Atlanta, Georgia — One hundred sixty million Americans are prepared and monitoring a major winter system now evolving into a dangerous ice storm threat, as freezing rain and ice accumulation are expected across portions of Georgia and South Carolina through Monday, Jan. 26.
For the Southeast, the primary hazard is freezing rain rather than snow. According to the National Weather Service, a shallow layer of Arctic air near the surface combined with warmer air aloft will create conditions favorable for ice accretion, particularly across north and central Georgia and much of upstate South Carolina.
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center places the Georgia–South Carolina region within a moderate to high-confidence zone for impactful icing from Friday through Sunday. Ice accumulations of one-quarter inch or more are possible in some areas, with localized higher amounts increasing the risk of downed trees, damaged power lines, and prolonged power outages.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly once freezing rain begins. Major transportation corridors at risk include Interstate 85, Interstate 20, Interstate 26, and Interstate 75. Transportation officials warn that bridges and overpasses may become slick first, and road treatments may be ineffective during prolonged periods of freezing rain.
Utility providers across both states are preparing for potential power outages as ice builds on infrastructure. Emergency managers are urging residents to complete storm preparations ahead of peak impacts, including charging electronic devices, securing alternative heat sources, and avoiding unnecessary travel once icing develops.
Motorists are strongly advised to stay off roads during freezing rain events, as even thin layers of ice can lead to severe crashes and stranded vehicles. Emergency response times may be delayed if roadways become impassable due to ice or downed trees.
Behind the storm, Arctic air is expected to deepen across Georgia and South Carolina, keeping temperatures below freezing and preventing ice from melting. Wind chills may fall into the teens across higher elevations, extending hazardous conditions even after precipitation ends.
While a potential pattern shift may occur between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1, forecasters caution that much of the Midwest and East Coast will remain locked in a deep Arctic freeze into early February, prolonging ice-related impacts across the Southeast.
