Governor Declares Statewide Emergency for Winter Storm Fern

Image graphic of the state of Georgia showing office closures in the northern part of the state and offices on standby for closure in the southern portion of the state.

Posted: 01/24/2026

This story was updated at 1:40 p.m., Monday, January 26, to reflect the latest information.

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State offices will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 27, in and below the metro-Atlanta region.  

For any portions of the state in Northeast Georgia still potentially impacted by inclement and icy conditions, state agencies are to use discretion regarding state office closures and the use of remote work for state employees in these areas. 

Included below is GEMA's forecast of areas still potentially impacted, so state agencies can make the best decisions possible for the safety of their employees.

Important Links: 

Access the State of Emergency Executive Order. The State of Emergency will remain in effect through January 29, 2026.

Review and access the State Telework Policy, recent advisory on absences due to emergency closures, and the Inclement Weather Policy, including where to find out about state office closures, and access the Emergency Closure Frequently Asked Questions document. 

GEMA Forecast (January 26, 2026):

A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for tonight and tomorrow morning across most of Georgia. Wind chill values of less than 10 degrees are expected north of I-20 on Tuesday morning. Mountain counties in North Georgia could see wind chill values near or below zero. Below-average temperatures are expected for the rest of the week, but Tuesday morning looks to be the coldest day before another surge of cold air moves into Georgia this weekend.

These temperatures could be dangerous for anyone with prolonged outdoor exposure or those experiencing power outages. Slick spots are possible on roads through Tuesday morning, but no new precipitation is expected. We know how important the decisions you’re having to make today are and want you to be as informed as possible. Since each county is facing its own unique challenges, especially those in Northeast Georgia still experiencing impacts from the storm, we encourage you to reach out to your local EMA and public works directors for the best insight into local conditions.

It is important for state agency heads to consider the impacts of these conditions related to the commutes of individual employees.

GEMA/HS will continue to provide ongoing updates regarding winter weather conditions via its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts. Georgians are encouraged to monitor local National Weather Service updates and news stations.

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Below is the story as first posted Saturday, January 24.

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Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency, effective immediately, on January 22, 2026, in preparation for the freezing temperatures and winter weather associated with Winter Storm Fern expected to impact Georgia. The State of Emergency will remain in effect through January 29, 2026. The State of Emergency Executive Order 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. 

Based on the weather information and guidance from GEMA indicating the potential for hazardous roadways, state agency offices will be closed this Monday, January 26, for all state offices located in all affected areas of the state: 

  • All areas of the state above and including Carrollton, Griffin, Sandersville, and Burke County - see attached map of closure area (in blue). 
  • For the minor impact zone immediately below this area (in grey) - if you have offices in these areas, you are on potential closure standby. Updated guidance will be provided in the event that the weather changes and hazardous conditions arise in those areas.
  • An update on state operations for Tuesday, based on GEMA guidance for hazardous conditions, will be provided closer to the end of the weekend.
  • The General Assembly plans to convene on Monday; however, they have indicated that no legislative business will occur. The Georgia Building Authority will provide specific guidance on building access. If you have legislative liaisons, please do not send them to the State Capitol.

Please utilize remote working for state employees who are able and impacted by state office closures. 

Please take a minute to review the State Telework Policy, recent advisory on absences due to emergency closures, and the Inclement Weather Policy, including where to find out about state office closures. 

Governor Kemp urges all Georgians to remain weather alert and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. GEMA/HS will continue to provide ongoing updates regarding winter weather conditions via its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts. Georgians are encouraged to monitor local National Weather Service updates and news stations.