City Officials and GEMA Hold Emergency Briefing on Winter Storm Fern
City Officials and GEMA Hold Emergency Briefing on Winter Storm Fern
As Winter Storm Fern moves into the metro Atlanta area today, Saturday, January 24, 2026, government officials have transitioned into emergency operations mode. Following the State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian Kemp earlier this week, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) held a critical briefing this morning to coordinate the response between state and local leaders, including representatives from Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration.
GEMA and City Coordination
During today's briefing, GEMA Director Josh Lamb provided updates on the significant ice storm expected to impact the region. Lamb warned that dangerous travel conditions could materialize as early as this afternoon. In response, the City of Atlanta has activated its joint emergency operations center. Interim Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Butler Burks confirmed that city departments, including Public Works and the Atlanta Department of Transportation, have been deployed to treat priority routes. Officials emphasized that while the storm’s path remains fluid, the priority remains the safety of residents and the maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Activation of City Warming Centers
In a press release issued by the Mayor’s Office of Communications, the City announced the activation of several warming centers to assist vulnerable residents during the freeze. Starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight, centers will open at the Central Park Recreation Center, Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center (specifically for women and children), and the Old Adamsville Recreation Center. These facilities are scheduled to remain open continuously through Wednesday morning. The city is partnering with the Gateway Center to provide transportation for those in need of shelter, with pickups beginning this evening.
MARTA and Transit Adjustments
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) also implemented its inclement weather service plan today. Rail service has been adjusted to 20-minute intervals to allow for continuous track monitoring and to prevent icing on the lines. Additionally, several bus routes have been suspended, with lifeline routes being prioritized to maintain access to major medical facilities. Transit officials urged residents to check real-time service updates, as further suspensions may occur if sleet and freezing rain accumulation exceeds safety thresholds.
Recent Legislative Activity
This weekend’s emergency response follows a busy week for the Atlanta City Council and the Mayor’s office. Just two days ago, the city released the highly anticipated Draft V2 of the Zoning 2.0 ordinance. This massive overhaul of the city’s development code is intended to modernize building standards and simplify the entitlement process. While the current focus is on the storm, officials noted that public hearings on the zoning draft will remain on the calendar for the coming months as the administration continues its Moving Atlanta Forward agenda for the new term.