DeKalb County Winter Weather Update

DeKalb County continues to respond to the impacts of Winter Storm Fern, with countywide operations focused on road safety, emergency response, power restoration coordination, and resident support. The County remains under a declared State of Emergency, and federal assistance has been approved to support local response efforts.

The federal government has approved FEMA Emergency Declaration 3632, allowing reimbursement to assist DeKalb County and other local governments with expenses incurred to protect life and property during the storm.

Current Conditions and Impacts

As of 2:30 p.m., approximately 6,300 DeKalb County residents are without power, and officials anticipate that number may increase as continued rain transitions to ice. Emergency officials report approximately 30 weather-related 911 calls, primarily involving downed trees and power lines. Overall 911 call volume remains steady and is trending lower than normal, largely because residents are staying home.

Road conditions have improved in some areas; however, icy spots remain, particularly on bridges, ramps, shaded roadways, and interstate access points. At this time, no roads are fully impassable, and one reported tree blocking a roadway has been cleared.

County Response Actions

• DeKalb County pretreated priority roadways beginning Friday, January 24, using salt, sand, and calcium chloride. Priority routes include access to hospitals, warming centers, police and fire stations, and other critical infrastructure.
• Public Works crews continue treatment operations and are monitoring bridges and high-risk corridors, including portions of Hillandale Road, Panola Road, Redan Road, Dawson Boulevard, and interstate ramps along I-285, I-20, and I-675.
• Emergency services remain fully operational, with police, fire, and rescue units pre-staged and equipped for hazardous road conditions.
• The County continues close coordination with Georgia Power, GDOT, and state emergency management partners to support power restoration and roadway safety.

Warming Centers and Resident Support

Approximately 240 residents are currently utilizing County warming centers, which remain open through at least Tuesday and may be extended based on weather conditions and power restoration timelines. There are no capacity issues at this time.

Residents without heat or electricity are encouraged to use warming centers rather than attempting to remain in unsafe conditions at home.

County Operations

In addition to Monday closures, DeKalb County government offices, buildings, and County-sponsored programming are expected to remain closed on Tuesday.

Regularly scheduled meetings of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will continue as planned and will be conducted virtually.

An additional update regarding County operations for Wednesday will be issued Tuesday.

Public Safety Guidance

County officials urge residents to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially on bridges and untreated roads
• Remain cautious of ice, downed trees, and power lines
• Check on neighbors, particularly older adults and individuals with medical needs
• Use 911 only for emergencies

DeKalb County will continue to monitor conditions and provide regular public updates as the storm progresses.

For the latest information, residents should follow official DeKalb County communication channels.