Georgia emergency management officials delivered an update Saturday, ahead of the expected impacts of Winter Storm Fern in the state.
GEMA and Homeland security director Josh Lamb urged residents to stay in place by six pm this evening and remained sheltered until Monday morning. Lamb said the state operations center is now up and running, warming shelters have opened in some areas, and members of the Georgia National guard are prepared for possible deployment.
Officials are urging motorists to avoid driving once the storm hits, since state crews may have to brine 18,000 miles of roadways.
Winter storm Fern is expected to be an ice event in Georgia, not a snowstorm. Lamb said cold temperatures are a real concern and gusty winds are expected to create a real danger. Athens could see a tenth of an inch or more of ice by Sunday evening, which is potentially the biggest ice storm in over a decade. Additionally, low temperatures on Monday could lead to a refreeze on roads.
Visit gema.georgia.gov for more information. WUGA will provide updates as they become available.
