Georgia – Anticipating a strong winter storm likely to strike Georgia this week, Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia has declared a state of emergency. Monday’s announcement of this preventive action comes as the state gets ready for major snowfall and icy conditions that could cause disturbance to regular operations across several counties.
Set to run until Tuesday, January 28, the state of emergency is effective immediately. Under a rare Winter Storm Warning, the designation covers all of Southeast Georgia including the counties of Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Pierce, and Ware.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has been triggered by Governor Kemp to open the State Operations Center (SOC.). This will help to coordinate efforts to minimize the impact of the storm through the use of appropriate resource mobilization.
A Kemp’s office news release states, “The State of Emergency authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts.”
To let the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) properly control the forecasted ice and snow, residents are advised to keep off the roadways. GDOT crews have been treating roadways since Sunday morning in preparation, and they will continue to work tirelessly throughout the storm to ensure roads are safe for travel.
“Before the full force of the incoming winter weather arrives, many Georgians are already experiencing dangerously low temperatures ahead of expected freezing precipitation on Tuesday,” Kemp said.
“Throughout the weekend, I have been working with our state agencies to ensure we’re prepared, and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has been treating roadways since Sunday morning. They, along with our emergency management and public safety teams, will be working throughout this winter storm. As we continue to coordinate with state and local officials throughout the state, I urge everyone to make their own preparations to ensure they and their families can remain safe over the coming days, especially if road conditions prevent travel.”
Furthermore, included in the emergency declaration are several important clauses that assist in response operations. It forbids price gouging during an emergency, suspends hours-of-service restrictions for operators of commercial vehicles, and temporarily raises weight, height, and length restrictions for commercial vehicles delivering necessary supplies.
The state encourages everyone to get ready to guarantee the safety of their families, particularly in case of declining road conditions that would hinder mobility. Residents may visit the GEMA website and gema.georgia.gov/winter, for further winter weather preparedness tips.
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Through the website and social media accounts of the Georgia Department of Emergency Management, updates on the winter weather conditions and further advisories will be regularly offered. During this period, residents are urged to remain informed and follow any safety recommendations given by state and local officials.