Georgia Activates State Ops, Declares Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm Fern

Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency and activated the State Operations Center ahead of Winter Storm Fern, with the order running through January 29, 2026. The move mobilizes resources, allows up to 500 National Guard troops if needed, and suspends certain rules for emergency response (including hours-of-service for commercial drivers and price gouging bans). GDOT is pre-treating roads as North Georgia faces freezing rain and dangerous travel, while DPS, DNR, and other agencies stand by. Residents are urged to prepare, monitor forecasts, and rely on GEMA/HS and Ready Georgia updates for guidance and warming center information.