AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Preparations are underway in Augusta for winter weather that’s expected to begin Friday morning.

Augusta Fire/EMA says they are working closely with county departments and preparing for the weather forecast to impact North and Central Georgia from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

“The system is expected to bring a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow, beginning Friday morning and continuing through the evening, with hazardous travel and power outages likely,” the city said in a statement.

On Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective immediately through Tuesday, Jan. 14.

“The Georgia Department of Transportation, along with the Department of Public Safety, began treating roads early this morning to prepare for the approaching winter storm, and I’m asking all Georgians to help them do their jobs by limiting travel as much as possible in the coming days,” said Kemp. “Hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, can develop quickly and make travel very dangerous. Plan ahead and stay tuned to updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe while our first responders continue to work tirelessly throughout this weather event.”

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Ice accumulation is anticipated north of I-20, creating dangerous road conditions and the potential for widespread power disruptions. Freezing temperatures also increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the cold, according to Augusta officials.

The Georgia Department of Transportation began active brine operations overnight which continued Thursday morning across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. They say the application of brine will continue throughout Thursday in areas expected to be the most impacted by snow accumulation, sleet and freezing rain.

Crews are working 12-hour shifts and are prioritizing treating interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses both north and south of and along I-20, according to the department.

Snowplow and removal crews and additional equipment will arrive Thursday and will respond in support of metro Atlanta crews when snow begins to fall, and active removal begins

City officials say the Emergency Operations Center is at Level 3 monitoring, ensuring all city departments are ready to respond.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting shelter checks, and the Marshal’s Office is on standby to assist as needed, according to officials. Augusta Utilities is protecting critical systems, issuing notices to help residents safeguard pipes, and preparing generators as well.

Augusta Engineering is pre-treating roads and preparing snow removal equipment, while Parks and Recreation is securing outdoor facilities and readying shelters for potential use.

City officials encourage you to avoid unnecessary travel and drive cautiously if travel is essential.

They also ask that you prepare homes by insulating pipes, securing outdoor items and assembling emergency kits. Check on vulnerable neighbors, and use generators safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning as well.

Shelters are available for those in need, including the Salvation Army Center of Hope, Garden City Rescue Mission and Augusta Rescue Mission.

At this time, officials say no ID checks will be required for shelter access.

With the forecast of potential ice accumulation across the region, there is a possibility for fallen trees and downed power lines. If you come across either, the Georgia Department of Transportation asks that you do not cross them and report them to your local authorities or 911.

They say it’s best to turn around and take an alternative route and to not try to clear tree limbs or other debris from roads as live power lines might be tangled in debris and pose a deadly hazard.

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