HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. – Georgia Power is treating Habersham and Rabun counties as potential “ground zero” as Winter Storm Fern threatens North Georgia with heavy ice, snow and prolonged power outages, according to area manager Jeremy Spradlin.
“We’re thinking this is going to be ground zero, as far as Habersham and Rabun County goes,” Spradlin said. “So lots of resources there. We’ve got sites secured to bring in what they call man camps to house contractors while we’re getting the lights back on.”
Spradlin, whose coverage area includes Habersham, White, Banks, and Rabun Counties, said Georgia Power is sending about 4,000 contract electrical workers and linemen into the region ahead of the storm to prepare for widespread damage from ice-laden trees and power lines.
The scale of the response reflects the severity Georgia Power expects from the storm, which Spradlin said could be more disruptive than a hurricane because of its size and the strain ice places on electrical infrastructure.
“Make sure you tell our customers, if they can, just have patience,” Spradlin said. “This has the potential of being worse than a hurricane because the footprint is so much wider. I’ve worked for Georgia Power for 25 years, and I’ve never seen an inch of ice on our system.”
Spradlin said crews will be staged locally so they can move quickly once conditions allow, but restoration efforts will depend on safety, road access and the extent of damage.
“We are not going to quit on you,” he said. “So don’t quit on us. We’re going to get everybody back on as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
Georgia Power is urging residents to prepare now for the possibility of extended outages and dangerous travel conditions. Customers should review emergency plans, check on neighbors who may need assistance and ensure they have essential supplies such as medications, flashlights, batteries and food.
Spradlin emphasized that safety must remain the top priority during and after the storm. Residents should never touch downed or low-hanging power lines, which may be hidden by snow or debris, and should keep children away from damaged areas. Tree limbs should never be pulled off power lines, and any fallen or sagging lines should be reported immediately to 911 or Georgia Power.
Motorists are also asked to remain alert for utility crews working along roadways and to slow down and move over when possible for stopped utility vehicles, as required by Georgia law.
Customers can stay informed through Georgia Power’s Outage Alert system, the Outage & Storm Center at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, or by calling 888-891-0938 to report outages. Updates are also available through the company’s mobile app and social media channels.
Extended subfreezing temperatures can increase energy use, and Georgia Power encourages customers to take steps now to reduce heating costs during the cold snap. Energy-saving tips are available at GeorgiaPower.com/Save.
Note: Now Habersham made multiple attempts to contact Habersham EMC to ask about their storm preparations but those calls were not returned by press time.
