Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) recently declared a State of Emergency ahead of Winter Storm Fern's impact on the State of Georgia this upcoming weekend. The declaration will be active through January 29, 2026.
The Governor directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center and mobilize any resources to address potential needs around the state.
The State of Emergency allows the Georgia Department of Defense to deploy up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops, if needed for preparation, response, and recovery efforts.
Among other provisions, the State of Emergency order prohibits price gouging, suspends limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities, and temporarily increases size limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
Gov. Kemp warned Georgians to expect freezing precipitation and power loss throughout the weekend. He also assured that he had begun collaborating with state and local officials to prepare for all likely scenarios.
“I'm urging all Georgians to take necessary precautions now to ensure their families and pets can stay safe, warm, and fed over the coming days,” the governor added.
I’m closely monitoring the incoming weather system with state agencies as they prepare for anything this weekend may bring.
I encourage Georgians to do the same. Take this time to secure food, fill up on gas, and ensure you’re prepared for any potential loss of power. We’ll get… pic.twitter.com/CF9AKyWJYv
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 21, 2026
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is also actively staging crews and equipment to respond to the winter storm threat. The department will soon begin operations to pre-treat interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses in several areas of the state.
GDOT crews will prioritize keeping high-traffic routes passable for emergency vehicles and first responders, as well as areas providing access to hospitals and urgent care centers. Georgians have been urged to avoid travel in the most impacted areas whenever possible.
Thank you to the great road crews working throughout the weekend to help keep Georgians safe!
Help them do their jobs by staying off the roads as much as you can during this winter storm. https://t.co/UpZkcySWmr
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 23, 2026
