NORTH GEORGIA | January 22–26, 2026

Residents across North Georgia and the Metro Atlanta area are being urged to prepare for a potentially dangerous winter weather event expected to unfold this weekend and linger into early next week.

 

Forecasts indicate that freezing rain and ice accumulation will be the primary threats, with impacts including hazardous travel, power outages, school disruptions, and prolonged cold temperatures.

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Weather Forecast Overview

 

According to the National Weather Service, a complex winter storm system will move across the eastern United States beginning late Friday night and continuing through Monday morning.

Timeline of Expected Conditions

 

• Thursday–Friday: Periods of rain, with temperatures remaining above freezing through Friday afternoon.

• Friday Night: Temperatures drop into the mid-30s in far North Georgia. Rain may begin mixing with freezing rain overnight.

• Saturday: Conditions could worsen rapidly by Saturday afternoon as colder air becomes entrenched. Freezing rain and sleet are expected to redevelop.

• Sunday: Lingering ice and wintry precipitation remain possible, especially in North and Northeast Georgia.

• Monday–Tuesday: The storm exits, but Arctic cold moves in, keeping temperatures at or below freezing and prolonging icy conditions.

 

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Watches, Warnings, and Advisories

 

Winter Storm Watch

 

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for much of North Georgia and Metro Atlanta, including Gwinnett, Walton, Newton, Rockdale, DeKalb, Cobb, Fulton, Henry, Carroll, Coweta, Paulding, Polk, Greene, Jasper, Morgan, Putnam, Washington, and surrounding counties.

• Effective: Late Friday night through Monday morning (timing varies by area)

• Primary Threat: Ice accumulation

• Expected Ice Amounts:

  • General: 0.25 to 0.75 inches

  • Northeast Georgia: Locally higher amounts possible, potentially approaching or exceeding 1 inch

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Forecasters warn that even minor changes in temperature could significantly affect ice totals and impacts. Watches may be upgraded to Ice Storm Warnings or Winter Storm Warnings as confidence increases.

 

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Why Ice Is the Main Concern

Meteorologists cite cold air damming, also known as “the wedge,” as the critical factor in this forecast. Cold, dense air becomes trapped along the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, allowing rain to freeze on contact with the ground.

This process can result in:

• Invisible ice on roads and bridges

• Downed trees and power lines

• Widespread power outages

• Dangerous travel conditions
  
  

Snow is not expected to be a major factor, as a layer of warmer air aloft should limit snowfall even in the mountains.

 

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State of Emergency and Government Response

 

Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for all Georgia counties, effective for seven days.

Key actions include:

 

• Mobilization of 500 National Guard members

• Activation of the State Operations Center beginning Saturday morning, operating 24/7

• Road treatment operations by the Georgia Department of Transportation

• Temporary suspension of trucking restrictions to ensure delivery of essential supplies

• Enforcement of price gouging protections

 

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School and Campus Impacts

 

School districts and colleges across Metro Atlanta are closely monitoring conditions.

 

• The Atlanta University Center Consortium has announced campus closures for Saturday and Sunday, including:

  • Clark Atlanta University

  • Morehouse College

  • Morehouse School of Medicine

  • Spelman College

• Gwinnett County Public Schools has canceled all weekend events and facility use.

• Other districts, including DeKalb, Cobb, and Henry counties, say decisions on class schedules will be made based on road safety and power conditions, often the morning of classes.

 

Parents are encouraged to ensure contact information is current to receive emergency notifications.

 

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Travel and Power Concerns

 

Officials strongly discourage unnecessary travel during periods of freezing rain.

 

Potential impacts include:

 

• Icy and impassable roads, especially bridges and overpasses

• Flight delays and cancellations

• Power outages lasting multiple days in areas with heavy ice

• Tree damage and blocked roadways

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Public Safety and Preparedness Guidance

 

Residents are urged to prepare now by:

 

• Stocking food, water, medications, and batteries

• Preparing for extended power outages

• Protecting pipes from freezing

• Avoiding travel during freezing rain

• Keeping emergency kits in vehicles, including blankets, warm clothing, water, and flashlights

 

Following the storm, extended cold may increase the risk of frozen pipes and delayed recovery, particularly where outages occur.

 

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What to Do Next

 

• Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management

• Watch for possible upgrades to warnings or advisories

• Follow guidance from local officials regarding travel, schools, and public services

 

This storm has the potential to become one of the most significant ice events of the season for North Georgia. Residents are urged to take the threat seriously and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.