As a winter storm moves into Northwest Georgia, emergency management and local agencies across Chattooga County are urging residents to stay informed, prepare now, and avoid travel if icing develops.

Chattooga County EMA says residents should continue checking the agency’s updates for the latest information on CRC warming station hours, road hazards or closings, and changing weather conditions. EMA also reminded residents that 911 cannot report power outages to power companies, because providers require customer account information from the individual reporting the outage. Officials stress that if roads become icy, residents should stay home and avoid driving.

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office echoed that message, directing the public to Chattooga EMA’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. Deputies noted the area remains in the range for moderate icing from Saturday evening through early Monday morning, and urged residents: if you don’t have to get out, don’t.

The City of Summerville says it continues monitoring updated forecasts and has already taken several steps to prepare. Fire and Police vehicles have been equipped for icy conditions, including chains. The Street Department began pre-treating roads Friday with a focus on hills and bridges, using a brine solution to help mitigate freezing. Public Works crews will be available, with equipment ready for ice, snow response, and salt spreading if needed. The Natural Gas Department confirmed available supplies for the expected period, while Water, Wastewater, and Water Treatment teams are preparing critical infrastructure ahead of the possible extreme cold early next week, with plans to implement additional staffing if road impacts are significant. The city also confirmed that North Summerville “Dewey Hoskins” Gym will be made available for the Chattooga Resource Center to operate a warming shelter as needed, with CRC determining the schedule. Due to expected cold and possible weather impacts, City Hall and City Offices will delay opening until 10:00 a.m. Monday (1/26) and Tuesday (1/27).

The Town of Trion also announced weather-related schedule changes, stating the Trion Recreation Department will be closed Monday, and both the rec department and Trion Town Hall will have a delayed opening of four hours on Monday.

The Cloudland Volunteer Fire Department on Lookout Mountain reminds residents that conditions can change quickly and encouraged everyone to understand the difference between an advisory, watch, and warning, and to keep an emergency kit in vehicles. The department also urged residents to remember pets and livestock, and to make sure chainsaws are fueled and ready in the event of downed trees. Safety reminders included staying indoors when possible, using space heaters and fireplaces safely with proper ventilation, and ensuring gas furnace vents are not blocked. If heat goes out, residents are encouraged to close off unused rooms, block drafts, keep blinds closed to hold heat, stay hydrated, and wear loose-fitting layers. Cloudland VFD also announced that Cloudland Fire and AtriumHealth Floyd EMS will be staged at the top of the mountain in case roads become impassable.

Officials across the county continue to emphasize preparedness, staying updated through official channels, and avoiding travel if icing makes roads unsafe. In an emergency, residents should call 911.