City Alert: Emergency Closures and Service Suspensions for Monday, Jan. 26

Winter Storm Fern: State of Emergency Declared

Governor Brian P. Kemp has officially declared a statewide State of Emergency in response to the arrival of Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring significant freezing precipitation and hazardous conditions to the metro Atlanta region. The executive order, which remains in effect through January 29, 2026, activates the State Operations Center and mobilizes the Georgia National Guard to assist with emergency response and infrastructure support. Residents are urged to limit all non-essential travel and prepare for potential power outages as the storm moves through North Georgia.

City of Atlanta Sanitation Service Suspension

The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works has announced a total suspension of solid waste, recycling, yard debris, and bulk collection services for Monday, January 26, 2026. This measure has been taken to ensure the safety of sanitation crews during the height of the winter weather event. Residents are advised of the following:

• Do not place trash or recycling carts at the curb on Monday.
• Bulk collection appointments for this week will be rescheduled; impacted residents will receive automated notifications via phone or email.
• Sanitation services will resume only when road conditions are deemed safe for heavy vehicles, with priority given to household garbage and recycling.
• For real-time updates, residents should monitor the ATL311 portal or use the Waste Wizard tool on the city’s official website.

Fulton and DeKalb County Government Closures

In alignment with emergency safety protocols, most government administrative offices in the metro area will be closed on Monday, January 26. Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts confirmed that all county courthouses, tax offices, senior centers, and libraries will remain shuttered to the public. Essential public safety and infrastructure services, including law enforcement and emergency watershed repairs, will continue to operate on 24-hour shifts.

In DeKalb County, all court operations and administrative facilities are similarly closed. Parties with scheduled court appearances on Monday will receive instructions regarding new dates via their attorneys or direct mail.

Health Advisories and Clinic Status

The Fulton County Board of Health has announced that all physical clinic locations will be closed on Monday. However, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities will transition all outpatient appointments to virtual sessions. Residents are also reminded of standing health advisories issued earlier this month regarding widespread flu activity and a confirmed measles case in the region. While clinics are closed for the storm, the Georgia Department of Public Health continues to urge residents to maintain up-to-date vaccinations once operations resume on Tuesday.

Rescheduling of Court and Public Meetings

Fulton County Superior Court has specifically noted that all in-person Family Violence hearings scheduled for Monday have been moved to Monday, February 2, 2026. Virtual appearances for other divisions will proceed as scheduled unless otherwise notified by the presiding judge. Jurors summoned for service on January 26 are officially dismissed and do not need to report.