STATESBORO, Ga. – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston has issued a Winter Storm Watch and a Cold Weather Advisory for Statesboro and surrounding areas, including Bulloch County.
Residents should prepare for the possibility of 1-3 inches of snow Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning and dangerously cold temperatures starting Sunday night, January 19, 2025 and continuing through Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
The Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. The NWS is forecasting the possibility of one to three inches of snow accumulation. This could lead to hazardous driving conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses. The affected Georgia counties include Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Screven, and Tattnall.
In addition to the potential snowfall, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight Sunday night to 6 AM EST Wednesday. Very cold wind chills are expected, with values between 15 and 20 degrees Sunday night, and between 10 and 15 degrees above zero Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
“This will be an unusually long period of bitterly cold weather,” the NWS warns. Daytime highs are only expected to reach the 30s on both Tuesday and Wednesday, with overnight lows plummeting into the teens to lower 20s. The extended period of sub-freezing temperatures raises concerns about refreezing and the potential for black ice formation, especially Wednesday night.
The NWS urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their property. They advise:
- Limit travel if possible, especially during the Winter Storm Watch period Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. If travel is necessary, exercise extreme caution and be prepared for potentially treacherous road conditions.
- Dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves when venturing outdoors.
- Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family.
- Ensure portable heaters are used safely. Never use generators or grills indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Prepare your home for the cold. This includes insulating pipes, bringing pets indoors, and having extra blankets and warm clothing on hand.
GA DOT Treating Roadways
Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) crews will begin brine operations in Southeast Georgia on Sun., Jan. 19, ahead of what is expected to be a statewide winter weather event. Local Georgia DOT crews will be working 12-hour shifts for the duration of the event, starting with brine application. Georgia DOT maintenance forces will begin by brining I-95 and I-16.
Bulloch VOAD Warming Shelter to Provide Refuge
The Bulloch VOAD warming shelter at Pittman Park UMC will offer a safe haven for residents seeking relief from the cold. The shelter will provide warmth, food, and essential supplies. Currently, the shelter is scheduled to open at 5 PM Monday. The doors will stay open until 10 PM. No readmittance after 10 PM. All guests must be inside before the doors are locked.They will decide daily if there is a need to remain open and the hours of operation.
Support shelter efforts
If you would like to help support the warming shelter and other potential relief efforts from the winter storm you can give now to Bulloch Strong. All contributions will remain in our community to support disaster efforts. Click here to contribute now.
Bulloch Schools Statement
Bulloch County Schools is monitoring official weather sources and preparing for the possibility of severe winter weather next week.
The district is also maintaining contact with the Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency. The school district will make a final decision by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 20, regarding any necessary changes to the school schedule for Tuesday and the rest of the week.
Any changes to the school district’s operations will be communicated to families via the district's mass messaging systems using telephone, email and text messages, plus social media and local media. Remain alert and make plans for your family now in case there are any disruptions to the school schedule.
Code Red Alert
The City of Statesboro and Bulloch County announce a partnership to implement the CodeRED system, a high-speed emergency notification service provided by OnSolve, based in Ormond Beach, Florida. Public safety officials across the United States have credited CodeRED notifications for saving lives, including locating missing children, apprehending wanted criminals, and issuing timely evacuations. Click here to add this to your phone now.
Stay Informed and Monitor Weather Forecasts
Closely monitor weather forecasts for the latest updates and warnings. Grice Connect or wherever you get ocal news outlets and the National Weather Service website are excellent resources for staying informed. By planning and taking precautions now, residents can stay safe during this period of dangerously cold temperatures.
Click here for updated weather information throughout the day.
Residents should remain vigilant as weather forecasts evolve in the coming days. For more updates, follow Grice Connect for the latest local developments and resources.
