With the greater Atlanta area blanketed in snow, sleet and ice, road conditions have rapidly deteriorated, prompting the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to intensify its response efforts. Crews began pre-treating major highways with brine before the storm, but by 8 a.m. Friday the focus shifted to plowing roads. About 100 plows were deployed to address the deteriorating conditions.

Crews had plowed all lanes of the Bobby Jones Expressway and Interstate 20 in east-central Georgia and were beginning to plow the shoulders. Crews are also targeting high-priority multilane state routes, with brine operations expected to resume to prevent further ice formation. The state continues to monitor conditions and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Crews work 12-hour shifts in dangerous conditions

With several inches of snow in some areas, over 300 pieces of equipment were deployed across Georgia. The emergency services work in 12-hour shifts and prioritize the routes used by emergency vehicles. However, hazardous conditions are expected to continue due to ongoing rainfall, including sleet and freezing rain. Motorists have been urged to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary as numerous accidents have already been reported on highways and state highways.

Governor Kemp urges caution

At a news conference, Gov. Brian P. Kemp praised the Georgia DOT and other agencies for their continued efforts to deal with the storm. He also thanked citizens for following safety instructions and staying off the roads. As of 10 a.m. Friday, Georgia DOT crews had treated over 20,000 lane miles with over a million gallons of brine and 770 tons of salt.

Black ice risk and aftercare plans

As temperatures drop overnight, there is a risk of black ice forming on the roads. Georgia DOT’s strategy is to remove precipitation from roadways and re-treat them to reduce the risk of re-freezing. The department said it will continue to monitor conditions to ensure roads remain as safe as possible.

Warnings for states of emergency and winter storms

Governor Kemp has declared a state of emergency for all of Georgia until Tuesday, January 14, 2025. A winter storm warning remains in effect for north Georgia, metro Atlanta and parts of central Georgia through Saturday morning. Additionally, certain mass transit services are closed and the Georgia DOT has closed two expressway facilities to prevent ice and snow accumulation.

Safety and warnings for drivers

Drivers are advised to limit travel in affected areas and exercise extreme caution. Drivers should give GDOT crews space on the roads to ensure they can safely continue their work. The department makes it a point not to allow brine trucks to pass through as this can cause damage from blown gravel. Motorists are advised to maintain a distance of at least 30 meters behind brine trucks for safety reasons.