Rabun County, other areas now under Winter Storm Warning
Many roads throughout Rabun County remain hazardous in the aftermath of Winter Storm Cora.
The Rabun County Board of Commissioners announced that the Rabun County Courthouse and all county facilities will open at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14. This is a two-hour delay from normal operations.
Rabun County Schools announced a Virtual Learning Day for Tuesday, Jan. 14.
“Roads conditions caused by the recent winter weather remain treacherous across portions of the county. Many bus routes remain impassable and temperatures are expected to drop below freezing again tonight, resulting in refreezing along many of the road surfaces,” according to information from Rabun County Schools officials.
“Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will reassess road conditions on Tuesday afternoon to determine plans for Wednesday,” according to the information. “Any updates or changes will be promptly communicated through ParentSquare, our website, and social media channels.
“Twelve-month employees should report to work at 10 a.m. or as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are unable to report, please contact your supervisor,” according to officials.
Tuesday’s wrestling match and basketball games have been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The Wildcat Clinic will open at 10 a.m.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay Safe!” officials said.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School officials announced a delayed start for Tuesday, Jan. 14.
“Due to continued icy road conditions across the area, Rabun Gap will operate on a delayed start tomorrow-Tuesday, Jan. 14,” according to a post from school officials.
All classes will begin at 10 a.m. The Lower and Middle Schools will open at 9:15 a.m. for student drop-off. There will be no bus service to Highlands, N.C. All other bus routes will pick up in the morning an hour later than usual.
“As always, let safety be your guide when deciding to travel. Absences related to inclement weather are always excused,” according to officials.
For more information about inclement weather and delayed schedules, parents and students should check the Inclement Weather Tile on The Gap Resource Board.
The Rabun County Board of Commissioners posted a public notice regarding closures for Monday, Jan. 13.
“Due to icy conditions, many county building parking lots remain hazardous. As a result, Rabun County offices and facilities will be closed today, Monday, Jan. 13,” according to the post.
Tallulah Falls, Kingwood and Rabun Gap recycling facilities opened at noon for thise needing to access those services.
“We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to the county employees working hard to improve conditions. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for your dedication,” according to the post. “Stay safe and take extra precautions on the roads!”
The Rabun County Recreation Department announced it would be closed Monday, Jan. 13. In addition, all games scheduled for Monday evening were cancelled.
School announce Virtual Learning Days or cancellations
Rabun County Schools, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and Tallulah Falls School announced closures, delayed openings and virtual learning days on Monday, Jan. 14 following Winter Storm Cora.
Rabun County Schools on Sunday announced a virtual learning day on Monday, Jan. 13 due to road conditions across the county.
“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” according to a message from Rabun County Schools.
“Students received information about virtual learning assignments last week. If you have specific questions, please contact your child’s teacher directly.
“Road conditions will be reassessed Monday afternoon to determine plans for Tuesday. Any updates or changes will be shared promptly through ParentSquare, our website and social media channels.
“A decision regarding afternoon activities and practices will be made later on Monday. The Wildcat Clinic will open at 10 a.m. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay Safe!” according to the post.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School also announced a school closure for Monday, Jan. 13.
“Due to freezing temperatures and icy road conditions across our region, all classes and activities are canceled,” according to the announcement from school officials.
Tallulah Falls School announced that campus would be closed Monday, Jan. 13.
“Due to many roads still being affected by the recent winter storm, Tallulah Falls School will be closed tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 13, for the safety of our students, faculty and staff,” according to a post by Tallulah Falls School officials. “Please continue to monitor your email and our school website for any further updates regarding school operations and events.
“Should you have any immediate questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office.
“Stay safe and warm, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at school soon,” according to the post.
Delays/closures announced for Monday, Jan. 13
Rabun County government offices will have delayed openings of 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, according to officials.
“All Rabun County offices and facilities will open on a delayed start tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Stay safe!” according to a Sunday announcement from the Rabun County Board of Commissioners.
Rabun County Clerk of Court posted an update about those called for jury duty.
“All jurors contacted by the clerk’s office for the week of Jan. 13 need to report on Tuesday, Jan. 14 Thank you for your willingness to serve. We appreciate you!”
The Foxfire museum will also be closed Monday.
“Due to continued safe traveling issues, Foxfire will remain closed tomorrow. Be safe, Foxfire Family!” according to a post.
The Monday, Jan. 13 meeting of the Rabun County Democrats that was scheduled has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
“Stay safe and warm. Please remember you may donate non-perishable food to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia at any time. Visit https://www.rabundemocrats.com/ for more information.
Sky Valley City Hall will see a delayed opening until 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 “due to winter weather and road conditions.” In addition, trash and recycling pickup are delayed until Tuesday, provided the roads are clear, due to the winter weather and road conditions.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but safety remains our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and patience,” according to Sky Valley officials.
