Augusta, GA

Live Updates: Winter storm begins in Georgia. How much snow will fall?

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Press Room

Live Updates: Winter storm begins in Georgia. How much snow will fall?

The snow is coming down in some parts of Georgia, and its expected to intensify as the day moves on.

It has been slow to develop, but forecasts still predict a heavy snow event to occur throughout Saturday, with extreme cold temperatures coming in behind the storm.

Here we have forecasts, predictions, snow totals and how you should be prepared before and after the snow moves through.

Follow along for more of the winter storm.

The Athens area is expected to receive more than 3 inches of snow on Saturday once the storm engulfs northeast Georgia.

The National Weather Service reported Saturday that snow can be heavy at times and sticking as temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day and frigid at night with a low temperature of about 16 degrees.

The weather service reports the snow will come to an end Saturday night, but the accumulation of snow may begin to melt in some places as temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees by the afternoon. Sunday night remains cold as temperatures drop back to around 20 degrees.

Athens area braces for snow as storm slowly makes it way south

Gov. Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency late Friday in anticipation of the snow storm.

“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,” said Kemp in a press release. “Along with our state partners, we have been monitoring this new winter storm well ahead of its arrival and preparing for whatever it may bring. While the weather event will mostly impact north and east Georgia, extending all the way to the coast, I’ve declared a statewide State of Emergency so we can more easily move resources to the areas expecting impact and stage those assets ahead of the storm.”

A weekend snow forecast had Augusta-area residents looking for the first flakes Saturday morning.

Public school districts in Richmond, Columbia, and Aiken counties have canceled all weekend school-related activities, waiting to see how much snow accumulates before deciding to change next week’s school schedule.

Augusta’s public transit and its parks and recreation department are shutting down on Saturday.

The city of Augusta is maintaining a warming center at May Park Community Center, 622 Fourth St., from 5 to 9 p.m. daily.

Read full story below

— Donnie Fetter, Augusta Chronicle

SEVERE Expecting snow, Augusta suspends bus service, closes recreation spots

Richmond Hill, a city in Bryan County near Savannah, has issued a state of emergency and canceled school activities.

A statement on their Facebook page that reads in part, “This declaration allows us to coordinate quickly with Bryan County and state agencies, mobilize resources and personnel immediately if road conditions get tricky or power lines take a nap and ensure public safety so our teams can respond to any needs without delay.”

The post goes on to say there are no closures or restrictions as of yet and encourages residents to check their social media page regularly for updates.

— Latrice Williams, Savannah Morning News

See the projections for Athens, Augusta, Savannah and much of the state as a serious winter weather event awaits.

Read the full story below.

Winter storm update today. Saturday’s GA local weather forecasts

The timeline has shifted slightly, but a heavy snow event is expected. The heaviest snow is now expected in the afternoon in northeast Georgia.

Some bands have moved across north Georgia, hitting cities such as Gainesville and Lawrenceville. The heavy stuff is expected to develop as the morning advances, especially northeastern portions of the state.

In Athens, Accuweather forecasts snow to begin around 10 a.m. and remain steady until around 4 p.m., with about 1 to 2 inches of snow.

Much of the state is under a Winter Weather Warning that lasts until 1 a.m., and the cold will come behind it.

See the radar below.

7:40 a.m. | Wind chill in Georgia. How cold will it get?

The National Weather Service warns of incredibly cold temperatures as the storm moves out late Saturday. Some areas could be as low as -10 degrees. “Sunday morning will feel like we are living in Michigan, not Georgia,” the NWS advises.

Winter storm radar

Friday night update on Georgia basketball game

Georgia basketball says a 1 p.m. game Saturday against Texas A&M will go on despite predicted 3-5 inches of snow around Athens. The team Friday night said to consider poor driving conditions and staying home is the best option.

Friday 8:15 p.m. | Brian Kemp encourages Georgians to stay off roads

“We’re encouraging those in north and east Georgia to stay off the roads tomorrow whenever possible. While ice is less of a concern this weekend, snow and wind can still cause low visibility and dangerous roads,” Kemp said in a post on X.

4:45 p.m. | National Weather Service provides latest snow total updates

2:30 p.m. | Gov. Brian Kemp issues State of Emergency

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather warning for Coastal Bryan, Chatham, Liberty and McIntosh County’s, among other areas. The warning is in effect from noon Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday.

— Latrice Williams, Savannah Morning News

2:15 p.m. | How to prepare your house for winter storm

Georgia Power recommends keeping your thermostat to 68 degrees at most during the winter. In general, the colder it is outside plus the warmer you’re trying to keep it inside equals higher energy bills and more stress to your heating/cooling system.

