Georgia declares emergency ahead of winter storm bringing snow and ice, urging travel avoidance and preparedness.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all counties ahead of a winter storm expected to bring snow, ice, and hazardous travel conditions over the weekend, particularly in northern and central regions. The declaration, effective through Feb. 6, enables pre-positioning of resources, activates the State Operations Center, and allows suspensions of certain commercial vehicle regulations to aid emergency response. The Georgia Department of Transportation is pre-treating over 20,000 lane miles with brine and preparing crews for 12-hour shifts. Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, prepare emergency kits, and stay informed as the storm unfolds. South Carolina also extended its state of emergency due to similar winter weather, with officials warning of slushy snow and freezing conditions, though no major ice or power outages are expected.