Georgia Governor Nathan Deal Thursday preemptively issued a state of emergency for counties across the state ahead of a winter storm that could bring as many as 4 inches of snowfall. The declaration will go into effect today at noon, with the storm set to approach later this evening.
A quick response for a Governor still feeling the effects of 2014’s ‘snowpocalypse’ where he and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed fell under heavy criticism for not responding quick enough to a storm that shut down the city and left thousands unable to get home.
Said Deal via press release, “I am issuing this executive order to implement protective measures to ensure the public health, preserve the safety of the public, keep property damage to a minimum and to minimize the social and economic impacts of this event on the citizens of Georgia,” said Deal. “We will continue monitoring the forecast models and make appropriate adjustments as necessary. Georgians should stay calm, make the appropriate preparations and stay aware of a potential change in weather conditions.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation will begin treating roads across the state later this evening, and state agencies will be on high alert to aid those most affected. Decisions on school closures for Monday will be made at a local level.