Summary (tl;dr)

An ongoing ice storm, dubbed "Winter Storm Fern," is causing widespread power outages across North Georgia and the metro Atlanta area, leaving tens of thousands without electricity and creating hazardous travel conditions.

Essential Background

In anticipation of severe winter weather, Georgia was under an Ice Storm Warning, with forecasts predicting significant ice accumulation and gusty winds from "Winter Storm Fern" beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026, and continuing through Monday. Governor Brian Kemp had issued a State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia, along with a federal disaster declaration for the hardest-hit areas, in preparation for the storm's impact.

The Full Story

As of Sunday, January 25, 2026, an active ice storm is significantly impacting Georgia, resulting in tens of thousands of power outages, predominantly across the northern and metropolitan Atlanta regions, with numbers continuing to rise. Counties such as Fulton, Gwinnett, Rabun, DeKalb, Cobb, Bartow, Stephens, and White are experiencing substantial disruptions, with Rabun County reporting the highest percentage of customers affected. The National Weather Service warned that significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs could lead to widespread and long-lasting outages, while roads, bridges, and overpasses are becoming slick and hazardous. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has seen over 1,000 flight cancellations, and various school districts, including Cobb County Schools, have announced closures for Monday. State and local officials are strongly advising residents to remain off the roads due to deteriorating conditions and the likelihood of refreezing temperatures overnight.

Why It Matters

The extensive power outages pose severe challenges for residents, particularly due to anticipated plummeting temperatures that could reach single digits, leaving many without heat. The dangerous road conditions and numerous flight cancellations are creating significant travel disruptions and safety concerns, while widespread school and business closures are disrupting daily routines and economic activity. The considerable damage to infrastructure caused by ice and strong winds is expected to prolong power restoration efforts, raising concerns for the safety and well-being of those affected by the loss of electricity.

Geographic Location

• Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States (widespread power outages, flight cancellations, and hazardous travel conditions due to ice storm)
• Cobb County, Georgia, United States (power outages and school closures)
• DeKalb County, Georgia, United States (power outages)
• Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States (power outages and ice accumulation)
• Rabun County, Georgia, United States (most power outages by percentage and total customers in Georgia)
• White County, Georgia, United States (significant power outages)
• Bartow County, Georgia, United States (power outages)
• Stephens County, Georgia, United States (power outages)
• North Georgia, Georgia, United States (region experiencing ice storm warnings, significant ice accumulation, and widespread power outages)