During the extreme cold and/or winter storms, if you’re tempted to lower your thermostat for efficiency, just keep in mind that your home should be kept to at least 55 degrees inside to prevent pipes from freezing. Also, if there’s a power outage, you’ll want to be sure your home is sufficiently warm in advance.

Read full story below.

— Miguel Legoas, USA Today Deep South Connect

Where to set your thermostat during winter storm

1:45 p.m. | NWS explains how to measure snow

12:45 p.m. | National Weather Service extends warning

11:30 a.m. | How much snow will Georgia get?

Heavier snow is being predicted in the northeast corner of the state, with up to 6 inches expected in areas.

The National Weather Service’s probabilistic snowfall map has predicted a heavy round of snowfall for parts of east Georgia, especially the northeast. But areas as far south as the Georgia coast could also see some snow.

Higher elevations and northeast Georgia appear most likely to see accumulating snow.

Toccoa: 6 inches expected
Blairsville: 4 inches
Athens: 3 inches

See more totals expected around the state by clicking the button below.

Winter Storm in Savannah? What to expect for snow

It’s a Christmas miracle, 37 days later! Yet another Arctic surge heads toward the Southeast this weekend. This time, it will likely bring snow to Savannah Saturday afternoon.

Savannahians may remember a similar snowfall event late last January, full of scarfed snowmen and ice lining windshields and streets. But that hard-packed snow was technically 99% sleet, according to Savannah-based geopolitical and economics research and modeling firm Enki Research. When snow fell, the atmosphere warmed up the flakes into water, refrozen into icier pellets.

But this year, Savannahians can expect fluffy flakes, each with its own distinct shape.

Full story below.

— Jillian Magtoto, Savannah Morning News

Will it snow in Savannah?

What is a bomb cyclone? When it will hit Georgia

Georgia has another mass of winter weather coming in the next couple of days, just a week after the last one. But this one is different, in no small part because it looks like it could reach “bomb cyclone” status. Here’s what we know:

The National Weather Service says bomb cyclone, also known as “bombogenesis,” describes a midlatitude (the latitudes between the tropics and polar regions) cyclone that rapidly intensifies over a 24 hour period. It can happen when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass.

Full story below.

— Miguel Legoas, USA Today Deep South Connect

What the heck is a bomb cyclone?

Salt for snow. What to know in Georgia

As explained by The Conversation reprinted by Scientific American, salt essentially decreases the freezing point of water on the road, making it harder for any precipitation to freeze. It also impedes the ability of the water molecules to form solid ice crystals. However, it must be mixed with water to be effective.

— Miguel Legoas, USA Today Deep South Connect

How to treat your driveway with salt during winter storm

Savannah opens warming center during Winter Storm

The Greenbriar Children’s Center gymnasium, 3709 Hopkins St., will be open as a warming center this weekend as extreme cold is expected to move through the Savannah region, according to a Chatham County press release.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold advisory for Chatham County and surrounding areas from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. NWS says “dangerously cold” wind chills in the single digits are possible.

Full story below.

— Latrice Williams, Savannah Morning News

Full story: Warming Center in Savannah

National Weather Service warnings, advisories

Follow the National Weather Service updates for warnings, watches and advisories.

Prepare for another Winter Storm in Georgia

Items to have on hand for a winter storm

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

Prepare your car for ice and snow

Georgia is preparing for another winter storm, just one week after freezing rain coated the region in ice. Forecasts show extreme cold and snow hitting the northeastern part of the state.

But while some northern states are more prepared for wintery weather, the south is less prepared, and many older homes don’t have garages to protect vehicles from ice.

Whether your car is parked in a carport or out in the elements, here’s how to prepare your vehicle for a winter storm, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Full story below.

— Irene Wright, USA Today Atlanta Connect

Ways to prepare your car

What to do when power goes out

When ice blankets Atlanta, the city shuts down. That means it’s important to have a plan and supplies ready before the power cut outs.

According to the American Red Cross, here is what should be in your emergency preparedness kit:

Coolers, either Styrofoam or reusable
Ice, for packing food to keep it colder and safe to consume longer
A digital food thermometer, to check food internal temperatures
Water, at least one gallon per person, per day for two weeks. You can fill up bathtubs for non-drinking water
Flashlights and batteries, and note that candles should not be used because of an extreme fire risk
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, when possible
A first aid kit
A seven-day supply of medications and medical items
A cell phone and power banks
Copies of personal documents, emergency contact numbers and extra cash
A full tank of gas in the car

— Irene Wright, USA Today Atlanta Connect

More tips for when the power goes out in Georgia

Why is it named Winter Storm Gianna?