Rabun County under Local State of Emergency
Rabun County is under a Local State of Emergency until Thursday, Jan. 16 at noon due to the Winter Storm Warning, according to a press release from the Rabun County Board of Commissioners.
“Whereas, Rabun County, Georgia, is under a Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service office in Greenville Spartanburg, South Carolina and is forecasted and could experience significant amounts of accumulating snow and other mixed weather precipitation. With this forecasted winter weather, Rabun County, Georgia, could experience significant incidents of trees down, power outages, impassable roadways, and damage to life and property from impacts of Winter Storm Cora; whereas: to prevent or minimize injury to the citizens and visitors of Rabun County, Georgia and reduce damage to property resulting from Winter Storm Cora, now therefore: Rabun County, Georgia declares that a Local State of Emergency exists, and is running concurrently with the State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian P. Kemp. It is ordered: that the Rabun County Office of Emergency Management activates the county Emergency Operations Plan, under Direction and Control of the Emergency Management Director, and further ordered, that the Emergency Management Ordinances adopted by the Rabun County Board of Commissioners be operative,” according to language in the Local State of Emergency that was ordered on Friday, Jan. 10 at midnight and signed by Commission Chairman Greg James.
Schools announce closures
Rabun County Schools, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and Tallulah Falls School have announced school closures ahead of significant winter weather expected for Friday, Jan. 10, as Gov. Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency with hours of sleet and snow forecasted for Northeast Georgia.
“In collaboration with local authorities and the Greenville Weather Service, Rabun County Schools have decided to close all schools on Friday, Jan. 10, due to anticipated weather conditions. The safety of our students, faculty and staff remains our top priority,” according to information released by Rabun County Schools.
On Friday, Jan. 10, all local school campuses will be closed to students, faculty and staff. All extracurricular activities and practices are canceled as well.
The activities will remain suspended until further notice.
According to a media release from Rabun County Board of Education, the public hearing originally scheduled for Jan. 10 at 7:30 a.m. concerning the BOE’s intent to opt out of homestead exemption has been postponed under a later date.
“We will continue to provide updates or changes promptly through ParentSquare, our website, and our social media channels,” according to the school system’s post. “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay safe!”
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School also announced its school closure.
“Due to winter weather in the forecast, all classes and activities have been canceled for Friday, Jan. 10,” according to the social media post.
Tallulah Falls School posted a Winter Weather update on social media.
“Due to the forecast of heavy snow in our area and with our region currently under a winter weather watch, Tallulah Falls School will be closed on Friday, Jan. 10, for the safety of our students, faculty and staff. Additionally, all extracurricular activities, including the basketball games against George Walton have been postponed and will be rescheduled. We will share the new game dates as soon as they are confirmed,” according to the post.
“While the school will be closed, we understand that many of you may have questions about other events scheduled for the weekend. We are actively monitoring the weather conditions and will communicate any changes or postponements to these events as soon as decisions are made. Please keep an eye on your email and our school website for updates,” according to the post.
National Weather Service issues Winter Storm Warning
The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office posted Thursday afternoon the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., issued a Winter Storm Warning on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 2:13 p.m. until Sunday, Jan. 11, at 7 a.m.
“Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between one and three inches and ice accumulations around two-tenths-of-an-inch,” according to the alert.
The Winter Storm Warning was issued for portions of Northeast Georgia, Piedmont and Western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina.
“Snow and ice accumulations will make many roads treacherous and impassable. The weight of the snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines could produce scattered outages. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes,” according to the NWS information.
Gov. Kemp issues State of Emergency for Winter Weather
Gov. Brian Kemp issued an Executive Order for a State of Emergency for Winter Weather ahead of significant weather events expected this weekend.
The Executive Order became effective when signed on Thursday, Jan. 9, and is valid for five days, expiring on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 11:59 p.m., unless the State of Emergency is renewed.
The Executive Order details many orders by the governor, including prohibiting price gouging during the State of Emergency.
“Whereas, the National Weather Service predicts a significant winter weather event is likely to occur across North and Central Georgia on Friday, Jan. 10, with impacts lingering through the weekend; and whereas, projected precipitation beginning the morning of Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, through the morning of Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, accompanied by severe cold temperatures creates the potential for snow and ice accumulation, including black ice on roadways, throughout North and Central Georgia; and whereas, wind gusts of up to 20 mph are projected for early Saturday morning and may exacerbate potential property damage, including downed trees and powerlines; and whereas, potential snow and ice accumulation, fallen trees, and downed powerlines may render Georgia’s roadways hazardous or impassable in affected areas, isolating persons and residences from access to essential public services; and whereas assistance from the State of Georgia is necessary to provide for the public’s safety and mitigate potential consequences of this winter weather …,” according to the Executive Order signed by Kemp Jan. 9.
