Augusta, GA
Live Updates. Winter Storm 2026 in Georgia. Ice Storm hits state today
Winter storm prep tips to stay safe
Learn what to pack, how to protect your home and how to stay safe during a winter storm in this essential safety guide.
A severe winter storm, nicknamed Fern by The Weather Channel, is wreaking havoc along the Southeast, and Georgia is right in the path of the snow and ice.
Georgians need to prepare for thick ice, power outages and, likely, an extended time with the cold after the storm moves through, which could mean more time with the power out and ice on the ground and trees.
Most of the state north of I-20 is in an Ice Storm Warning as of Saturday morning, while others just south are in a Winter Storm Watch or Advisory.
Stay up to speed with the winter storm as it passes through the state.
Freezing rain and sleet remain in the forecast this weekend in Augusta as temperatures will continue to drop.
“Today we’re seeing some colder air move in, but it’s kind of calm before the storm,” said Seth Kutikoff, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday. “Throughout the day, we’ll see temperatures falling a little bit into the 30s.”
- Saturday: High 47, Low 30. Rain likely before 1 a.m., then freezing rain. Low around 30 degrees. Northeast wind around 9 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch is possible.
- Sunday: High 43, Low 34. Rain, mainly before 1 a.m. Low around 34. South wind 7 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three-quarters and an inch are possible.
Icy conditions will make travel difficult, especially on surfaces like overpasses and bridges throughout the morning hours on Sunday, said Kutikoff.
“There’s a chance by Sunday afternoon. We’re looking at temperatures coming back above freezing,” he said. “If possible, try to delay travel until late in the day, when you see surfaces becoming wet, rather than icy.”
− Erica Van Buren, The Augusta Chronicle
Take the necessary steps ahead of time to prepare for the storm by having supplies on hand, experts say.
Here are some additional ways to prepare for a winter storm from various sources, including the Georgia Emergency Management Agency:
- Keep a first aid kit on hand.
- Use a battery-powered radio.
- Fill your car tank with gas.
- Keep handy flashlights and extra batteries.
- Have a manual can opener available.
- Keep all electronic devices charged ahead of the storm.
- For those with a wood fireplace, check your supply of firewood.
- Have at least 3 gallons of water per person, for drinking and sanitation.
- Stock up on moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothes, including hats and gloves.
- Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, backup chargers, and extra batteries on hand.
- Have nonperishable foods on hand, such as canned foods, peanut butter, bread, or crackers.
− Erica Van Buren, The Augusta Chronicle
Video: CSRA preps for winter storm
Grocery store shelves begin to look more sparse as the weekend’s winter storm approaches. Augustans share their thoughts on the storm.
Athens-Clarke County recently announced that the Lay Park Community Center at 297 Hoyt St. will open its gymnasium as a temporary overnight shelter beginning at noon on Saturday, Jan. 24, through noon on Monday, Jan. 26.
The Winterville Cultural Center at 373 North Church St. will also open as a temporary overnight shelter on Saturday and Sunday, with more detailed hours yet to be determined.
A winter storm on Saturday is predicted to bring hazardous conditions to the Athens area that will continue through Sunday, with freezing rain and sleet expected to result in ice that would likely cause power outages and tree damage.
No pets, drugs, alcohol, or weapons will be allowed at the temporary overnight shelters, and cots may not be available for every individual, depending on availability and capacity.
ACC’s Multimodal Transportation Center will act as a temporary pop-up warming site from 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The Multimodal Center will reopen at 5 p.m. on Tuesday through 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28. This site will also distribute donated goods, but cannot accommodate overnight sleeping.
ACC Emergency Management is seeking local businesses willing to provide meals, snacks, coffee, water, or monetary donations for 50 to 60 shelter residents and volunteers. If you are interested in providing support, contact (706) 207-7277 or visit accgov.givepulse.com/event/826137-emergency-winter-weather-response.
Information on other emergency resources and shelters, as well as any temporary resources, can be found at accgov.com/shelter and will be updated throughout the weekend and into the coming week. To sign up for text messages about shelter locations, text ACCSHELTER to 888777.
− Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
For days now, Athens area residents have gone grocery shopping, filling vehicles with fuel, and prepping flashlights as they brace for a storm expected to roll across the Athens area beginning Saturday night.
“It will be after 7 or 8 p.m. when things start to trend over to frozen precipitation, and definitely after midnight is when it should be solidly freezing rain,” National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Willis said Saturday from his office in Peachtree City.
“Sunday is when the heavier freezing rain will be ongoing,” Willis said.
