Metro Atlanta under winter storm watch as state of emergency declared
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The National Weather Service has added metro Atlanta and parts of central Georgia into the winter storm watch, with "significant icing" expected this weekend.
Why it matters: Winter storm Fern is expected to produce snow, freezing rain and/or sleet from parts of New Mexico and Texas all the way east to Georgia and north to New England.
Driving the news: NWS' bulletin said metro Atlanta could experience ice accumulation reaching four-tenths of an inch.
- The storm could lead to power outages and downed trees due to ice, potentially making travel "nearly impossible" and affecting Monday's commute, NWS said.
What they're saying: Gov. Brian Kemp, who on Thursday declared a state of emergency for Georgia, said in a virtual press briefing that "a degree or two in temperature can affect whether we have rain, snow/ice or freezing rain."
- "That is something that we're just going to have to continue to watch and communicate, which is why we're asking everyone to be prepared in case we have significant ice accumulation," said Kemp, who is in Belgium for an economic development trip.
- The state of emergency will be in effect through Jan. 29.
Zoom in: Kemp also said the state is prepared to mobilize 500 National Guard troops to assist in the winter weather response.
- Limits on truck weights have also been suspended so the state can transport fuel and other supplies.
- Georgia Department of Transportation crews will begin treating state roadways Saturday morning.
- The state's Operations Center will open at 7am Saturday and will run around the clock until the storm has passed, Kemp said.
How to prepare: Josh Lamb, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, said families need to make sure they have enough nonperishable food, water and medications for at least three days.
- Also, make sure you have warm clothing, blankets, flashlights and batteries in case the power goes out.
- If you must drive, make sure your gas tank is full and include a cellphone charger, jumper cables, blankets, water, snacks and an ice scraper.
- Bridges and overpasses will freeze first, so slow down and allow extra time on the roadways.
- "Have a communications plan," Lamb said. "Take precautions. Don't panic, and please stay informed and stay off the roads."