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.