Winter Storm Fern has entered Georgia, with impacts from the storm expected to be felt overnight. Georgia Power has spent the past week preparing for potential damage and power outages that may result from the storm. The company reports that more than 10,000 personnel, including employees, contractors, and partner utilities, are ready to support restoration efforts.
The weather forecast indicates freezing rain and subfreezing temperatures over several days. This combination is likely to cause power outages across many areas of the state. Ice accumulation on tree branches increases the risk of them breaking and falling onto power lines, even in small amounts. Additional ice buildup and wind can further raise the chances of infrastructure damage and extended outages.
Georgia Power outlined its response plan, which begins with assessing damage once conditions are safe. Crews will enter affected areas to evaluate damage levels and determine material needs. Vegetation crews will then clear debris so that restoration teams can make necessary repairs. The company noted that teams are prepared to work continuously until service is restored but warned that prolonged outages are possible due to the size and severity of Winter Storm Fern.
Customers are urged to remain cautious after the storm passes. “Georgia Power reminds customers that dangerous conditions exist following a storm, and to always heed the advice of local, state, and federal emergency authorities in storm-affected areas.”
Safety tips provided by Georgia Power include watching for downed wires hidden by debris or trees, using portable generators according to manufacturer instructions while avoiding enclosed spaces, never touching downed wires or removing tree branches from power lines due to electrocution risks, staying out of standing water where live wires could be present, avoiding chain link fences that might conduct electricity from unseen downed lines, and watching for utility crews working statewide.
Drivers are reminded to follow guidance from state officials and the Georgia Department of Transportation regarding road conditions. Motorists should also move over for utility vehicles stopped on roadsides as required by Georgia law.
To help customers stay informed during severe weather events like Winter Storm Fern, Georgia Power offers several tools:
– Outage Alerts: Personalized notifications via text message.
– Outage & Storm Center: An online resource at https://www.georgiapower.com/storm for outage reporting and safety information.
– Outage Map: Real-time updates on outages across Georgia.
– Mobile App: Access to storm information for Apple and Android devices.
– Social Media: Updates available through @GeorgiaPower on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaPower).
Customers can report or check outage status 24 hours a day by calling 888-891-0938.
