ATLANTA – Georgia is bracing for a potentially historic ice storm, which could bring treacherous travel conditions and extended power outages to much of North Georgia. This storm may be the most severe the region has encountered in over a decade.

Earlier today, representatives from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and the state meteorologist offered an in-depth briefing on the storm’s expected path and its potential repercussions. The primary concern cited is the possibility of significant ice accumulation, particularly affecting roads, trees, and power lines north of the I-20 corridor.

According to GEMA Director Josh Lamb, certain areas in North Georgia, notably the northeastern part of the state, could experience ice levels akin to those seen during the significant 2014 winter storm.

“We’re anticipating considerable ice buildup in the counties under watch and warning from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night,” Lamb explained. “Temperatures are forecasted to plummet below freezing by Sunday evening, remaining frigid through Tuesday. These conditions will likely cause refreezing on roads.”

Authorities are cautioning that the ice accumulation could severely impact trees and power lines, resulting in widespread power outages. Restoration efforts might be hampered if utility crews struggle to access affected areas due to hazardous road conditions.

State Meteorologist Will Lanxton emphasized the seriousness of the threat, noting that an inch of ice would place this storm among the most severe Georgia has ever experienced.

“When you’re talking an inch of ice, that rivals some of the biggest ice storms we’ve ever had in the state,” Lanxton said. “Travel could become nearly impossible, and power outages may not be able to be fixed for days.”

To prepare, the Georgia Department of Transportation will begin brining roads starting Friday at midnight as freezing temperatures increase the risk of black ice. GEMA says it is also coordinating with neighboring states to bring in additional utility resources if widespread outages occur.

Starting Saturday, the State Operations Center at GEMA headquarters in Atlanta will be activated and staffed 24/7. The center will bring together multiple agencies, including GDOT, the Forestry Commission, Georgia Power, and emergency management officials, to identify trouble spots and deploy crews quickly.

GEMA Director Lamb is strongly urging residents to stay off the roads from Saturday afternoon through Monday, especially in areas north of I-20. Atlanta and Augusta are expected to be among the metro areas most impacted.

Governor Brian Kemp, who is currently out of the country on business, says 500 National Guardsmen are on standby and ready to assist as conditions deteriorate.

State officials urge residents to prepare now by charging devices, securing food and water, and avoiding unnecessary travel as the storm moves in this weekend.