Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency Thursday ahead of a winter storm’s expected impact on Georgia this weekend. The Governor also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address any potential needs around the state. The State of Emergency will run through next Thursday.
“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,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I have been working closely with state and local officials to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will begin treating roadways ahead of the storm’s initial impact, and — along with our emergency management and public safety teams — they will be working around the clock throughout this weather event. 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 State of Emergency allows for the Georgia Department of Defense to provide up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops, should they be needed for preparation, response, and recovery efforts. Among other provisions, the State of Emergency order also prohibits price gouging; suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities; and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies. Access the full State of Emergency Executive Order here.