Earlier today, January 9th, 2025, governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for the entire state of Georgia ahead of the massive winter storm that’s on its way towards the East Coast.
This State of Emergency will be in effect until Tuesday, January 14, 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?
Right now, we’re expecting snow and sleet, which could accumulate to between 2-4 inches in North Georgia. Up to 2 inches of snow and sleet are expected in Metro Atlanta.
Ice accumulations of one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch will also be possible in the Watch/Warning area.
How cold is it going to get?
According to the Georgia State of Emergency,
Temperatures will drop into the lower 20s on Saturday night across North and Central Georgia, so any remaining moisture will refreeze by Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon temperatures should reach the 40s.
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 24 hours until Sunday, January 12, 2025, at noon.
Do not travel
The National Weather Service ranks Atlanta as “difficult to impossible travel” and tells Atlantans to plan on “hazardous travel conditions from Friday morning, lasting into Saturday.”
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.