Georgia

Georgia DOT treats highways, bridges with brine ahead of dangerous winter storm

Published

12 months ago

January 20, 2025

Georgia DOT treats highways, bridges with brine ahead of dangerous winter storm

The Georgia Department of Transportation is preparing for the extreme cold weather event by treating highways and bridges as counties brace for snow and ice expected to disrupt travel.

When temperatures drop, roads can ice over making driving conditions extremely dangerous.

That’s why the Georgia Department of Transportation spent Sunday protecting roadways by sending 31 bucket trucks out to brine interstates throughout Georgia, including I-95 in Glynn and Camden counties.

Each truck had about 5,000 gallons of brine.

How Southeast Georgia is preparing for dangerous winter storm: County-by-county

Crews began in the early morning hours Sunday and applied brine to more than 6,000 lane miles of interstate alone.

Through Sunday evening and into Monday crews will prioritize pre-treating interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses in all parts of the state with brine, prioritizing high-traffic routes and those that provide access to hospitals and urgent care centers.

The first shift of crews applied more than 800,000 gallons of brine statewide on Sunday during the day.

Crews changed shifts Sunday evening to continue brining efforts across the state overnight.

Crews will continue to pre-treat roads on Monday provided the road surface temperatures are favorable.

GDOT said brine solution works best when applied before snow and ice accumulate on roadways when temperatures are at 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above, and when conditions are dry.

Georgia DOT remains in close contact with the National Weather Service (NWS) and is receiving regular updates as the storm advances toward Georgia.

A number of factors continue to make this weather event unusual, including the sheer size and scope of this weather system, which is predicted to impact the entire state; the onset and duration of below-freezing temperatures which will arrive early Monday and continue through Thursday, lowering road surface temperatures; and the type and possible accumulation of wintry precipitation.

All of these are considerations being monitored and adjustments are being made accordingly as Georgia DOT implements its response.

Days of frigid temperatures, particularly bitterly cold overnight temperatures, will make it more difficult for Georgia DOT to keep roads clear due to below-freezing road surface temperatures and re-freezing overnight.

“As crews continue to pre-treat roads statewide, give our men and women of GDOT room to work safely for the incoming winter weather. We need time, patience and understanding as our dedicated crews work during this multi-day event,” said GDOT Commissioner, Russell R. McMurry, P.E. “This storm has a large footprint, and we will need time to clear roads once the storm arrives and passes.”

Drivers are urged to plan ahead and limit travel as much as possible beginning mid-day Tuesday.

With some level of snow accumulation currently predicted across north Georgia and throughout a large portion of central Georgia, including the metro Atlanta area, drivers can expect roadway conditions to deteriorate rapidly once precipitation begins to fall.

In spite of pre-treatment, atmospheric and road surface temperatures could cause freezing on the roads.

Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary or postpone until daylight when road conditions may be more visible.

If you must venture out during this time, please drive with extreme caution and give GDOT crews room and space on the roads to help ensure they can safely do their jobs.

Please be aware of the brine trucks and know they must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment. Drivers are also advised to stay back at least 100 feet from the rear of the truck and do not pass a Georgia DOT truck spreading salt or gravel, as gravel may kick up and damage vehicles that are following too closely.

Please pay attention and give crews room to work safely from all areas of their vehicle – behind the vehicle and in front of the vehicle.

Black ice warning

Even with the efforts of the crews, freezing temperatures can cause black ice, which is difficult to see.

The U.S. Forest Service suggests these tips in case you run into black ice on the road:

Do NOT hit the brakes if you slip
Bring your foot off the accelerator
Remain calm and turn your steering wheel into the same direction the car is sliding in
If you go off road try to steer into an empty field, a yard, or blanket of snow.

NEVER turn your wheel in the opposite direction, as this will cause you to spin out.

Also, if you have the option of switching to a lower gear this will allow you to have more control of your car.

