In preparation for severe winter weather forecasts for the area over the weekend of January 23-26, 2026, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) staff continues to closely monitor the winter storm’s path and potential impacts on the community. The Athens area is under a Winter Storm Watch from late Friday evening until Monday morning.
The ACCGov Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is coordinating response efforts across multiple ACCGov departments, including the Police, Fire, Transportation and Public Works, Central Services, Leisure Services, Public Utilities, Transit, Human Resources, and Communications departments, as well as the Manager’s Office and other local, state, and federal agencies as necessary.
Severe Weather Response Updates
ACCGov has created a webpage at www.accgov.com/weather as a clearinghouse for updated information about the storm's effects on Athens-Clarke County, as well as local responses and resources. The site also includes a flyer and information about who to call for urgent issues encountered during the storm, including fallen trees, blocked roadways, traffic signal issues, and more.
This page will be updated before, during, and after the storm. Information and updates will also be posted on the ACCGov main social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/accgov) and X, formerly Twitter, (www.x.com/accgov), as well as on other outlets.
Shelters
A temporary overnight shelter in the Lay Park Gymnasium, 297 Hoyt Street, will be open from Saturday, January 24, noon - Monday, January 26, noon for those seeking shelter, in addition to other ongoing shelter resources. No pets, drugs, alcohol, or weapons. Cots may not be available for every individual depending on availability and capacity. For information about volunteering at the Lay Park overnight shelter, visit the ACCGov GivePulse volunteer site at https://accgov.givepulse.com/event/826137-emergency-winter-weather-response.
The City of Winterville will open a temporary overnight shelter at the Winterville Cultural Center, 373 North Church Street, on Saturday, January 24, 4:00 PM - Sunday, January 25, Noon
The ACCGov Multimodal Transportation Center will act as temporary pop-up warming site on Monday, January 26, 5:00 PM - Tuesday, January 27, 9:00 AM and Tuesday, January 27, 5:00 PM - Wednesday, January 28, 9:00 AM. This site will also distribute donated goods. Overnight sleeping space is not available at this site.
A number of ongoing emergency resources and shelters, as well as any temporary resources, are also listed at www.accgov.com/shelter and will be updated throughout the weekend and the winter months.
For updates about shelter and warming resources, including current listings of temporary warming or shelter sites, visit www.accgov.com/shelter or text ACCSHELTER to 888777 to receive SMS text messages about shelter locations.
Preparation
Residents are encouraged to take the time beforehand to prepare for potential emergency situations. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) recommends creating a family communications plan in case members are in different areas when emergency situations occur, preparing a ready kit with supplies for the entire family for three days, and staying informed about severe weather situations.
Additionally, residents should plan for power outages during below-freezing temperatures. The ACCGov EMA recommends residents have on hand flashlights, extra batteries, warm clothing, non-perishable snacks/food items, and any needed medication.
Residents who rely on electricity for medical equipment should make alternate arrangements in case power is out for an extended period of time.
While a ready kit may differ based on the needs of different families, more extensive lists of items to consider for both home and car ready kits are linked through www.accgov.com/weather.
Once winter weather conditions begin, residents are encouraged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If travel is necessary, drive slowly, provide plenty of space between vehicles, and allow adequate time to reach the destination.
Closures
An ongoing list of ACCGov closures, road closures, and other area entity closures will be available at www.accgov.com/weather and updated throughout the weekend.
Water Pipes
Winter weather can mean trouble for home water pipes. Freezing can cause pipes to burst, leaving residences without water and a potentially hefty repair bill.
In addition to winterizing pipes that are outdoors, in crawl spaces, and even indoors during freezing weather, residents should know who to contact in the event of a burst pipe and how to turn off the main water valve. Water mains might be in a basement or under a metal cover in the yard near the street.
In the event of a burst pipe, residents should not call 911 for assistance. Residents can contact the ACCGov Public Utilities Department at 706-613-3495 or 706-613-3481 (after hours) if they need assistance with turning off the water main at the meter. Residents living in multi-family complexes should contact their management company for assistance.
For more tips related to water pipes and winter tips, visit www.accgov.com/weather.
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