Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declares State of Emergency ahead of winter storm

Gov. Kemp to ask legislature for another $50 million in one-time security grants for GA schools Gov. Brian Kemp and the legislature approved a series of one-time security grants to Georgia schools but after the Apalachee High School mass shooting, they plan to approve another $50 million in one-time money. (WSBTV.com News Staff)

By ActionNewsJax.com News Staff

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Monday ahead of a winter storm that will impact the state.

Dozens of counties are under a winter storm watch for Tuesday and temperatures are already frigid across Georgia. The governor’s state of emergency goes into effect immediately and will last until next Tuesday, Jan. 28.

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All of Southeast Georgia -- Action News Jax’s viewing area of Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Pierce, and Ware counties -- is included in a rare Winter Storm Warning.

According to a news release from Kemp’s office, “The State of Emergency authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts.”

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Kemp is urging Georgians to stay off the roads as Georgia Department of Transportation works to prepare them for the forecasted ice and snow.

“Before the full force of the incoming winter weather arrives, many Georgians are already experiencing dangerously low temperatures ahead of expected freezing precipitation on Tuesday,” Kemp said. “Throughout the weekend, I have been working with our state agencies to ensure we’re prepared, and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has been treating roadways since Sunday morning. They, along with our emergency management and public safety teams, will be working throughout this winter storm. As we continue to coordinate with state and local officials throughout the state, I urge everyone to make their own preparations to ensure they and their families can remain safe over the coming days, especially if road conditions prevent travel.”

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Georgia’s State of Emergency order prohibits price gouging; suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities; and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies.

For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.

Georgia Department of Emergency Management will provide ongoing updates regarding winter weather conditions via its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts.

READ THE FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER FROM KEMP BELOW:

Georgia State of Emergency by ActionNewsJax on Scribd

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