Georgia Bracing for Brutally Cold Temperatures, Snow

If you're someone who enjoys true winter-like weather, than you're probably loving January in the U.S. Following a very mild November, winter started to kick into full gear across the country, and much of the U.S. is experiencing colder than normal conditions. That includes Georgia. If you're wondering about the timeline for Georgia's winter blast and how long you're going to have to bundle up, then here's what to know. As someone who doesn't enjoy cold weather all, I'm certainly hoping for spring weather soon.

If it seems colder to you this season than last, then you're right. The 2023-24 winter season was warmer than normal due to an El Niño weather pattern. Throughout the winter, much of the U.S. received mild temperatures and less snow and ice. According to the National Weather Service, an El Niño season means that "above-average sea-surface temperatures that periodically develop across the east-central equatorial Pacific," and "it represents the warm phase of the ENSO cycle."

But, the 2024-25 winter season is having a La Niña weather pattern, which means to expect more frigid temperatures and more snowfall. For areas with a lot of lakes or the sea, that can mean even more snow and bitterly cold winds. Per to the National Weather Service, a La Niña season "refers to the periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures across the east-central equatorial Pacific." So, if you're someone who prefers a milder winter, always hope for an El Niño weather pattern in the winter months. We're not so lucky to get that this season.

For Georgia, much of the state is under a Winter Weather Warning until 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 11. The Weather Channel says to expect "heavy mixed precipitation" in areas of the state and "additional snow accumulations of one inch or less are expected, mainly north of the Atlanta metro area."

Aside from that imminent snow event, the state is in line for cold temperatures for at least the next 10 days. The Georgia 10-day weather forecast from the Weather Channel, which provides an overview of the state's weather, projects lows near freezing through at least Jan. 24. So, keep those earmuffs and scarves handy.

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."

Weather isn't just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

Even on a perfect weather day, if you're at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, "To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you." They add, "Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!"