Press release, 2018 January 2

For immediate release Jan. 2, 2018

Office of Communications (404) 651-7774

Deal mobilizes state resources for coastal region ahead of winter storm
State of emergency issued for 28 counties

Following a Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service and acting on a recommendation from the state's Emergency Operations Command, Gov. Nathan Deal today declared a state of emergency for 28 counties. The emergency declaration will take effect immediately and extend through Jan. 5 at midnight.

"The state has begun preparations for potential winter weather in the 28 counties, including sending all Georgia Department of Transportation brine trucks and 75 additional plows to the impacted areas," said Deal. "The emergency declaration ensures all state resources are available if necessary. We will continue monitoring the weather and provide updates as needed. I encourage all Georgians in the potentially impacted areas to stay informed, get prepared and be safe."
The counties include: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Candler, Coffee, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Echols, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Lowndes, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Ware and Wayne.

The state of emergency is attached.

Jen Talaber Ryan jen.ryan@georgia.gov
John Vaughan john.vaughan@georgia.gov

THE STATE OF GEORGIA
EXECUTIVE ORDER

BY THE GOVERNOR:

WHEREAS: The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of Southeast Georgia to begin on January 3, 2018; and

WHEREAS:

Accumulated snowfall and freezing rain totals could potentially reach three (3) inches in Southeast Georgia. Fmthermore, temperatures over the next seventy-two (72) hours will allow for melting and refreezing of accumulated snow and freezing rain, producing additional ice related hazards; and

WHEREAS: This Winter Storm has the potential to cause significant damages and power outages throughout the affected area; and

WHEREAS: Roads may be impassable with expected and potential snow and ice accumulations; and

WHEREAS: The assistance of the government of the State of Georgia is necessary to protect the public

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health, preserve the safety of the public, keep property damage to a minimum and restore the social and economic welfare of impacted counties; and

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WHEREAS: The authority is vested in the Governor, by vittue of O.C.G.A. 38-3-51, to issue reasonable orders, rules and regulations deemed necessary to protect public health, safety

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and welfare, and bring the emergency situation under control within the acknowledged limitations of the powers of the Governor.

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NOW THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS

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GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

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ORDERED: That a State of Emergency exists in the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon,

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Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Candler, Coffee, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Echols, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Lowndes, Libe1ty, Long, Mcintosh, Pierce,

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Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Ware and Wayne.

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IT IS FURTHER II

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ORDERED:

That all resources of the State of Georgia be made available to assist in preparation, response and recove1y activities in the above mentioned counties, and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan.

This Executive Order shall be valid for a period of three (3) days, ending at 11:59 pm on January 5, 2018.

This

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day ofJanuary, 2018 at

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A::fli4!PM.

GOVERNOR