Under State of Emergency, officials prepare Georgia for weekend snow and ice storm 

Officials in Georgia and across the nation are preparing to respond to Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring a wintry mix of snow and ice. (Oleksandr Horbach)

From Friday through Monday, the storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is expected to impact millions of people across the U.S. in more than 30 states, including Georgia. To prepare, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for the state on Thursday morning. 

Right now, state and local officials are preparing for the first major winter storm of 2026, which is expected to bring as much as 2 inches of snow and ice to the Atlanta area, along with a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain.

Forecasters say the storm could affect metro Atlanta, but North Georgia, specifically areas north of I-20, could be hardest hit. Officials warn Georgians that these weather conditions can cause downed trees, downed power lines, travel disruptions and more.