Georgia is bracing for what officials predict could be one of the most severe ice storms in over a decade. State authorities, including the Georgia National Guard and utility crews, are on high alert, ready to respond as the storm approaches.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) has activated its operations center in Atlanta. Here, various agencies such as the Forestry Commission, Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Safety are working in unison. Their goal is to efficiently deploy resources and personnel as the weather conditions worsen.

The greatest threat of ice accumulation is expected in the northeastern regions of the state, although areas north of the I-20 corridor could also see up to an inch of ice. This poses significant risks, including potential power outages and dangerous road conditions. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors to prevent hazardous situations that could divert essential resources to rescue stranded motorists.

In preparation, the Georgia Department of Transportation has dispatched over 300 trucks to treat more than 18,000 miles of critical roadways. Their efforts extend from west Georgia along the I-20 corridor through Atlanta to Augusta, up I-85 to South Carolina, and from Macon through Atlanta to Chattanooga on I-75.

GEMA State Meteorologist Will Lanxton highlighted the impending cold snap, stating, “We are anticipating some of the coldest temperatures seen in a long time, beginning Tuesday morning. While Monday will already be below freezing, an additional wave of cold air will sweep across north and central Georgia overnight. Temperatures are expected to drop to the low to mid-teens, with wind chills making it feel even colder.”

GEMA’s director says they are coordinating with the Department of Health to make sure that nursing home facilities across the state are accounted for in case there is a loss of power.

State parks have also opened up warming centers as of Saturday at Noon, but the message to people in Georgia is to stay off the roads at least until Monday evening.

The Department of Public safety is bringing in extra state troopers to help with crashes and stranded motorists. Drone teams will also be used for damage assessment after the storm moves through.