CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — With Winter Storm Fern expected to bring a dangerous mix of ice and snow to Northeast Georgia this weekend, local and state officials are urging residents to stay off the roads, prepare their homes and protect vulnerable neighbors and pets.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon for much of Northeast Georgia. Forecasts call for heavy mixed precipitation, including snow, sleet and significant ice accumulation, with hazardous conditions potentially lingering into the start of the workweek.
Local governments across Northeast Georgia are advising residents to limit travel and prepare now for extended cold conditions and possible long-term power outages.
Habersham County
In Habersham County, the Road Department is fully mobilized ahead of the storm, according to the county’s public information officer Ashlyn Brady. Crews are prepared to respond to downed trees and roadway obstructions and will treat roads with salt and other materials as weather and temperatures allow.
Emergency management staff in Habersham County cautioned that response times may be impacted by ice-covered roads, trees and power lines and urged residents to remain at home and avoid non-emergency travel.
If a fallen tree blocks a roadway, especially if power lines are involved, residents are asked to call 911 immediately and avoid touching or attempting to move debris. Road crews will prioritize reopening routes for emergency vehicles and essential travel, with full right-of-way cleanup expected to take weeks due to the anticipated volume of debris.
Baldwin
In Baldwin, City Manager Tiera Morrison said the city is closely monitoring the approaching system, which is expected to bring a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow beginning late Friday and potentially continuing into early next week.
Morrison said ice accumulation poses the greatest concern and noted that even minor temperature changes could quickly worsen road and infrastructure conditions. She urged residents to be prepared for hazardous travel, isolated power interruptions and sustained subfreezing temperatures that could last several days.
To protect water systems and prevent damage, Morrison encouraged residents to insulate exposed plumbing and service lines. Residents experiencing water leaks, service interruptions or suspected water main issues are asked to contact Baldwin City Hall at (706) 778-6341. After-hours emergencies should be reported to (678) 725-2462.
Morrison said City of Baldwin crews will monitor conditions and deploy equipment to scrape and treat roadways as needed but cautioned that icy conditions may persist, particularly overnight and during periods of freezing rain. Residents are urged to limit travel when possible and reduce speeds if travel is unavoidable.
She also warned that very cold overnight temperatures early next week — potentially dropping into the teens — could increase the risk of refreezing and place additional stress on infrastructure.
White County
In White County, the Office of Public Safety warned that mountainous terrain, steep roadways and rural areas — particularly in higher elevations — could make some locations difficult or impossible to access if conditions worsen. Officials urged residents in remote areas to prepare now for the possibility of prolonged isolation and extended power outages.
Rabun County
Similar warnings were issued in Rabun County, where the county’s emergency management agency said mountainous terrain and remote locations could become inaccessible during the storm and emergency responders may face delays while clearing debris. Rabun County officials said a sheltering or warming facility, if activated, would be located at the county recreation department’s Gym No. 3, with updates shared through official county communications.
Banks County
In Banks County, the sheriff’s office urged residents to prepare now for icy conditions and potential power outages, particularly those with medical needs such as oxygen. Public safety officials advised keeping vehicles fueled, avoiding parking under trees or near power lines weighed down by ice and staying off the roads once icy conditions begin.
Hart County
In Hart County, the sheriff’s office warned that significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs could lead to widespread and long-lasting power outages, potentially lasting days in some areas. Forecasts indicate snow and sleet accumulations of up to several inches, along with up to an inch of ice in some locations.
The Hart County Sheriff’s Office cautioned that roadways could become treacherous or impassable and urged motorists to use extreme caution on bridges and elevated roadways. Officials also warned that hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute and encouraged residents to plan accordingly.
Across Georgia
At the state level, emergency management officials are stressing preparedness over panic. In guidance shared this week, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency urged residents to take steps now to prepare for the storm.
“Don’t panic. Just prepare,” GEMA said in a public advisory, encouraging households to stock food, water and medications, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure vehicles are ready before conditions deteriorate.
Gov. Brian Kemp, who activated the state’s emergency operations ahead of the storm, warned that freezing precipitation could bring “dangerous conditions and the potential for damage and power loss,” and urged Georgians to take precautions so families and pets can remain safe and warm.
Public safety officials across Northeast Georgia are also offering practical steps residents can take to reduce storm-related risks.
Residents are encouraged to pretreat driveways, sidewalks and steps before freezing rain begins. Traditional rock salt is most effective when temperatures remain above about 20 degrees, while calcium or magnesium chloride products work better in colder conditions. Sand or kitty litter can improve traction but will not melt ice.
Homeowners are urged to protect pipes by insulating exposed plumbing, allowing faucets to drip during extreme cold and opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate. Officials caution against using generators, grills or open flames indoors and advise using flashlights instead of candles during power outages.
Pet owners are advised to bring animals indoors during freezing temperatures and ensure pets have access to unfrozen water and warm shelter. Ice-melt products can irritate paws and be harmful if ingested, and officials recommend wiping pets’ feet after being outdoors.
Local emergency management agencies are also encouraging residents to check on elderly neighbors and those with medical needs, if conditions allow, and to monitor official weather updates and emergency alerts for the latest information.
Officials emphasized that once winter weather impacts begin, travel should be limited to emergency situations only to allow responders to operate safely.
“Please take this storm seriously,” Hart County Sheriff Chris Carroll said. “Preparation now can help protect lives and property.”
