Thank You to Forsyth County Employees, Community Partners for Dedicated Service During Winter Storm Fern
12:10 p.m. | Jan. 27, 2026

Forsyth County extends its sincere appreciation to County employees and community partners who worked throughout Winter Storm Fern to protect public safety and maintain critical services for residents. 

As severe ice and cold weather conditions impacted the area in January 2026, employees from multiple departments responded with professionalism, coordination, and dedication. First responders and emergency communications staff remained on duty around the clock, while crews from Roads & Bridges, Water & Sewer, Fleet Services, GIS, IS&T, Parks & Recreation, Communications, Senior Services, Recycling & Solid Waste, and other departments ensured essential services continued despite challenging conditions. 

Forsyth County is grateful for the hard work, long hours, and commitment shown by employees during Winter Storm Fern. Their efforts helped keep residents informed, services operational, and the community safe during a significant weather event. 

Forsyth County Under Ice Storm Warning

Forsyth County is preparing for a potential ice storm expected to impact the area in the coming days. Forecasts indicate the possibility of freezing rain, ice accumulation and wind gusts, which could lead to hazardous road conditions, downed trees and power outages.

An Ice Storm Warning is in effect from Saturday morning (1/24) through Monday morning (1/26) for much of north Georgia, including Forsyth County.

County staff and emergency partners are actively monitoring conditions and preparing to respond as needed. Residents are encouraged to take precautions now and stay informed as the situation develops.

Forsyth County Office Closures

Non-essential Forsyth County government offices and services will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 24, beginning at 2 p.m. through Monday, Jan. 26. 

Important Reminders

• Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363
  Georgia Power 1 (888) 891-0938.

• Georgia Power: View or report outages through Georgia Power’s outage map on their website.
• Sawnee EMC: Visit Sawnee EMC’s outage map for updates. Regular information is also shared on their website and Facebook page.

Road Closures

• Visit the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office road closures map for details.
• Get alerted about incidents around the county with the Sheriff's Office Everbridge notifications app. Learn how with this YouTube video.

Cold & Ice Safety Tips

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially on bridges and elevated roadways.
• Protect pipes by insulating exposed plumbing and allowing faucets to drip during freezing temperatures.
• Keep pets indoors and check on neighbors who may need assistance.
• Prepare for potential power outages by charging devices and having flashlights and supplies ready.
• Do not use generators indoors.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Forsyth to receive timely updates about changing conditions, road impacts and emergency information.

Forsyth County will continue to share updates below as more information becomes available.

NWS: Roads Slick Monday Morning
9:30 a.m. | Jan. 25, 2026

From the National Weather Service: Colder air and breezy winds are moving into north Georgia, creating refreeze/black ice concerns this morning. This is especially true for untreated areas (secondary roads, backroads, and mountain roads) and wherever rainwater/ponding remains.

If driving can't be avoided, please be extremely cautious!

Forsyth County Government Offices Closed Monday
9 a.m. | Jan. 26, 2026

REMINDER: While County non-essential offices are closed on Monday, Jan. 26, many non-essential County operations will continue with staff working remotely from home to respond to emails and answer customer calls.

• Forsyth County Administration Building/satellite offices
• Forsyth County Courthouse/judicial services
• Recycling convenience centers
• Senior Services
• Public Libraries
• Parks and Recreation’s indoor and gated facilities (all Parks and Recreation programs and activities are canceled)

Our essential services and first responders are fully operational throughout the winter weather event.

Additional Ice Accumulating Through Sunday Evening
4:20 p.m. | Jan. 25, 2026

Freezing rain impacts are expected to increase significantly through this (Sunday) evening as more rain comes and temperatures dip. Our friends at the National Weather Service say freezing rain and sleet are being observed in portions of northeast Georgia as another round of precipitation overspreads below freezing temperatures. Additional ice accumulations of up to 0.5 inches are forecast through the evening in the far northeast, which will lead to hazardous travel conditions and additional power outages.

Reminder: Reserve 911 Call for True Emergencies - Sunday Afternoon
3:15 p.m. | Jan. 25, 2026

Help our 911 dispatchers help faster by reserving 911 calls for true emergencies – not power outages. True emergencies are situations in which life, safety, or property is in immediate danger.

Please get in touch with your power company to report/check on a power outage:

Sawnee EMC (770) 887-2363 or https://sawnee.coop/report-outage

Georgia Power (888) 891-0938 or https://www.georgiapower.com

Our Forsyth County Non-Emergency Line is here to help you report non-emergency needs at (770) 781-3087.

Roads and Bridges at Work
1:55 p.m. | Jan. 25, 2026

Here are photos from Sunday afternoon of our Roads and Bridges team who are working hard to plow and salt roads. Thank you to everyone who is refraining from driving at this time and giving our crews room to work.

