Campus Prepares for Winter Weather Threat
Buzz walks on campus amid ice and snow.
A significant winter storm is forecast for metro Atlanta and the surrounding region, beginning on Saturday and ending late Sunday, with ice accumulations possible. The latest models show continued precipitation through the weekend before temperatures drop well below freezing Sunday night, continuing through early next week.
The Georgia Tech Office of Emergency Management (OEM) warns that the storm may cause:
- Lengthy (from multiple days to over a week) and widespread power outages across the region.
- Downed trees on houses, overhead utilities, and roadways. Downed trees and power line failures begin at around 1/4 inch of accumulated ice.
- Travel disruptions due to ice accumulation.
As the situation unfolds, OEM continues to meet with campus leaders and will issue updates to campus operations — potential shifts, modified operations, or digital learning days — through the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS).
For the duration of the storm, limit travel as much as possible. If you must travel in an emergency, proceed with extreme caution, driving at half speed and maintaining plenty of distance between vehicles. Icy patches can be difficult to spot, so beware of black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shady areas. If your windshield is frozen, do not pour warm water over it, as the drastic temperature difference could cause the glass to crack.
In preparation for winter weather, OEM recommends that you assemble an emergency kit and take precautions to prepare your home.
What Goes in Your Emergency Kit:
- Non-perishable foods (at least a three-day supply of protein bars, nut butters, bread, and canned meats such as tuna or chicken).
- Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation).
- Prescription medicine and a first aid kit.
- Flashlights.
- Toiletries.
- Sleeping bag and/or extra blankets, hats, and gloves.
- Extra batteries and chargers.
- NOAA weather radio (as well as a weather radio cellphone app).
Other Preparations:
- Keep devices charged as long as possible.
- Insulate pipes and let faucets drip, and leave cabinet doors open.
- Bring plants and pets indoors.
- Keep doors and windows closed to keep cold air out and warm air inside.
- If you have a vehicle, make sure it has gas.
In advance of the storm, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency. The forecast for the winter storm can change, so continue to stay alert for updates from OEM and the National Weather Service.