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

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.