Gov. Kemp declares state of emergency for all counties ahead of major winter storm

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Governor Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency for all Georgia counties effective immediately. This comes ahead of a winter storm expected to bring icy conditions to parts of Georgia this weekend.

Gov. Kemp made this announcement during a press briefing discussing how the state is preparing for the winter storm. The state of emergency will last seven days and will be extended if necessary, confirmed Gov. Kemp.

Georgia prepares for winter storm

Gov. Kemp authorized 500 national guardsman as a part of his executive order.

“Obviously, we don’t have a need for those folks right now. Hopefully we won’t, but we just want to be prepared,” said Kemp.

Also in preparation, truck weights have been suspended and the State Operations Center will be activated at 7 a.m. Saturday morning. GDOT will also start preparing and brining roads north of I-20 for icy conditions.

He says Georgia Power resources and assets are being strategically moved to areas that could be hit hard by the weather.

Gov. Kemp says to be prepared- even us in the Coastal Empire.

“Folks need to start getting off the road Saturday night. If it’s bad where you on Sunday, just do us a favor, do the state patrol, DOT, al the other folks, the utility crews that are our there working – if you can just stay off the roads. That would be a big favor to us and help keep everybody safe," said Gov. Kemp.

Gov. Kemp said they will be monitoring the situation across the state 24/7.

He emphasizes having a full tank of gas and an emergency kit prepared now.

There were more tips given out at the Governor’s press conference, to help you get ready ahead of any potential weather storm impacts.

Experts say to make sure you have:

• warm clothes and blankets
• flashlights and batteries
• a way to charge your phone if power goes out
• three days worth of water and non-perishable food

They also say to double check your:

• first aid kit
• smoke alarm
• carbon monoxide detector
• outdoor pipes
• window and door seals
• gutters

Another tip from state emergency management leaders is talk with your family. They say coming up with a plan for how to communicate if phone reception goes out, or where to reunite if you get separated can be helpful.

See full briefing below:

Current Weather Forecast

• A major winter storm is expected to bring significant impacts to parts of Georgia, especially north of I-20, this weekend.
• Much of North Georgia is under a Winter Storm Watch from late Friday night through Monday morning, with the possibility of being upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory, and additional counties may be added.
• Chances for wintry precipitation are high across North Georgia throughout the weekend. 
• The current expectation is for most of that precipitation to be freezing rain.
• The presence of rain, freezing rain, sleet, or snow will depend on the exact temperature at any given time.
• Precipitation will likely begin in northern Georgia Saturday afternoon and will continue through Sunday evening before temperatures reach the teens and 20s on Monday morning.
• Temperatures will remain very cold through Tuesday, January 27. 
• Prolonged freezing temperatures could prevent melting and drying on roads and potentially cause pipes to burst.
• Dangerous travel conditions will be possible beginning Saturday and could continue into Monday and Tuesday.
• Widespread power outages are possible in impacted areas, with gusty winds continuing through Monday.
• Impacts for specific locations will continue to be refined over the next few days as forecast confidence improves.
• As always, stay tuned to forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets.

Want our latest weather forecast? Click here.

Winter Weather Preparedness Guidance

Residents should check with their local officials for information about warming centers and comfort station locations. State parks with warming centers can be found here. 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. 

For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.

GEMA/HS will provide ongoing updates regarding winter weather conditions via its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts. Residents are encouraged to monitor local National Weather Service updates and news stations.