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Related Topics:black ice Featured Georgia georgia department of transportation morning show traffic weather winter storm Wintry Mix

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Georgia

She helped guide Georgia small businesses for decades. Now, she’s retiring.

Published

4 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

Business

Terri Denison led the Small Business Administration’s Georgia District for about two dozen years.

Terri Denison, the recently retired Georgia district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. (Courtesy of Terri Denison)

After nearly 24 years leading the Small Business Administration’s Georgia office, Terri Denison has retired from the role.

“Being the Georgia district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration has been the greatest honor and I think highlight of my career,” Denison told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Ashley Bell (from left), Region 4 Administrator, Linda McMahon, SBA Administrator, Catherine Downey, owner of CATMEDIA, and Terri Denison, District Director, SBA Georgia district office, as they gather for a photo in front of CATMEDIA. (Bob Andres/AJC)

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Mirtha Donastorg is a reporter on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s business team focusing on Black wealth, entrepreneurship, and minority-owned businesses as well as innovation at Atlanta’s HBCUs.

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Georgia

Georgia snow threat: Models hint at weekend winter weather

Published

16 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

Georgia snow threat: Models hint at weekend winter weather

Wednesday evening forecast: Snow threats ahead

A blast of arctic air is headed into Georgia, expected to drop wind chills overnight to sub-zero while offering a dusting to a slight accumulation in the extreme North Georgia Mountains. That’s not the only snow chance over the next week; the FOX 5 Storm Team is tracking the arrival of winter’s fury. Here’s the latest.

ATLANTA – Temperatures will plunge on Thursday morning, setting up a one-two punch of winter weather threats across Georgia this weekend.

While light snow is possible in the mountains Friday night, a second, more uncertain system could bring snow or a rain-snow mix to parts of metro Atlanta and Central Georgia by Sunday morning.

Weekend winter threat uncertain

What we know:

A strong cold front is sweeping through Georgia, bringing gusty winds and frigid temperatures that will linger through the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. While the immediate focus is on mountain snow flurries and dangerous wind chills Thursday morning, the FOX 5 Storm Team is closely watching a second system arriving late Saturday.

Confidence in the Sunday forecast remains low, but latest data suggests a shift toward a potential winter event. Forecasters noted that about 40 percent of recent model simulations show a swath of winter weather across southern and central Georgia, with 20 percent bringing that threat into North Georgia.

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Snow threat for Georgia

What they’re saying:

FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Alex Forbes said Wednesday evening that while “the cold air will be in place,” questions remain regarding available moisture.

“The modeling with this has been all over the place, which is somewhat normal with systems like these,” Forbes said. “Yesterday, the models backed off almost completely from seeing any winter weather. Now, some are starting to get back on board.”

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST BY DOWNLOADING THE FREE FOX 5 STORM TEAM APP AND FOLLOWING @FOX5STORMTEAM ON X

Snow storm weather models

What we don’t know:

Forbes cautioned residents against relying on various maps circulating on social media, noting he is instead monitoring ensemble models that run multiple scenarios.

“There’s a distinct possibility, if not a likelihood, that nothing happens,” Forbes added. “We are at the mercy of the models, which typically don’t handle events like this well until about 24-48 hours out.”

Showers and snow showers chance

By the numbers:

The following figures represent the latest forecasts for the mountain region and the metro Atlanta area:

North Georgia Mountains

Friday: High of 44; 50 percent chance of rain and snow showers at night with a low of 29.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 41; low of 16 at night.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 30; low of 13 at night.
MLK Day: Sunny, high of 39; low of 15 at night.

Metro Atlanta

Friday: Sunny, high of 52; 40 percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. with a low of 38.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 49; low of 25 at night.
Sunday: Sunny, high of 38; low of 22 at night.
MLK Day: Sunny, high of 45; low of 24 at night.

When will the weather turn?

Dig deeper:

The first shift begins Friday night into Saturday morning as a cold front brings light rain to the region and possible snow to the higher elevations. The more significant window for potential winter weather opens late Saturday night and lasts through Sunday morning. Forbes noted that the forecast should become clearer by Friday night.

