Winter Storm Threat Looms Over North Georgia as Officials Urge Residents to Prepare
Photo by Banks County Emergency ServicesA National Weather Service graphic illustrates the probability of winter weather impacts across Georgia, with the highest risk concentrated in north Georgia ahead of the approaching storm.
Photo by Banks County Emergency ServicesForecast data shows the probability of more than one inch of ice or freezing rain, highlighting the potential for dangerous road conditions and power outages.
Photo by Banks County Emergency ServicesAn NWS hazards chart outlines the combined risks of ice and wind, detailing how even moderate icing could lead to utility disruptions and hazardous travel.
Photo by Banks County Emergency ServicesAnother forecast map depicts the likelihood of more than two inches of snow, emphasizing the elevated risk for northern counties.
Photo by Banks County Emergency ServicesA probability map for more than half an inch of ice underscores the threat of tree damage, downed power lines, and prolonged outages during the event.
January 21, 2026 — Banks County Emergency Services: Emergency officials in Banks County are urging residents to prepare for a potentially significant winter weather event as updated forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate a high risk of snow, ice, and freezing rain across north Georgia, with impacts possibly extending into central parts of the state. According to the latest early-morning briefing, freezing precipitation could begin as early as Friday afternoon, with the most dangerous conditions expected Saturday and Sunday. Forecasters warn that a surge of Arctic air following the storm could prolong hazardous conditions for several days, increasing the risk of frozen pipes, power outages, and cold-related illnesses. Emergency management officials caution that the weight of accumulating ice, especially when combined with wind, could bring down trees and power lines, disrupt travel, and strain power infrastructure, raising the possibility of a historic winter weather event for north Georgia. Residents are advised to prepare now by limiting travel plans, ensuring access to food, medications, and emergency supplies, and planning for extended power outages, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where travel may become impossible.
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