Winter Storm Fern has entered Georgia, with significant impacts expected overnight as freezing rain and subfreezing temperatures are forecast to persist for several days. Georgia Power has prepared over the past week to address potential damage and power outages resulting from the storm. More than 10,000 personnel from Georgia Power, contract companies, and partner utilities have been mobilized to support response efforts.
Forecasters predict that ice accumulation will likely cause power outages across a wide area of the state. Ice can add weight to tree branches, increasing the risk of them falling onto power lines and causing infrastructure damage. Wind is also expected to raise the likelihood of trees and limbs coming into contact with power lines.
Georgia Power outlined its restoration process, noting that once conditions are deemed safe, crews will assess damage, allocate resources, clear vegetation, and begin repairs. “Damage assessment is an essential part of efficient restoration and marks the beginning of the process once the storm has left impacted areas,” according to a company statement.
Assessment teams will evaluate damage levels and identify material needs before vegetation crews clear paths for restoration work. Crews are prepared to work continuously until power is restored but caution that extended outages may occur due to the scale of Winter Storm Fern.
Customers are urged by Georgia Power to remain cautious after the storm passes. The company advises: “Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.” Customers should not touch downed wires or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines due to electrocution risks. Additional guidance includes avoiding standing water where downed lines could be present and steering clear of chain link fences that might conduct electricity from unseen sources.
The utility reminds drivers in affected areas: “In the days following Winter Storm Fern, move over lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.”
To help customers stay informed during outages or severe weather events, Georgia Power offers several tools:
– Outage Alerts via text message for subscribers
– An online Outage & Storm Center at https://www.georgiapower.com/storm.html providing outage status updates and safety tips
– An interactive Outage Map available through their website
– A mobile app accessible on Apple and Android devices
– Updates on social media at https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaPower
For reporting outages or checking their status at any time, customers can also call 888-891-0938.
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