What areas are most at risk?

Local perspective:

If a winter storm develops, current data suggests the better chance for precipitation is south of Interstate 20. Forbes said any impacts would likely follow a “gradient south to north.” For the Friday night system, snow is primarily limited to the North Georgia mountains, specifically in areas above 2,000 feet.

How much accumulation is expected?

Big picture view:

Accumulation potential for the Friday mountain snow is very limited, ranging from a trace to 0.5 inches on the highest peaks. For the potential Sunday system, meteorologists have not yet released specific totals due to “very low confidence” in the storm’s track. However, Forbes warned that “significant impacts will be possible in metro Atlanta and Central Georgia early Sunday” if the snow materializes.

Preparing for winter weather

What you can do:

Here are several ways to prepare now for potential winter weather:

Stock essential supplies: Refresh batteries and flashlights, and ensure you have enough shelf-stable food and necessary prescriptions on hand.
Prepare for service disruptions: Be ready for temporary loss of internet and cell service, particularly in wooded areas prone to storm damage.
Protect your plumbing: Insulate outdoor pipes and locate your main water shut-off valve; frozen plumbing issues typically peak in January and February.
Prioritize heating safety: Ensure generators, fireplaces and space heaters are properly vented. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space due to carbon monoxide risks.
Stay informed digitally: Download the FOX 5 Storm Team weather app and enable location settings to receive direct emergency notifications.
Monitor local closings: Bookmark the FOX 5 Atlanta closings page for updates. Administrators should register their organizations now to ensure eligibility for posting cancellations.
Care for animals: Bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures and provide outdoor animals with shelter and fresh, unfrozen water.
Equip your vehicle: Assemble a car kit with blankets, chargers, a small shovel, snacks and sand or kitty litter for traction.
Maintain safety detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries before increasing the use of heaters and fireplaces.
Check on neighbors: Coordinate with elderly residents, people with disabilities or those using powered medical equipment to create a plan for power outages.

The Georgia Department of Transportation gears up its winter weather response ahead of multiple fronts which could bring snow and showers to North Georgia. (FOX 5)

Cold here to stay

What’s next:

Beyond the weekend, the cold is here to stay. High temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach only 36 in the mountains and 43 in Atlanta.

Dry air moving into the state will also trigger fire safety concerns. Relative humidity values could drop below 25 percent on Monday and Tuesday, which may prompt Fire Danger Statements from the National Weather Service. Conditions are expected to begin moderating by Wednesday, with highs returning to the upper 40s.

The Source: This article contains an original forecast by the FOX 5 Storm Team. The National Weather Service contributed to this report.

Winter WeatherGeorgiaNewsAtlanta

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Georgia

Former 4-star recruit, Georgia target entering transfer portal

Published

1 day ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

Former 4-star recruit, Georgia target entering transfer portal

Former Georgia Bulldogs recruiting target Kevin Wynn plans to enter the transfer portal after spending his first year of college football with the Florida State Seminoles. Wynn redshirted during his freshman season after appearing in four games and has four years of eligibility left. He posted one tackle and one pass deflections.

The 6-foot-2, 340-pound defensive tackle was a prized recruit in the class of 2025. Wynn was ranked as the No. 60 recruit in the country, the No. 9 defensive lineman and the No. 11 player in Georgia.

It is unclear if Georgia will have much interest in Wynn as a transfer, but coach Kirby Smart and Georgia have targeted several former Peach State products in the portal. Wynn played high school football for Greene County High School in Greensboro, Georgia.

The big defensive tackle commitment to FSU over Texas, South Carolina and Georgia back when he was in high school. His transfer is the latest of FSU’s offseason exodus. The Seminoles have had 38 players enter the transfer portal.

Florida State losing a particularly significant amount of talent along their defensive front. The Seminoles have lost 11 defensive linemen and edge rushers to the transfer portal.

Follow UGA Wire on Instagram or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!

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