A high-impact winter storm is expected to bring significant icing to Chattooga County and parts of Northwest Georgia this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an Ice Storm Warning. The warning is in effect from 7:00 AM Saturday until 10:00 AM Monday.
DeKalb County emergency officials are investigating a train derailment reported Friday. The derailment happened near County Road 761 in Valley Head, where crews responded to assess conditions and begin determining what caused the incident.
Officials have not released additional details on injuries, hazardous materials, or impacts to nearby roadways. The situation remains under investigation as emergency personnel monitor the area and work to secure the scene.
More information is expected as officials confirm additional details.
Oakview Health & Rehabilitation says it is preparing for the upcoming storm expected to impact the area, and officials want families to know plans are in place to protect residents and maintain operations.
The facility says it has taken proactive measures in anticipation of potential power and phone outages, including stocking emergency supplies and establishing protocols to handle any urgent situations that may arise.
Oakview also emphasized that resident safety and well-being remain the top priority, and staff will continue to monitor conditions closely. The facility says it will prioritize communication with families and will notify loved ones of any urgent developments during the storm.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging Georgians to prepare as extremely cold weather moves into parts of the state, with a potential winter storm expected to bring ice and snow beginning Friday night and lasting through the weekend. Harper says it is critical for pet and livestock owners to take precautions now to keep animals safe and warm, and he also warns that prolonged power outages at agricultural and food production facilities can lead to economic losses and serious food safety concerns.
The City of Summerville is preparing ahead of possible freezing conditions this weekend by pre-treating streets with a brine solution to help reduce ice impacts. City officials say all Public Works staff will be available, and snow and ice removal equipment is ready if conditions worsen.
In addition, the North Summerville Gym will be available to the Chattooga Resource Center to operate a warming shelter as needed.
City officials also announced that City Hall will delay opening on Monday until 10:00 a.m. The update was issued by City Manager Jason Winters.
Chattooga County EMA 911 says some customers with certain cell phone providers may currently have trouble reaching the agency on its non-emergency phone lines. Officials say the issue has been reported, but until service is restored, residents who need to contact EMA 911 should use one of the following numbers: 706-578-2244, 706-591-3012, or 706-728-4409.
For emergencies, residents should continue to dial 911.
The Trion Recreation Department has announced that all games will be cancelled for Saturday. The recreation center will also be closed due to the weather.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 23, 2026:
Georgia is on high alert as an impending winter storm approaches, and while much of North Georgia will see frozen precipitation over the next 48 hours, Northwest Georgia’s risk remains lower than areas to the east. Expect cloudy skies and periods of light rain today, a brief wintry mix potential Saturday morning before changing back to rain, the highest concern for freezing rain Saturday night into Sunday morning (especially on Lookout Mountain), and then the bigger story: bitterly cold Arctic air arriving to start next week.
