Motorists are asked to allow GDOT crews enough space and clearance to continue to treat and clear roads as needed.

For Friday night into Saturday morning, the chance for 1+ inch snowfall is greatest north of I-20, where some of the suburbs have as much as a 50 percent chance for an inch of snow. However, the risk remains for icy conditions, including freezing rain and sleet.

If this happens, freezing rain would significantly decrease the amount of snowfall for the Metro Atlanta area, as it signifies the presence of a “warm nose” in the atmosphere, which melts the snow before it refreezes into ice pellets (sleet) or on contact with the ground (freezing rain).

An artic blast arrived on Monday morning as temperatures dipped into the 20s to begin this week.

A huge swath of the U.S. was blasted with ice, snow and wind on Monday as the polar vortex that dipped south over the weekend kept much of the country east of the Rockies in its frigid grip, making many roads treacherous, forcing school closures, and causing widespread power outages and flight cancellations.

There are also helpful tips on what to do in case your flight may be impacted due to winter storms.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency has a list of helpful tips to prepare for wintry weather.

Winter Weather Preparedness Guidance:

Residents should check with their local officials for information about warming centers and comfort station locations. 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.