EMA Situational Report - Sunday Morning
10:45 a.m. | Jan. 25, 2026

Storm Debris Reporting
8:53 a.m. | Jan. 25, 2026

In order for the County to most effectively access additional financial resources from the state and federal government for any potential long-term cleanup efforts following the onsetting winter weather event early next week, Forsyth County EMA is asking that residents with debris on their private property caused by the severe weather take a brief moment to report is by completing a short survey found here. 

Sheriff's Office Interactive Road Conditions Map
7:30 a.m. | Jan. 25, 2026

What do the roads look like? The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office has you covered an interactive map where you can look at details of weather condition incidents around you. Find the map here. 

Timing of Worst Ice and Cold Temperatures
10:20 p.m. | Jan. 24, 2026

"So, when is it going to really get bad?" ... it's a question we have received a lot the past week. Our friends at the National Weather Service say right about here ...

Expect "EXTREME" ice and cold impacts beginning in just a few hours at 1 a.m. on Sunday through at least Monday evening.

Fleet, Roads & Bridges, Water & Sewer and Other Public Works Crews are on the Road
9:20 p.m. | Jan. 24, 2026

Not only are crews on the road treating our roadways, clearing any down trees/lines and repairing water main breaks this weekend during the severe weather, crews are also in the shop keeping our vehicles top off on gas, serviced and ready to roll! These images are from the Forsyth County Fleet Services bay as crews get some trucks back in service. Thank you to the men and women behind the scenes getting the job down day and night, no matter the weather! 

Forsyth County Facilities/Non-Essential Services Closed Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26
7:40 p.m. | Jan. 24, 2026

Due to forecasted severe winter weather conditions, non-essential Forsyth County government offices and public-facing services will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26. This includes:

• Forsyth County Administration Building/satellite offices
• Forsyth County Courthouse/judicial services
• Recycling convenience centers
• Senior Services
• Parks and Recreation’s indoor and gated facilities.
  • All Parks and Recreation programs and activities are cancelled

All non-essential operations for Sunday, Jan. 25 are also cancelled.

In addition to the closure of Forsyth County government services, Chief Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Bagley has ordered the closure of the Forsyth County Courthouse and all annexes for Monday, Jan. 26. Jurors are asked to call the Forsyth County Clerk of Court’s juror information line at 770-781-2135 for instructions regarding their assigned jury service.

Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency staff will continue to monitor the anticipated winter weather event and any additional announcements pertaining to closures will be made as necessary. Severe weather impacts are anticipated to persist through Monday or Tuesday.

For severe weather information, safety and preparedness tips as well as road closure information, please visit www.forsythco.com and follow Forsyth County Government on Facebook. Employees and residents are also encouraged to register for emergency alert notifications by visiting www.forsythco.com/alerts.

EMA Situational Report - Saturday Morning
7:30 a.m. | Jan. 24, 2026

The National Weather Service’s confidence remains HIGH that a significant ice storm will impact much of north Georgia this weekend. 

SATURDAY:

Freezing rain (and potentially sleet) will begin this morning (Saturday) across far northwest Georgia, but the most impactful period of precipitation -- primarily freezing rain (ice) -- will occur from this evening to tomorrow (Sunday) evening. The most widespread impacts are expected across northeast Georgia, although power outages and difficult to impossible travel are increasingly likely across the rest of north Georgia (including parts of the Atlanta metro). Ice accumulations of 0.25 to 1.00 inches are expected across the Ice Storm Warning area (including Forsyth County).

SUNDAY:

Winds will increase Sunday night as the freezing rain comes to an end and will remain gusty through Monday. This will increase the potential for power outages given the weight of ice on trees and power lines.

MONDAY:

Very cold temperatures will arrive on Monday night, with overnight lows in the single digits and teens. Anyone without power will be at an increased risk for cold-related illnesses, and pipe bursts in homes and businesses could be concerns.

WHERE & WHEN:

• The most intense precipitation and ice accumulations are expected between this evening (Saturday) and tomorrow evening (Sunday).

• Travel impacts and power outages will ramp up tonight, with significant impacts by tomorrow morning.

• Wind gusts of 20-35 mph will increase the potential for power outages and downed trees starting tonight.

• Arctic air will keep temperatures cold on Monday and Tuesday, potentially impacting cleanup operations and creating an increased risk for cold-related illnesses and pipe bursts.

IMPACTS:

• Major impacts to travel and power infrastructure are expected across northeast Georgia and are increasingly likely across the rest of north Georgia (including parts of the Atlanta metro).

• The weight of ice could bring down trees, branches, and powerlines, especially during periods of gusty winds.

• Very cold temperatures will persist Monday and Tuesday, extending the threat for pipe bursts and cold-related illnesses in areas that lose power.