The Executive Order “shall create a coexisting state of emergency in the State of Georgia with the State of Emergency for the Passing of President Carter (issued Dec. 29, 2024).”
“The responses by the State to this State of Emergency for Winter Weather and the State of Emergency for the Passing of President Carter should proceed simultaneously, without one impeding the other,” according to language in the Executive Order.
In the Executive Order, Kemp ordered “that all resources of the State of Georgia be made available to assist in preparation, response and recovery activities throughout the affected areas, and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency shall activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan.”
State agencies will coordinate all public emergency information, activities, releases and response efforts related to this emergency with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, according to the Executive Order. It also suspends the federal rules and regulations limiting hours that operators of commercial vehicles may drive “to ensure the uninterrupted supply of goods and services necessary to respond to this State of Emergency for Winter Weather, including petroleum products, propane and heating fuels.”
The suspension remains in effect for 14 days or until emergency conditions cease to exist, whichever is less.
The Executive Order details how commercial vehicles can operate during the State of Emergency. It also prohibits “price gouging related to goods and services necessary for preparation, response and recovery activities for this State of Emergency for Winter Weather, including petroleum products, propane, and heating fuels” because it “would be detrimental to the social and economic welfare of the citizens if this State.”
Mountain Judicial Circuit Declaration of Judicial Emergency
The Mountain Judicial Circuit issued a Declaration of Judicial Emergency ahead of significant winter weather effective Jan. 10 at 7 a.m.
“Whereas, the Court has determined that a circuit-wide judicial emergency exists in that a Winter Storm Watch, issued by the National Weather Service is in effect from January 10 at 7 a.m. until Jan. 11 at 7 a.m.; whereas, the emergency substantially endangers or infringes upon the normal functioning of the judicial system, the ability of persons to avail themselves of the judicial system, or the ability of litigants of others to have access to the courts or meet scheduled or time deadlines imposed by the court order or rule, statute of administration rule or regulation; it is ordered that, pursuant to O.C.G.A. 38-3-61, the Courts of the Mountain Judicial Circuit (Banks, Habersham, Rabun and Stephens Counties) shall be closed from 8 a.m. Jan. 10, 2025, through 8 a.m. on January 13, 2025; and it is further ordered that, pursuant to O.C.G.A. 38-3-62, all court deadlines, time schedules or filling requirements on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 are extended until Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, unless otherwise ordered by the Court; and it is further ordered that the Sheriff or designee shall post a copy of this notice and any subsequent modification or extension on the county website; and that the Clerk of Court provide notice of the closure in the same manner as they would the cancellation of a scheduled jury trial, etc. It is further ordered that anyone requiring the Court’s involvement in an emergency situation may contact the office of the Chief Judge of Superior Court by calling and leaving a voicemail at 706-886-7525 or by email to Court Administrator Maggie Rickman at mrickman@habershamga.com,” according to the Standing Order of the Courts signed by Chief Judge Russell W. Smith Jan. 9.
Rabun County public safety encourages everyone to be prepared
According to an emergency alert from Rabun County 911, Rabun County is forecasted to get a significant weather event with frozen precipitation this Friday (Jan. 10) and Saturday (Jan. 11).
The alert encourages people to be prepared.
“We are less than 24 hours away from a major winter weather event. Please finalize your preparations. Have batteries and flashlights ready, be prepared for power outages, have your utility companies’ numbers handy, have charging batteries for your cell phones; and medications and food on-hand,” according to a notification from Rabun County 911 Center at 3:08 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9. “After the frozen precipitation starts, please stay off roadways. Everyone stay safe. Thank you.”
Brian Panell, Rabun County EMA director, has given tips about how people can prepare and stay safe during winter weather.
Panell advised citizens to make sure they are prepared with any medicine, water, and nonperishable food both for yourself and your animals.
“Make sure your means of heating are safe,” Panell said.
Panell said to make sure generators are properly and safely installed. Do not put generators inside and make sure they are safely located outside. These emit carbon monoxide, a deadly colorless, odorless and tasteless gas.
Panell also it is a good idea to get a weather transmitter for updates. The radio can be tuned to 162.450 mhz for the local radio frequency off of Glassy Mountain.
Panell encouraged everyone to make sure they have supplies, but to be mindful of getting only what they need because others need the same supplies.
Charging devices is also important.
Panell said precipitation is expected to start Friday morning. Forecasts show snow may begin falling between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.
“Please don’t be on the roadway unless it’s an emergency,” Panell said.
