Governors Declare States of Emergency Ahead of Weekend Winter Storm
NORTH GEORGIA / NORTH ALABAMA / TENNESSEE —
Governors across the Southeast have declared states of emergency as a powerful winter storm is expected to impact the region this weekend, bringing the potential for freezing precipitation, hazardous travel conditions, and power outages.
In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has issued a statewide State of Emergency as officials prepare for winter weather expected to impact the state beginning this weekend.
The declaration allows state agencies to position personnel and equipment ahead of time to ensure a swift response to any weather-related emergencies. Governor Kemp said the proactive move is intended to help Georgia respond quickly and effectively as conditions develop.
“As forecasts continue to evolve, Georgians should be prepared for freezing precipitation that causes dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss beginning Saturday,” Kemp said.
State officials continue to closely monitor weather forecasts while staging crews across potentially affected areas. Residents are encouraged to use this time to prepare their homes and families, especially for possible travel disruptions, power outages, and hazardous road conditions.
In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency for much of north Alabama ahead of the approaching storm.
Counties included in Alabama’s declaration are:
Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker, and Winston.
The emergency declaration allows state and local agencies to mobilize resources and prepare emergency response teams in advance of deteriorating weather conditions.
In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee has also declared a state of emergency as the winter storm is expected to impact large portions of the state.
“Today, I issued a state of emergency for all 95 counties ahead of this weekend’s major storm,” Lee said. “We encourage all Tennesseans to check local weather conditions and follow key updates from state agencies.”
Emergency officials across Tennessee — including the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the National Weather Service — are urging residents to stay home and avoid travel during the storm, citing potentially crippling road conditions.
Officials in all three states continue to stress the importance of staying informed through official weather updates and following guidance from local emergency management agencies as conditions evolve throughout the weekend.