Gov. Nathan Deal held a lunchtime press conference to update on Georgia’s response to the winter storm. “From all indications and reports I’m receiving, Georgians have heeded the warnings and stayed home and off the roads,” Deal said.
He said the federal government has expanded its state of emergency declaration to 89 counties in Georgia. Deal also said that the changing weather pattern meant more resources and manpower would be sent east out I-20 toward Augusta where the icing situation has been more dire.
At noon, Georgia Power was reporting more than 118,000 customers were without power in North Georgia. “People need to continue to stay home to allow power crews to deal with the situation,” Deal said.
Deal said another wave of snow and ice is coming after lunch after a temporary lull and encouraged residents to remain vigilant. More power outages are expected.