Georgia Braces for Dangerous Ice Storm

A severe ice storm is forecast to impact north Georgia this weekend, leading to a State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian Kemp for all counties. This state of emergency, effective for seven days, includes measures against price gouging and adjusts commercial vehicle regulations for essential supplies.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of north Georgia from early Saturday morning through Monday morning. Forecasters anticipate significant ice accumulations, potentially ranging from a quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch, with less than an inch of snow or sleet.

This ice poses a substantial risk for dangerous travel conditions, widespread power outages, and extensive tree damage. The phenomenon of cold air damming, where cold air gets trapped against the Appalachian Mountains, is a key factor in this forecast, creating conditions favorable for freezing rain.

After a brief lull on Saturday morning, wintry weather is expected to return Saturday afternoon. The greatest threat of significant ice accumulation, possibly up to 1.25 inches, is concentrated in northeast Georgia, risking prolonged power outages and severe travel disruptions.

Following the storm, dangerous cold is predicted to persist into early next week, with temperatures possibly remaining at or below freezing on Monday and Tuesday. This extended cold could exacerbate issues from power outages, increasing the risk of frozen pipes and slowing recovery efforts.