Travel Labeled 'Impossible' as Winter Storm Fern Paralyses Atlanta Commute

Winter Storm Fern Disrupts Sunday Commute

Metro Atlanta is facing severe travel disruptions today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, as Winter Storm Fern moves through the region. Officials from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency have issued a stark warning, labeling travel across the northern half of the state as "impossible" due to significant ice accumulations. Freezing rain and sleet have already coated major interstates and surface streets, leading to widespread hazardous conditions.

MARTA Activates Lifeline Service Plan

Due to the deteriorating weather, MARTA has suspended the majority of its bus operations. Only "lifeline" bus routes are currently running to provide essential access to medical facilities. Commuters should be aware of the following service changes:

• Bus Service: Only routes 6, 8, 19, 40, 107, 110, 111, 123, 185, and 196 are operational. All other routes are suspended.
• Rail Service: Trains are running on a reduced Sunday schedule with 20-minute frequencies.
• Line Restrictions: The Red Line is operating only between North Springs and Lindbergh Center, and the Green Line is restricted to the Bankhead-to-Vine City segment.
• Streetcar: Service has been replaced by shuttle vans due to utility repairs and icing concerns.

Major Roadway Closures and Conditions

GDOT crews are actively monitoring for "black ice" and applying brine, but many routes remain dangerous. The I-75 Northwest Corridor Express Lanes have been closed to prevent accidents on elevated ramps. Specific roadway alerts include:

• SR 60: Closed in both directions at Industrial Boulevard due to heavy icing.
• SR 11 (Cleveland Highway): Closed in both directions past River View Drive.
• SR 136: All lanes closed at Monument Road.
• I-285/GA-400: While the "Transform 285/400" project is nearing completion, motorists should expect dangerous "silver thaw" conditions on all ramps and flyovers.

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Alerts

Travelers heading to the airport should check their flight status before leaving home. More than 1,000 flights have been cancelled at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport today. Delta Air Lines has been hit hardest, with over 600 cancellations reported as of this morning. High wind gusts of up to 30 mph are complicating de-icing efforts on the runways.

Residents are urged to stay off the roads and remain indoors until conditions improve. If you must travel, exercise extreme caution and carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.