Even during the day on Saturday, he said there could be some light rain, possibly mixed with sleet, but the temperatures will be comfortably above freezing.
On Sunday afternoon, Willis said the temperature could nudge just above freezing, but “it probably won’t rise much above freezing, if it does,” he said.
Then Sunday night into Monday, the temperature will plummet into the low 20s, Willis warned, noting the cold front moving in as the precipitation departs.
Georgia Power and the Georgia Electric Membership Corporations reported they are taking “proactive measures to prepare for restoration efforts.”
Freezing rain will most likely cause numerous power outages across the area on Sunday. EMC reported that ice accumulations are the main concern as the ice forms on tree limbs and power line.
Law enforcement agencies such as the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office released social media reports asking people not to call 911 for a power outage. Unless the person is facing a situation that is uninhabitable or life-threatening, this helps keep the emergency phones open for those who need immediate assistance, according to the sheriff’s office.
For updates on services offer by Athens-Clarke County go to www.accgov.com/weather.
− Wayne Ford, Athens Banner-Herald
Showers are not likely to start until around 10 p.m. Sleet is likely later tonight, mixing with freezing rain. New sleet accumulation of less than half an inch possible. The freezing rain is expected to last through 4 p.m. tomorrow and will turn back into showers Sunday evening.
This weekend’s winds will be about 10 mph with gusts as high as 20-25 mph. There’s also a 43% chance of at least some snow.
Temperatures are currently sitting in the 40’s, but will drop into the 30’s later tonight and the 20’s by Sunday morning. It will rise back into the 30’s for most of Sunday.
— Miguel Legoas, Deep South Connect
See full story
Will it snow in Georgia? NWS snow forecast
Some parts of Georgia will get some snow, but its shaping up to be more of an ice event.
According to Miguel Legoas of the Deep South Trending Team, the latest National Weather Service maps say if snow does fall in Georgia, it will almost definitely be less than four inches and most will probably see less than two inches.
The highest chances of snow are way up north, like in Trenton where there’s a 55% chance and 42% chance in Blairsville. Athens is looking at a 45% chance while Augusta is looking at a 28% chance. The timing of the snow will depend on where you live.
Will it snow? See full story
What time will the snow start on Saturday?
North Georgia will see the first impacts of the winter storm starting Saturday afternoon, according to forecasts.
This will likely just be rain at the start, and temperatures will be high enough to prevent freezing during the day.
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The temperatures will drop below freezing in the evening on Saturday, and the rain will continue. This means some surfaces will start to ice in the zones includes in the Winter Storm Watch and Warning.
More severe impacts will start through the night Saturday and into Sunday morning. Precipitation will continue throughout Sunday as the temperatures warm. Freezing rain will likely turn back to rain during the afternoon.
— Irene Wright, Atlanta Connect
Has the winter storm hit anywhere yet?
Follow the National Weather Service updates for warnings, watches and advisories.
Are schools out in Georgia?
Augusta-area schools made decisions Friday.
Richmond County public schools on Monday will conduct a PowerUp Asynchronous Learning Day schedule. Students will be expected to complete assignments on their school-issued devices.
Columbia County public school officials, “out of an abundance of caution,” and citing potentially dangerous travel conditions, as noted on the district’s website, will not have classes on Monday.
Public schools in McDuffie County will also close on Monday, noted a news release. For further updates, school officials suggested regular checks of its website at www.mcduffie.k12.ga.us.
— Donnie Fetter, Augusta Chronicle Editor
When does ice storm start?
Meteorologists say North Georgia could see between a half-inch and one inch of ice by late Sunday, depending on how temperatures and moisture align.
Freezing rain, snow and sleet began moving into northwest Georgia early Saturday while the ice will begin to form later in the day in the northeast side of state as the day goes on.
— Vanessa Countryman, Deep South Connect
How bad is the winter storm in Georgia?
Why is it named Winter Storm Fern?
The Weather Channel began naming winter storms that are expected to impact more than 2 million people in 2012 much like hurricanes are named.
The National Weather Service and other government outlets do not name winter storms. It is solely used by The Weather Channel.
These are the names of 2025-26 storms.
- Alston
- Bellamy
- Chan
- Devin
- Ezra
- Fern
- Gianna
- Hernando
- Iona
- Joseline
- Kadence
- Louise
- Maizie
- Nell
- Obie
- Peyton
- Quigley
- Rodrigo
- Tyrese
- Ulma
- Viviana
- Wolfgang
- Ximena
- Yashi
- Zeb