Athens Reporter

In anticipation of severe winter weather expected to hit the area starting Friday, January 10, 2025, Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) is actively monitoring the storm's trajectory and potential impact. The ACCGov Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is coordinating with various departments including Police, Fire, Transportation and Public Works, among others.

A dedicated webpage has been set up at www.accgov.com/weather to provide updated information on the storm's effects and local responses. This page will be regularly updated before, during, and after the storm. Updates will also be shared via ACCGov's social media channels.

Residents are advised to prepare for emergencies by following recommendations from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). These include creating a family communications plan and assembling a ready kit with supplies for three days. Residents should also prepare for possible power outages by having flashlights, extra batteries, warm clothing, non-perishable food items, and necessary medications available.

ACCGov has announced closures of non-essential services on January 10 and 11. Leisure Services parks and facilities will be closed except for Lay Park emergency shelter. Solid Waste’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM), Landfill, and Animal Services’ Animal Shelter will also be closed.

Winter weather poses risks to home water pipes which can freeze and burst. Residents are advised not to call 911 in such cases but contact ACCGov Public Utilities Department instead.

Additional shelters will be available over the weekend with expanded capacity provided by Bigger Vision of Athens in partnership with local organizations. An emergency shelter at Lay Park will operate from Friday morning through Sunday morning.

For more information on resources or urgent issues during this period, residents can visit www.accgov.com/weather or www.accgov.com/shelter.