This story was updated on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 3:34 p.m.
Metro Atlanta is preparing for the potential of its first major winter storm of the year.
The storm looks on track to mostly hit areas north of I-20 with snow, sleet and freezing rain possible beginning Saturday.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Thursday, effective for all counties through the middle of next week.
The declaration mobilizes resources among state agencies, includes prohibitions on price gouging during the storm, and temporarily increases height, weight and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies. The order also authorizes a call-up of 500 Georgia National Guard members to stand by if needed.
Kemp says the state Department of Transportation will start salting roads early Saturday morning, with utilities and state chainsaw crews prepared to step in.
“Fill your cars up, make sure you got the things that you need at your house to stay warm … and hunker down in case you lose power for a day or two,” Kemp said at a Thursday morning press briefing, which he held virtually as he is on a trade mission in Europe.
The storm was expected to begin Friday in New Mexico and Texas, and then the worst of the weather will move east into the Deep South before heading up the coast and thumping New England with snow. About 140 million people across the U.S. were under winter storm or cold weather watches or warnings — and in many places both.
How will the winter storm affect Atlanta and Georgia?
The National Weather Service (NWS) is putting the northern half of Georgia — including Atlanta — under a winter storm watch this weekend.
Atlanta is included in a winter storm watch in effect this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. (NWS)
NWS forecasts ice accumulation up to 1 inch in the watch area. Atlanta has a 36% chance of at least 0.25 inches of ice, and a 10% chance of at least 0.5 inches of ice. Maximum wind gusts of 20-30 miles per hour are also forecast in Atlanta through the weekend.
Atlanta is not expected to get any snow, but conditions could change as the weekend approaches.
The peak freezing rain risk is for Northeast Georgia on Saturday afternoon into Sunday.
“This also the period of time when the risk will be highest in Atlanta and along Interstate 20,” NWS said.
Arctic air will then move in after the winter storm concludes, which could extend the threat of power outages and hazardous road conditions for several days.
Officials give Georgia winter storm tips
Georgia Emergency Management Agency director Josh Lamb is encouraging people to be prepared.
“By being ready for the storm, Georgians can do their part in minimizing risk, reducing the time it takes to recover, and most importantly, prevent the loss of life. The main actions to take now are to prepare your family, prepare your home, and prepare your car,” he said at the Thursday press briefing.
Lamb’s recommendations include checking in with family and neighbors, and making a communications plan, as well as stocking up on food, water, medications, batteries and ways to keep warm if the power goes out. Lamb also advised having a full tank of gas in your vehicle and a first aid kit on hand.
Atlantans scramble for supplies ahead of storm
Bags of ice-thwarting salt aren’t usually a hot item at Bates Ace Hardware on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta, but store manager Lewis Pane sold all 275 he had in stock in one morning as residents braced for the storm.
Payne said he had 30 online orders for “ice melt” before 8 a.m. People sprinkle the salts on the ground before a storm to disrupt the formation of ice.
“It’s impossible to get right now,” Payne said. “We have had to make special trips to our warehouse to pick up extra items because people need them.”
Customer Wendy Chambers stopped by to pick up batteries and flashlights in case there is a power outage.
“We’re gonna be prepared, aren’t we? We’re going to be able to read, do things, play games,” she said before heading to church choir with her granddaughter.
WABE’s Molly Samuel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
