Atlanta, GA (Atlanta News First) – As winter weather grips Georgia, both Georgia Power and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are taking extensive measures to ensure the safety of residents. With snow and icy conditions making roads treacherous, officials are urging the public to take precautions and stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
GDOT’s Challenges During the Winter Storm
Natalie Dale, a spokesperson for GDOT, highlighted the critical need for clear roads to allow crews to plow and treat surfaces effectively. “We can’t plow through standstill traffic, so we need everyone off the roads,” Dale explained.
When snow fell earlier this month, drivers heeded warnings, resulting in a 90% decrease in traffic. However, this time, many vehicles were still out on the roads, causing significant issues for GDOT crews.
“We’re seeing so many cars out and about. That creates so many problems,” Dale added. “Our crews can’t plow through standstill traffic, and road conditions continue to deteriorate around the cars stuck on the road.”
Essential Workers and the Need for Planning
While staying off the roads is the safest option, some people, like healthcare worker Cherie Smith, have no choice but to travel for work. Smith emphasized the importance of being prepared for winter weather.
“It’s very important to have a plan,” Smith said. Having learned from past storms like Snowmageddon, Smith opted to stay with family in town rather than commute from Gwinnett County.
“You don’t know what other people are going to do,” Smith explained. “You don’t know how bad the roads are going to be, and you don’t want to slip and slide.”
Staying Warm During Power Outages
The dangers of winter storms extend beyond the roads. Many Georgians, including Smith, have faced power outages during severe weather. The snowstorm earlier this month left her home without electricity for over 24 hours.
“Our house is so cold without electricity,” Smith shared. “We don’t have a fireplace. The windows are old, and it’s so cold.”
Georgia Power’s Efforts to Maintain Electricity
Georgia Power is working diligently to minimize power outages during the storm. Cleve Fann, Vice President at Georgia Power, noted that the current storm is less likely to cause widespread outages compared to previous ones due to the absence of sleet and freezing rain.
“We could see heavier snow accumulate, which may cause some limbs on trees to break and fall into power lines,” Fann said.
The company has activated its storm center to monitor outages and respond quickly.
“We’ll work around the clock to make sure we’re restoring power as quickly and safely as possible,” Fann assured residents.
Lessons from Past Storms
Many Georgians have vivid memories of Snowmageddon, a 2014 storm that left drivers stranded on highways for hours and caused widespread disruptions. This time, GDOT and Georgia Power are better prepared, but officials stress the importance of public cooperation.
The icy roads and heavy snowfall earlier this week caused several accidents and road closures across the state. Cars were abandoned on highways, and some areas experienced multi-car pileups. GDOT crews faced additional challenges navigating these obstacles to clear roads and ensure safety.
Safety Tips for Winter Weather
To stay safe during winter storms, residents are urged to follow these guidelines:
- Avoid Non-Essential Travel: Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Keep blankets, food, water, and flashlights in your car if travel is unavoidable.
- Stay Warm: Ensure you have extra layers, a heat source, and emergency supplies at home.
- Monitor Updates: Follow GDOT and Georgia Power for the latest information on road conditions and power outages.
- Plan Ahead: If you must travel, inform someone of your route and expected arrival time.
Georgia Power and GDOT: Working Together
The combined efforts of GDOT and Georgia Power reflect a commitment to keeping residents safe during challenging weather conditions. While GDOT focuses on clearing roads and preventing accidents, Georgia Power is ensuring that outages are addressed promptly.
“Safety is our top priority,” Fann said. “We understand how critical it is to restore power quickly, especially in these freezing temperatures.”
A Call for Cooperation
Both GDOT and Georgia Power are urging Georgians to do their part by staying home and being prepared. Reducing traffic on the roads allows crews to work more efficiently, ultimately speeding up recovery efforts.
By taking precautions and staying informed, residents can help minimize the impact of winter storms and keep themselves and their communities safe.
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Winter Storm Brings Challenges to Georgia: Officials Urge Caution
Winter Storm Brings Challenges to Georgia: Officials Urge Caution
Winter Storm Brings Challenges to Georgia: Officials Urge Caution