The entire state of Georgia is bracing for severe winter weather.
The forecast for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning continues to show snowy weather north of Waycross and a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain dropping to the south.
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The freezing temperatures could create dangerous icy conditions on the roads, and Southeast Georgia counties are preparing for the worst.
The Georgia Department of Transportation spent Sunday evening brining roads from interstates I-95 in Glynn and Camden counties.
RELATED: Georgia DOT treats highways, bridges with brine ahead of dangerous winter storm
Brantley County
Brantley County Emergency Management warned residents to prepare for cold weather and potential winter weather impacts, consider possible power outages and transportation disruptions and to stay informed and check local forecasts for updates.
Watch out for patchy black ice along and north of I-10 into Southeast Georgia.
Freeze Watch Monday night for Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida. Wind chills are expected to be in the teens and 20s (°F).
Schools
As of Sunday, the Brantley County School System said it was actively collaborating with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and local county officials to monitor the wintry conditions expected this week.
With schools already scheduled to be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this extra day provides additional time to evaluate the situation as we approach the forecasted extreme temperatures.
The primary concern is the potential for icy roads, which could affect the safety of travel and school operations.
The district will continue to closely assess conditions and prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Any time there is potential for school closure due to weather or impassable roads, parents are encouraged to go ahead and make alternative child care arrangements in case weather conditions necessitate school closures.
Updates will be posted on the district FB page and district website.
If a decision is made to cancel school at any point this week, the district’s automated mass text-messaging system will be used to notify parents promptly.
Camden County
Camden County has a warming shelter inside the Camden County Recreation Center at 1050 Wildcat Dr. in Kingsland.
It is an overnight shelter and is open from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily as long as it is needed based on weather conditions.
When you pull into the parking lot, you’ll see a “Warming Center” sign right next to the Chris Gilman Stadium.
Residents in need of a warm place to stay are encouraged to utilize this facility. The Warming Center will provide a safe and heated environment during the anticipated freezing temperatures for those vulnerable to cold weather.
The county is offering residents mobile updates through its emergency notification systems. Just text “CamdenCodeRed” to 99411.
Follow the National Weather Service in Jacksonville (www.weather.gov/jax), the Camden County Website and Camden County EMA Facebook. For non-emergency information related to the warming center, residents may call 912-729-5602.
Charlton County
In response to the forecasted cold temperatures impacting Southeast Georgia, the Charlton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has been activated to address potential weather-related emergencies.
The cold weather is expected to begin on Tuesday and continue through Wednesday.
Key Information:
- Cold temperatures: Low temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, with the possibility of freezing rain and frost in some areas.
- Potential impacts: The extreme cold may cause hazardous driving conditions, increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite, and possible interruptions to utilities.
- Shelter locations: A warming center will be open for residents who need shelter from the cold. The Bethune Gym at 204 Mary Bethune Dr., Folkston, 31537 will be operationalized to support county efforts to provide shelter during this potential event. The gym will be opened at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and remain open until approximately 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
Important Actions to Take:
- Stay indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel and keep warm inside your home.
- Protect pipes: Take precautions to prevent freezing pipes by leaving faucets dripping, opening cabinet doors under sinks, and ensuring pipes are properly insulated.
- Dress warmly: Wear layers of clothing, and ensure pets and livestock are protected from the cold.
- Monitor weather updates: Stay informed through local news and the Charlton County EMA website or social media for real-time updates on weather conditions, shelter availability, and emergency information.
Charlton County EMA is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
Please be prepared for the cold weather, take appropriate precautions, and check on elderly neighbors or others who may need assistance.
For more information, contact the Charlton County Emergency Management Agency at 912-390-2022 or visit the official website at www.charltoncountyga.us.
Glynn County
As of Sunday, Glynn County said it was actively tracking the winter weather and warned residents to expect the potential for black ice on roadways and freezes throughout the night.
Key Points for Glynn County:
- Black Ice Potential: Rainfall from Sunday will lead to patchy black ice along and north of I-10 into Southeast Georgia
- Cold Temperatures (Sunday night- Thursday): High confidence of nightly inland freezes & hard freezes through the week. Expect early morning wind chills from the mid-teens to mid-20s.
- Potential Cold and Winter Precipitation Impacts: Potential ice accumulation and impacts to power lines, trees, and roadways.
Follow Glynn County EMA on social media https://www.facebook.com/GlynnCountyEMA and stay tuned for updates from the National Weather Service https://www.facebook.com/NWSJacksonville.
Pierce County
Patchy black ice is possible through 10 a.m. Monday on bridges and secondary roadways, Pierce County officials warned.
There’s a Freeze Warning from 8 p.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Tuesday with windchills in the 20s.
Pierce County says a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for snow and freezing rain Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, with temperatures in the teens. (Expect this to be upgraded to a Warning as well as a Freeze Warning to be issued)
Nightly Freeze Watches/Warnings are expected through Friday with dangerous wind chills in the 20’s.
Stay up to date with the current forecast at https://www.weather.gov/jax/ and stay safe if working outdoors and while driving.
Ware County
An extended duration of dangerously cold temperatures & wind chills is expected through Thursday.
Potential impacts: Cold temperatures will impact vulnerable populations, livestock, crops & property. Ice accumulations Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning could impact power lines & utilities, trees, roads & bridges.
Remember the potential for black ice on the roadways during this wintry event.