Augusta, GA

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

Published

4 months 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

Man arrested, accused of hitting women at Augusta hospital

Published

10 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Man arrested, accused of hitting women at Augusta hospital

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man has been arrested after he was accused of hitting two women at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta.

The incident happened on May 14 around 12 a.m.

According to arrest warrants, Bruce Bland struck one victim with a closed hand several times in the face. Bland also threw a garbage can at the victim, hitting her in the head.

Bruce Bland(Richmond County Sheriff’s Office)

The warrant states the victim suffered a bruise on her face.

Bland also hit another victim with a closed hand on her mouth, according to the warrants. She suffered swelling and a bruise on her mouth.

Bland is charged with battery and simple battery, according to the warrants. Both charges are misdemeanors.

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Augusta, GA

Luncheon provides information on QTS data center project in Augusta

Published

22 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Luncheon provides information on QTS data center project in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A luncheon Thursday gave business and community leaders more information about data centers coming to Augusta.

Georgia Power and QTS representatives attended to help people understand what the project is and how it will impact Augusta. The QTS data center is planned for land near the Haynes Station neighborhood.

They cited the Public Service Commission’s rule that data centers have to pay for 100 percent of their energy usage and upgrades to local grids.

“We heard earlier today about some of the great things that Georgia’s been doing in being able to provide that reliable and affordable power,” said Khara Boender, director of state policy for the Data Center Coalition. “And the data center industry is committed to paying for their full cost of service for electricity, including paying for some of those upfront costs when it comes to those grid build-outs.”

The experts said the main thing drawing data centers to Georgia is the availability of land and power. They called Georgia the number one state for data centers.

Kerry Bridges, Georgia Power’s region executive, said the state’s low energy rates — 15% lower than the national average — contribute to that draw.

Bridges said the bill for usage and upgrades to electrical systems go 100% to the data center company and nearby neighbors should not be affected.

“The future looks like a growing Georgia, an economy where everyone across the state can participate, lower utility bills across the country because our wonderful partners are coming to town, they’re bringing the dollars, they’re investing in the electric grid,” Bridges said.

QTS, the company building the data center in Augusta near the Haynes Station neighborhood, said they are building a closed loop system. Each center requires an Olympic-sized swimming pool amount of water to start, but then it recycles that water for the rest of its time in use.

Jeff Greene, senior manager at QTS Data Centers, said QTS now only builds these closed loop centers.

Greene said they plan on each of their six buildings using 18,000 gallons of water a day just for flushing toilets and using sinks after the system is up and running.

“It just stays, it’s like a giant radiator, it will just keep cycling through, the water is heating and cooling constantly over and over again. And that’s a very different water consumption use than what typically used to happen, which was evaporative cooling. QTS went away from evaporative cooling in its data centers back in 2018,” Greene said.

Residents have pushed back against data centers in meetings, questioning how they would affect nearby neighbors. There is currently the QTS data center being built in Augusta, two data centers under construction in Columbia County and one in McDuffie County.

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Augusta, GA

Investigators: Augusta teen firefighter accused of fake fire inspections, illegal firearms

Published

1 day ago

May 28, 2026

Press Room

Investigators: Augusta teen firefighter accused of fake fire inspections, illegal firearms

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A 19-year-old employee of the Augusta Fire Department accused of unauthorized inspections has been arrested and is facing charges.

Tyrone Antonio Harris, Jr. has been charged with five counts of Impersonating a Public Officer or Employee.

Each bond has a charge of $9,000.

Earlier this month, the Richmond County School System sent a statement saying authorities were investigating after an Augusta Fire Department employee allegedly visited several schools and conducted what appeared to be fire inspections.

The schools Harris allegedly visited on April 27th include:

Jamestown Elementary School
Hephzibah Middle School
Hephzibah High School
Morgan Road Alternative School

He also reportedly also stopped by AAA Gun and Pawn Broker on Tobacco Road on that date.

On May 13, both Augusta Fire Department and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the situation was under investigation.

AFD reportedly informed RCSO they intended to put Harris on Administrative Leave for the incident in question.

The Deputy Fire Chief also expressed concern about social media posts about firearms that Harris is alleged to have posted earlier in the morning May 13^th.

The photo shown to the investigator allegedly showed Harris posing with two Glocks, both of which appeared to have been converted via a “Glock switch” to allow the firearm to function as a fully automatic weapon, also known as a machine pistol, according to the incident report filed in the case.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office confirmed this week that the case had been referred to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, operated through the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.

WJBF has reached out to the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, but a spokesperson responded to our inquiry, saying, “Our investigation into Mr. Harris remains ongoing. We cannot comment further on active investigations.”

This is a developing story.

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