Panell said this is for the safety of motorists as well as the first responders who will still be working.
Panell said once the weather starts, people should stay in place because roads will likely become impassable even with four-wheel-drive vehicles.
A warming shelter had not been announced as of Thursday afternoon.
“People need to use extreme caution,” said Panell, who encouraged everyone to sign up for CODERED alerts.
To sign up, visit https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFBC1D587AD2
For links to more EMA resources, visit https://www.rabuncounty.ga.gov/ema/page/ema-resources
City halls, other businesses announce closures
Sky Valley City Hall also announced a closure on Friday, Jan. 10.
“In preparation for the winter weather system forecasted for Friday and Saturday, our Public Works crews are treating city roads today,” City of Sky Valley officials posted Thursday. “On Friday, they will also be plowing streets to ensure emergency vehicles can navigate safely.
“City Hall will be closed during the inclement weather. If you have an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergencies, call 706-782-7777, and an officer will be dispatched to assist.
“We kindly ask that you avoid traveling if possible and keep rights of way clear to support plowing efforts and ensure safety. Please note that the city will not be able to assist in pulling vehicles from ditches,” according to the information from Sky Valley officials.
Northeast Georgia Health System announced closures for Friday.
“In preparation for inclement weather tomorrow, Jan. 10, and over the weekend, Northeast Georgia Health System is proactively closing its physician practices, urgent care clinics and other locations. All Northeast Georgia Medical Center hospitals, including our emergency departments, will remain open to care for the community,” according to a Thursday press release from Layne Saliba, senior specialist, public relations & marketing for Northeast Georgia Health System.
Rabun County Board of Commissioners announced on social media Thursday closings.
“Attention Rabun County Residents: Due to anticipated severe weather conditions, all Rabun County offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, Jan. 10, with the exceptions of Public Safety and the Road Department,” according to the post.
Rabun County Road Department pretreating roads
The Rabun County Road Department posted on social media they would start pretreating roads Thursday afternoon and into the evening.
“The more snow we get the more time it takes to clear the roads. The colder it gets the harder it gets to clear the roads. Once we start plowing and salting, we will start with our primary roads and then our secondary roads,” according to the post.
“Please do not call 911 because your road has not been plowed. Call only if you have an emergency. Please do not park in the road the night before, [as] it makes it difficult to pretreat roads and even harder to plow them. Stay home and enjoy the snow with your family. Thank you and stay safe …. RCRD.”
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) began brining operations on Georgia roadways.
“Ahead of the increasing threat of snowfall and icy conditions expected to arrive across much of Georgia early Friday morning, the Georgia Department of Transportation began active brine operations overnight which continued this morning across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, with application of brine continuing throughout today in areas expected to be the most impacted by snow accumulation, sleet and freezing rain,” according to a press release from Georgia DOT.
Crews are working 12-hour shifts and are prioritizing treating interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses both north and south of and along I-20.
“Please be aware of the brine trucks and know they must travel 40 mph to properly apply the treatment. Motorists are also advised not to pass a Georgia DOT truck spreading salt or gravel, as gravel may kick up and damage vehicles which are following too closely. Please pay attention and stay back at least 100 feet,” according to the post.
Georgia Power provides tips for cold temperatures, winter weather this week
As Georgia experiences frigid temperatures and the potential for severe winter weather later this week, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take steps now to prepare and stay safe and warm. Whether exploring new ways to save energy or preparing for severe weather and potential power outages, resources available on GeorgiaPower.com and the company’s social media channels include useful tips for weathering the storm.
Tips to help minimize the impact of cold, winter weather on your power bill include:
* Optimize heating – Remember, heating can account for 50 percent of a home’s typical winter energy usage. Enhance the efficiency of your heating unit by changing filters monthly, or every three months for pleated filters. Make sure heating vents and return air registers are unobstructed by furniture or drapes.
* Check your insulation – Keep heat where it belongs by ensuring proper insulation in attics and walls. Replace any cracked or peeling caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to save up to 10 percent on energy usage and reduce cold air infiltration into your home.
* Adjust your thermostat – Set your manual thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Each degree lower can result in a 3-4 percent decrease in energy consumption. Or take advantage of programmable thermostat features if available to save energy throughout the day.
* Utilize natural heat – Open blinds and shades on sunny days to naturally warm your home at no cost. Close them at night to minimize the chill from cold windows.
Prepared to Respond
Georgia Power is monitoring the potential for severe winter weather and forecasts as they change this week, including freezing rain, ice and snow in some parts of the state. Crews are prepared to safely and quickly respond to the latest severe weather threat.
Staying informed is essential during severe weather, and Georgia Power offers multiple ways for customers to stay connected, including:
* Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
* Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
* Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
* Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.