Winter Storm Fern arrives in Georgia, impacts expected overnight

Winter Storm Fern continues to make its way across the country, entering Georgia Saturday with expected impacts from the massive storm occurring overnight. Georgia Power teams have been preparing over the last week to respond to any damage and power outages caused by the storm. More than 10,000 personnel including Georgia Power, contract companies, and partner utilities are engaged and ready to support the company's response effort.  

The current forecast continues to predict freezing rain and subfreezing temperatures over several days, which is expected to cause power outages across a wide part of the state. Ice adds weight to tree branches, increasing the chances they will snap and fall onto power lines. Even small amounts of ice can cause damage to infrastructure, with additional damage and risk for power outages increasing based on the amount of ice accumulation. Wind also increases the possibility for trees and limbs to fall into power lines. 

Damage Assessment Marks First Stage of Restoration  

Once conditions are safe, Georgia Power crews move quickly to begin assessing damage, assigning resources, clearing vegetation, and making repairs. Damage assessment is an essential part of efficient restoration and marks the beginning of the process once the storm has left impacted areas. 

Damage assessment teams enter the field to evaluate the level of damage and project material needs. This is quickly followed by vegetation crews, who clear the way for restoration crews to make repairs.  

Crews are prepared to work around the clock to restore power for customers safely and as quickly as possible. As weather conditions improve, restoration efforts can accelerate, but extended outages are possible due to the size and severity of Winter Storm Fern.   

Georgia Power reminds customers that dangerous conditions exist following a storm, and to always heed the advice of local, state, and federal emergency authorities in storm-affected areas. 

 After the Storm Safety Tips

• Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.  

• Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Click here for more safety tips.

• Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.  

• Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.  

• Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances. 

• Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. Follow the guidance of state officials and the Georgia Department of Transportation on current road conditions and travel guidance. In the days following Winter Storm Fern, move over lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia. 

The following tools are available from Georgia Power to help customers stay connected and informed:

• Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.

• Outage & Storm Center – Available at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.

• Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.

• Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.

• @GeorgiaPower on Facebook – (facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.