Winter Weather Safety: Coastal Georgia counties prepare for frosty weekend

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Wintry conditions are expected not just in the lowcountry, but in nearby Georgia counties as well. As communities brace for the weekend’s frosty weather, emergency management officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe during the coming cold spell.

Despite the beautiful conditions currently gracing Effingham County—with sunshine and chirping birds—this weekend could tell a very different story. Local emergency management agencies are actively preparing for the likely chance of significant snowfall.

Corey Kemp, Bulloch County EMA Director, expressed confidence in the county’s readiness. “I’m ready,” he stated simply, reflecting the preparedness efforts underway across the region.

Shanna Smith, Effingham County EMA Deputy Director, brings valuable experience to her role. Lessons learned from last year’s snowfall have made emergency management agencies more proactive in their planning this year.

“I just encourage people to stay off the road because we had a lot of single rollover accidents last year, just driving,” Smith explained. “The vehicles are top heavy so they tend to roll really easily so just trying to make sure we have safe roadways because people do have to work.”

The primary advice from emergency management officials is simple but critical: avoid traveling if possible.

For Bulloch County residents, Kemp emphasized the importance of knowing your surroundings, particularly in hazardous areas.

“Know that bridges freeze before any other part of the road so crossing bridges, be very careful,” Kemp noted. “The county has about 38 bridges,” making this a significant concern for drivers.

When asked about her personal winter weather checklist, Smith shared practical steps residents should take:

• Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas
• Drip your faucets if temperatures drop low enough to prevent freezing pipes
• Stock up on essentials at home in case of power outages

If travel is absolutely necessary this weekend, experts recommend giving yourself extra cushion—both between your vehicle and others on the road, and in your travel time to your destination.

As Effingham County prepares for winter weather, the message from emergency management is: stay home if you can, drive carefully if you must, and prepare your home and vehicle for the cold ahead.