• Travelers and those living in rural areas or the mountains could be stranded due to impassable roadways.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE:

• HIGH confidence in a high-impact ice storm occurring across north Georgia, in the Ice Storm Warning area.

• MEDIUM confidence in the intensity, duration, and type(s) of precipitation in the Winter Weather Advisory area.

• HIGH confidence in very cold temperatures early next week.

Dripping Faucets Could Save Your Plumbing
7:30 a.m. | Jan. 24, 2026

As temperatures drop, it’s important to prevent your pipes from freezing. Here are some ways to protect your plumbing:

- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off water to irrigation systems and outdoor faucets

- Keep faucets dripping: a small trickle of water can help prevent freezing

- Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around kitchen and bathroom pipes

- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas like attics or basements

- Know where your water shut-off value is in your home in case a pipe breaks. Learn how to do this on the Water & Sewer Educational Information page: https://ow.ly/Juxh50UCe1B

A little prep now can help prevent potential costly damage later!

Just how impactful is half an inch of ice? 
7:15 p.m. | Jan. 23, 2026

The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 1 inch of ice accumulation for our area through the weekend and into next week.

Forsyth County Government Offices to Close Saturday Afternoon
3:45 p.m. | Jan. 23, 2026

Due to forecasted severe winter weather conditions, non-essential Forsyth County government offices and services will close on Saturday, Jan. 24, beginning at 2 p.m. This includes:

• Recycling convenience centers closing at 2 p.m.
• Libraries closing at 2 p.m.
• Parks & Recreation’s recreation centers closing at 3 p.m.
  • All Parks & Recreation programs and activities are also canceled beginning at 3 p.m.

Latest From National Weather Service: Ice Storm Warning Expands into Metro Atlanta
2:30 p.m. | Jan. 23, 2026

Forsyth County officials and partners attended a weather briefing this afternoon, coordinating and preparing to keep YOU safe this weekend! See the latest weather update from the National Weather Service, as of Friday at 2 p.m.

A Message from Forsyth County Officials: "Now is the Time to Prepare"
11:30 a.m. | Jan. 23, 2026

A few reminders from Forsyth County Manager David McKee, EMA Director Tom Cisco, Sheriff Ron Freeman and Fire Chief Barry Head ahead of Winter Storm Fern:

• Prepare your home and family now
• Stay off the roads if possible
• Reserve 911 for emergencies only
• Visit your power provider's website for information about power outages
• Stay away from downed power lines
• Don't use generators indoors

Are You Ready for the Ice Storm?
10 a.m. | Jan. 23, 2026

The time to prepare for potential storm impacts is NOW! Review these cold-weather tips below from the National Weather Service and check in on those who may need extra support during low temperatures.

Do you and your family have a winter weather and emergency plan? If not, take a few minutes to review your supplies and make a plan so you’re ready when temperatures drop. Visit Forsyth County EMA's website for a list of recommended items.

Forsyth County EMA, First Responders and Departments Prepare for Weather Event
9:30 a.m. | Jan. 23, 2026

Forsyth County EMA met with first responders and County and community partners at the Public Safety Complex following a briefing from the National Weather Service ahead of the potential incoming ice storm.

In addition to first responder readiness, multiple County departments have taken proactive steps to prepare for the potential ice storm expected this weekend:

- Water & Sewer teams have begun winterizing water and sewer plants, with staff prepared to work around the clock to help ensure uninterrupted service.
- Roads & Bridges crews are ready to deploy de-icing materials if needed, with GDOT also on standby for state routes.
- Parks & Recreation has winterized facilities and has no outdoor activities scheduled during the extreme cold.

Watch this message from Forsyth County Manager David McKee regarding the County's preparations ahead of the weather event:

Ice Storm Watch Upgraded to Warning; Forsyth County in "Major Impact" Zone
9 a.m. | Jan. 23, 2026

National Weather Service: An Ice Storm Warning is now in effect for parts of northeast Georgia from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning, where ice accumulations from 0.25" to 1" are expected. Even just a fraction of an inch of ice has major impacts on roadways and makes travel dangerous!

National Weather Service Projects Ice Storm Impacts
5 p.m. | Jan. 22, 2026

The National Weather Service (NWS) has expanded the Winter Storm Watch to the metro-Atlanta region in north and central Georgia.

The potential ice storm, including freezing rain and wind gusts, is expected to begin Saturday afternoon in Forsyth County and extend through Sunday morning.

The County, which is under the Watch, has the potential to see:

• Ice and sleet accumulations up to 1 inch
• Very difficult to impossible to travel conditions
• Numerous power outages
• Very cold temperatures Sunday night, allowing impacts to linger into Monday morning.

NWS urges residents of affected areas to prepare now.