Atlanta(WJBF) – Georgia leaders are preparing for what could be one of the worst ice storms to hit the state in more than a decade, with travel conditions likely to be hazardous and the possibility of lengthy power outages across much of north Georgia.
Just hours ago, officials with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and state meteorologists provided detailed updates on the storm’s timeline and potential impacts. Of greatest concern: heavy ice accumulation on roads, trees and power lines, especially north of the I-20 corridor.
Josh Lamb, director of GEMA, said snow and ice accumulation in parts of northern Georgia, particularly in the northeastern region of the state, could rival past major storms, including the infamous 2014 winter weather event.
“Significant ice accumulation is possible in Alert and Alert counties Saturday afternoon into Sunday night,” Lamb said. “Temperatures will drop below freezing Sunday night and remain very cold on Tuesday. Extended periods of freezing conditions will result in re-icing of roadways.”
Officials warned that ice on trees and power lines could cause widespread power outages that could take days to repair. If roads are impassable, utility crews may be delayed in reaching affected areas.
State Meteorologist Will Lankston emphasized the severity of the threat, noting that an inch of ice would make this storm one of the worst ever seen in Georgia.
“When you’re talking about an inch of ice, it rivals some of the largest ice storms we’ve experienced in the state,” Lankston said. “Travel could become nearly impossible and power outages could last for days.”
In preparation, the Georgia Department of Transportation will add water to roads starting at midnight Friday as frigid temperatures increase the risk of black ice. GEMA said it would also coordinate with neighboring countries to bring in additional utility resources if widespread outages occur.
Starting Saturday, the State Operations Center at GEMA headquarters in Atlanta will be activated and staffed 24/7. The center will bring together multiple agencies, including the Guangdong Provincial Department of Transportation, the Forestry Commission, Georgia Power and emergency management officials to identify trouble spots and quickly deploy personnel.
GEMA Director Lamb strongly urged residents to stay off the roads Saturday afternoon through Monday, especially in areas north of I-20. Atlanta and Augusta are expected to be among the hardest-hit metro areas.
Gov. Brian Kemp, who is currently traveling abroad, said 500 National Guard personnel are on standby and ready to assist if the situation worsens.
State officials are urging residents to prepare now to charge devices, secure food and water and avoid unnecessary travel as storms approach this weekend.
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