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. Last week’s ice storm across the state was named Winter Storm Fern.

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

Winter Storm Georgia: Stay up to date with text updates

Journalists from across Georgia have collaborated to bring you coverage of the winter storm impacting the state. Stay up to date on the latest across Georgia from Savannahnow.com, AugustaChronicle.com and OnlineAthens.com.

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Augusta, GA

“I’ll kill you right now:” Sheriff’s office provides update on Augusta Burger King incident

Published

6 hours ago

February 14, 2026

Press Room

“I’ll kill you right now:” Sheriff’s office provides update on Augusta Burger King incident

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has provided an update on the incident that happened last month at the Burger King on Deans Bridge Road.

Deputies initially went to the restaurant on Jan 22 shortly after 5:30 p.m. for a physical altercation with reports of shots fired.

After arriving, investigators determined that Octavione Collier and another person had been involved in a verbal and physical confrontation inside the restaurant.

They were both initially charged with disorderly conduct related to fighting, and a firearm was secured at the scene.

Due to the reported presence of a handgun during the incident, investigators reviewed all statements and evidence to determine whether additional charges were appropriate.

During the investigation, the other person involved said Collier pulled out a firearm during the altercation. The business manager said she heard someone yell that shots were going to be fired. A witness on the scene told investigators that Collier told the individual, “I’ll kill you right now,” while he could see a firearm in Collier’s waistband, according to authorities.

Deputies located Collier at the scene and detained him.

Officials say during a mirandized interview, Collier said that the firearm had been in his waistband during the altercation before he placed it inside a vehicle at the scene, where deputies located the firearm.

Based on witness statements, Collier’s admission, and the recovery of the firearm, investigators determined additional charges were warranted, officials say.

Collier was charged with terroristic threats and acts and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

On February 13, 2026, Collier was denied bond.

“I want to commend our initial responding deputies for their quick response and professionalism in securing the scene and ensuring that no one was seriously injured. Their actions helped bring a dangerous situation under control. I also want to recognize our investigators for their thorough follow-up and commitment to ensuring that the appropriate charges were pursued based on the evidence,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

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Augusta, GA

Night to Shine prom experience celebrates special needs teens in Augusta

Published

18 hours ago

February 14, 2026

Press Room

Night to Shine prom experience celebrates special needs teens in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Night to Shine prom experience took place Friday night at Warren Baptist Church, celebrating special needs teens with a full prom experience.

The event served 200 honored guests with the help of more than 600 volunteers, according to Brandon Lewis, worship pastor at the church.

“It’s for anyone with special needs, those who are differently abled, but they just get to come and be celebrated,” Lewis said. “They get to come and it’s kind of like a prom. We have a dance that we have and it’s just a time where they have fun.”

Each honored guest was paired with a volunteer buddy who stayed with them throughout the evening. The buddies walked guests through the entire process and served as friends for the night.

“The buddy is a person assigned directly to the honored guest. They stay with them the whole night. They walk them through the whole process. They’re there if they need anything. And they’re just there as a friend throughout the night,” Lewis said.

The event included multiple activities for attendees. Guests received shoe shines, participated in dancing, and had access to makeup and hair services. The experience also featured a red carpet entrance and party bus rides.

“We get to do everything from shoe shine, have dance, they have makeup, hair, red carpet. There’s a party bus that they get to ride on. So all kinds of fun stuff,” Lewis said.

Lewis said his favorite part of the event was the red carpet entrance, where guests walked through doors to find 200 people cheering for them with music playing.

“It’s just being able to get to see people’s face when that door flings open. There’s 200 people screaming for them, music’s pumping, and they just get to walk down and be special,” Lewis said.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta now has two finalists for planning and development director

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Press Room

Augusta now has two finalists for planning and development director

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been the better part of a year since Augusta-Richmond County’s planning and development director announced her resignation, but now there are two finalists seeking to succeed her.

Officials announced Friday that the two candidates are Ryan A. Bland and Adleasia J. Cameron.

Officials haven’t yet released information about them, but News 12 requested their job applications and resumes, which are covered under state open records laws.

Carla Delaney resigned as planning and development director effective May 30.

“Augusta has been home to me for many years, from my time as a middle and high school student to earning my graduate degree. It has truly been a privilege to work here and contribute to the community’s growth, sustainability, and development,” Delaney said in her letter of resignation.

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