GEMA-Homeland Security sets up operations center ahead of winter storm

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal confirmed to Channel 2 Action News Thursday afternoon that a state of emergency goes into effect at noon Friday ahead of a major winter storm.

Severe Weather Team 2 is predicting north Georgia and the Atlanta metro could see up to 4 inches of snow in parts.

Channel 2’s Richard Elliot went to the state capitol Thursday where Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security set up the state operations center, getting all their organizations in place and prepared for when the snow hits.

“We're well into preparation.  While we're hoping the winter weather misses us, we are prepared if it does hit,” Catherine Howden, with GEMA-Homeland Security, told Elliot.

Howden told Elliot that Homeland Security is already in constant contact with GDOT, power companies and the Red Cross getting them ready for a snow storm that, according Severe Weather Team 2, could rival “Snowmaggeddon 2014.”

“We are in constant communications with the National Weather Service, and we have our own meteorologists on staff.  So we're, you know, getting regular updates as far as any changes and preparing for all potentials,” Howden said.

[DOWNLOAD: Severe Weather Team 2 Weather App]

GEMA-Homeland Security said it's already pre-positioning equipment to key areas just in case. And it said GDOT is doing that, too.

They said to expect to see metro Atlanta roads brined starting Thursday night.

“GDOT's already brined some areas, and they're ready to brine the metro Atlanta area and other interstates starting tonight at 9 p.m.,” Howden said.

We all remember the 2014 nightmare scenario when Atlanta businesses and schools all let out at the same time, causing a traffic crunch just as the storm hit.

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Howden recommended businesses watch the weather and keep in constant contact with their employees. She recommends people be ready, too.

“On a personal level, make sure that you have your ready kit, make sure you're ready at home and in your vehicle,” Howden told Elliot.

Cox Media Group