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

Read the full story: Freezing rain, sleet remain in the Augusta forecast this weekend

Take the necessary steps ahead of time to prepare for the storm by having supplies on hand, experts say.

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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

Read the full story: Take steps to prepare for storm by having supplies on hand

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.

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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.

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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

Read the full story: National Weather Service warns Athenians to buckle down for winter storm

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.

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“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.”

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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

Read the full story: National Weather Service warns Athenians to buckle down for winter storm

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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

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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

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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.

➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events in your area

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.

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— Irene Wright, Atlanta Connect

Full story: Ice Storm Warning extends to include Athens, Atlanta. Winter storm timeline

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. 

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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

Full Story: See which Augusta area schools will be closed on Monday

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.

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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

Full story Will Georgia get more ice than snow? NWS predictions for winter storm

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.

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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

Get updates from USA Today about Winter Storm 2026

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – This year’s Fake It to Make It lip sync battle that supports SafeHomes of Augusta took place Friday night.

This was the ninth annual show since it was impacted by Hurricane Helene last year.

SafeHomes of Augusta is a domestic violence center helping victims.

Organizers told us the event was sold out and that the turnout goes beyond the fundraising.

“What I love about it is because we have a different team every year, and our mission gets told to so many different people, and we want people to understand that SafeHomes is here and it’s a resource for people in our community,” said Aimee Hall, executive director.

Motown tickets are on sale now, and those proceeds support SafeHomes of Augusta.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An impactful winter weather event is possible for the CSRA this weekend.

The First Alert weather team has issued a First Alert for Saturday through Monday as freezing rain and sleet move into the area, creating hazardous conditions for travel and potential impacts to power lines.

WINTER STORM WATCHES have been issued for all CSRA counties near and north of I-20 from 7 AM Saturday until 10 AM Monday.

A watch is issued when conditions look favorable for a winter storm to occur within the next 48 hours.

What to Expect This Week

Through Friday: Temperatures will remain mild through the end of the week. Today will be a typical winter day with highs in the upper 50s to 60 and a slight chance of a few showers (30% chance of rain).

First Alert: Saturday through Monday ice event

The main concern arrives Saturday as a winter storm system moves into the region. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for most of the CSRA starting Saturday morning and lasting into Monday. Here’s what you need to know:

Saturday: Temperatures will start in the low 40s Saturday morning – but will drop below freezing in the afternoon and evening. This is when freezing rain and sleet will begin to develop.

Saturday Night into Sunday Morning: Freezing rain and sleet will continue as temperatures remain below freezing. Ice accumulations of up to 0.25 inches are expected for areas along and north of the I-20 corridor, with the possibility of higher totals in the northern CSRA. North of I-20 has the potential to see up to 0.50″ of ice. Low temperatures early Sunday morning will be in the upper 20s to low 30s.

Sunday: Temperatures will gradually warm into the mid-40s Sunday afternoon. As temperatures climb above freezing, freezing rain will transition to regular rain. Precipitation could continue into Sunday night before clearing out.

Monday: Expect dry conditions to return. However, temperatures will drop to near freezing by early Monday morning.

What this means for you

Ice accumulation on roads, sidewalks, and power lines could create dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages. If you must travel during this event, use extreme caution and allow extra time for your commute. Consider postponing non-essential travel Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning.

Stock up on essentials before the weekend, check on your heating systems, and bring in any outdoor items that could be damaged by ice. Keep flashlights and batteries on hand in case of power interruptions.

How to prepare

The time to prepare is now. Here’s what you should do before Saturday:

• Stock up on essentials. Fill your gas tank, grab groceries, and get any medications filled before the storm arrives.
• Charge all devices. Phones, laptops, tablets, and power banks should all be fully charged. You may lose power for an extended period.
• Gather emergency supplies. Have flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, a first aid kit, and non-perishable food on hand.
• Prepare your home. Bring in outdoor items that could be damaged, trim dead branches from trees, and check that your heating system is working properly.
• Have a backup plan. Know where you can go if you lose power or heat. Identify a friend or family member’s home that could serve as a shelter if needed.

Stay Updated

First Alert Weather is closely monitoring this system. Download the First Alert Weather App for live updates, radar, and push alerts. Stay tuned to our newscasts for the latest timing and accumulation forecasts as we get closer to the weekend.

Looking ahead

The region will stay dry Monday through Wednesday next week. Temperatures will be cold, with morning lows near 20 degrees Tuesday and in the mid-20s Wednesday morning before gradually moderating.

Deep dive – Forecast this weekend

The setup

A significant winter storm is taking shape for this weekend, and the atmospheric conditions are quite unusual for our region. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

Upper atmosphere pattern

A cutoff low pressure system currently near the Southwest U.S. is expected to phase with an upper-level trough digging into the central United States. This pattern shift is creating a more favorable track for a surface low to move across the Southeast, though it will track slightly north of some previous model guidance. While this northern track means warmer surface temperatures overall, the region is still experiencing anomalously cold air for this time of year — a critical ingredient for winter precipitation.

Cold air damming (CAD)

The key to this event is a process called “cold air damming.” Strong high pressure will move into the eastern U.S. late this week, allowing cold air to get trapped on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains. This cold air will remain locked in place over the CSRA through the weekend, creating subfreezing surface temperatures despite the system’s northern track. The strength and duration of this cold air damming will ultimately determine whether we see freezing rain, sleet, or a mix of both.

Moisture transport

The atmospheric river of moisture heading toward the Southeast is exceptionally strong. Integrated water vapor transport values are at the 99th percentile of climatology — meaning this is an unusually moist air mass for our region. Combined with the anomalously cold near-surface temperatures (also at the 99th percentile on the cold end), this event is operating at the fringes of what’s climatologically typical for the CSRA.

Timing and precipitation type uncertainty

Precipitation is expected to begin as early as Saturday morning with increasing chances continuing through Sunday. The critical question is: How long will the cold air damming hold?

This is where the forecast becomes tricky. The Southeast frequently experiences this type of setup, and it typically comes with significant uncertainty — especially this far out. The dominant precipitation types are expected to be sleet and freezing rain, with possible intermittent periods of snow or rain mixed in. However, if the cold air boundary weakens, areas further south could see the precipitation transition to rain.

Why this is significant

The combination of exceptional moisture transport and extreme cold air creates the potential for moderate to high total precipitation amounts. In areas where cold air damming persists, we could see significant accumulations of freezing rain or sleet. The highest confidence in wintry precipitation impacts is near the NC/SC border, where subfreezing temperatures are more likely to hold throughout the event.

The potential impacts are real: hazardous travel conditions and power outages are possible, particularly in areas that receive the most significant ice accumulations.

Bottom line

This is a weather event operating at the extremes of our regional climatology. The atmospheric setup is unusual, the moisture is exceptional, and the cold air is extreme. While there are inherent uncertainties in the exact track and precipitation type, the potential for significant winter weather impacts this weekend is high enough to warrant close monitoring and preparation.

Stay weather-aware: Download the WRDW First Alert Weather App to get the latest forecast updates, severe weather alerts, and radar right in the palm of your hand.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.