In a press release yesterday, January 20th, 2025, Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for all 159 counties in the state of Georgia[/trackLink] ahead of the massive winter storm that’s on its way towards the south east.
This State of Emergency will be in effect until Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025.
Keep scrolling to see how you can stay safe during this winter storm.
First of all, what’s going to happen?
Is it going to snow?
There are reports of possible snowfall today, Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, in the afternoon. Some reports show 3-5 inches, especially south of I-20.
According to the State of Emergency report,
Projected precipitation accompanied by severe cold temperates creates the potential for snow and ice accumulation, including black ice on roadways, that could impact the State though Thursday, January 23, 2025 or longer, as subfreezing temperatures may continue thorough the week…
How cold is it going to get?
Right now, temperatures are expect to stay below freezing for nearly 60 hours or more this week. Today (Tuesday, January 21st), the low is expected to in the upper teens, with temperatures tomorrow dropping to 15 degrees.
What should I do to stay safe?
Stay inside
Most importantly, stay inside and stay warm. Limit your exposure to the elements as much as possible. If you or someone you know does not have shelter, direct them to one of Atlanta’s warming centers, which will be open continuously until Wednesday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m.
DO NOT TRAVEL IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
Have a readiness kit
The Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency recommends having a ready kit with the following items:
- Water At least 3 gallons per person, for drinking and sanitation
- Food At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Can opener For food, if kit contains canned food
- Radio Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties For personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers To turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches In a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Pet food and extra water For your pet
- Prescription medications and glasses
Charge your devices
In case of a loss of power, make sure your devices are charged. If you are able, have an emergency charging option (ie your car, hand crank, generator, etc.)
Keep your food safe
Fill a gallon container with water and place them in the freezer to help keep food cold. If you lose power, try to open your refrigerator and freezer as little as possible to keep it cold inside.
Keep up to date on the storm
You will be able to keep up-to-date on all the winter storm happenings by listening to the NOAA Weather Radio. You can find the NOAA Weather Radio here.
Keep your home safe
GEMA recommends
- Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
** Never use an oven to heat your home. Never bring portable generators, camp stoves and grills into your home; they should only be used outside. Keep them at least 20 feet away from your home’s windows, doors and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
For more information about how to stay safe during the winter storm, visit GEMA’s website, here.