01/24/2026
Latest from the National Weather Service
01/24/2026
WHAT HAS CHANGED:
The Winter Storm Watch that was in effect for counties along the southern edge of the Ice Storm Warning has been upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory, as ice accumulations of a light glaze to as much as 0.20 inches are expected. Pike, Lamar, and Monroe Counties were also added to the Advisory area, as a light glaze of ice is possible.
OVERVIEW:
Our confidence remains high that a significant ice storm will impact much of north Georgia this weekend. Freezing rain (and potentially sleet) will begin this morning (Saturday) across far northwest Georgia, but the most impactful period of precipitation -- primarily freezing rain (ice) -- will occur from this evening to tomorrow (Sunday) evening. The most widespread impacts are expected across northeast Georgia, although power outages and difficult to impossible travel are increasingly likely across the rest of north Georgia (including parts of the Atlanta metro). Ice accumulations of 0.25 to 1.00 inches are expected across the Ice Storm Warning area, with a light glaze to 0.20 inches expected across the Winter Weather Advisory area. Winds will increase Sunday night as the freezing rain comes to an end and will remain gusty through Monday. This will increase the potential for power outages given the weight of ice on trees and power lines. Very cold temperatures will arrive on Monday night, with overnight lows in the single digits and teens. Anyone without power will be at an increased risk for cold-related illnesses, and pipe bursts in homes and businesses could be concerns.
WHERE & WHEN:
The most intense precipitation and ice accumulations are expected between this evening (Saturday) and tomorrow evening (Sunday).
Travel impacts and power outages will ramp up tonight, with significant impacts by tomorrow morning.
Wind gusts of 20-35 mph will increase the potential for power outages and downed trees starting tonight.
Arctic air will keep temperatures cold on Monday and Tuesday, potentially impacting cleanup operations and creating an increased risk for cold-related illnesses and pipe bursts.
The potential for isolated strong thunderstorms remains across central Georgia Sunday afternoon and evening but is still a secondary concern to the ice storm.
IMPACTS:
Major impacts to travel and power infrastructure are expected across northeast Georgia and are increasingly likely across the rest of north Georgia (including parts of the Atlanta metro).
The weight of ice could bring down trees, branches, and powerlines, especially during periods of gusty winds.
Very cold temperatures will persist Monday and Tuesday, extending the threat for pipe bursts and cold-related illnesses in areas that lose power.
Travelers and those living in rural areas or the mountains could be stranded due to impassable roadways.
FORECAST CONFIDENCE:
HIGH confidence in a high-impact ice storm occurring across north Georgia, in the Ice Storm Warning area.
MEDIUM confidence in the intensity, duration, and type(s) of precipitation in the Winter Weather Advisory area.
HIGH confidence in very cold temperatures early next week.
