ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Thursday in preparation for a winter storm that will impact the state.
The state of emergency will be in effect now through Tuesday, according to Kemp’s executive order.
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According to a news release from Kemp’s office, “The State of Emergency authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts.”
Action News Jax sister station WSB-TV in Atlanta said dozens of Georgia’s counties are currently under a winter storm watch, mainly in North and Central Georgia.
The greatest impacts are expected Friday along and north of the Interstate 20 Corridor, although snow and/or ice accumulations are possible as far south as Columbus and Macon.
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Kemp is urging Georgians to stay off the roads as Georgia Department of Transportation works to prepare them for the forecasted ice and snow.
“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,” Kemp said in a news release. “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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Georgia’s State of Emergency order prohibits price gouging; suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities; and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.
For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.
Georgia Department of Emergency Management will provide ongoing updates regarding winter weather conditions via its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts.
READ THE FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER FROM KEMP BELOW:
Georgia State of Emergency by ActionNewsJax on Scribd
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