Georgia Governor Declares Statewide State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm

Kemp activates State Operations Center and extends order through February 6th

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a statewide state of emergency ahead of an incoming winter storm expected to impact the state this weekend. The declaration activates the State Operations Center and extends the order through February 6th. State agencies are preparing resources and urging residents to limit travel during the storm, which is forecast to bring extreme cold temperatures and snowfall.

Why it matters

This declaration allows the state to mobilize resources and coordinate emergency response efforts to help keep Georgia communities safe and prepared for the severe winter weather. The state of emergency also enables certain legal provisions, such as prohibiting price gouging and temporarily increasing weight and size limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.

The details

The incoming winter storm is expected to bring extreme cold temperatures and snowfall, with even light snow accumulation potentially resulting in dangerous road conditions. The Georgia Department of Transportation has begun pre-treating over 20,000 lane miles on interstates and state routes, and will operate in 12-hour shifts to plow roads once the snow starts falling. State troopers and officers will also be on standby statewide to assist with the emergency response.

  • The state of emergency declaration was issued on January 30, 2026.
  • The order is in effect through February 6, 2026.

The players

Gov. Brian Kemp

The Governor of Georgia who declared the statewide state of emergency.

Josh Lamb

The Director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

The state agency responsible for treating and plowing roads during the winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“While Mother Nature may not be giving us a break with these back-to-back storms, the good news is we don't take any days off when it comes to keeping Georgia communities prepared and safe.”

— Gov. Brian Kemp

“Fewer vehicles on the roads give GDOT crews the space they need to treat roadways safely and efficiently.”

— Josh Lamb, GEMA/HS Director

What’s next

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