COMMISSIONER OF CHATTOOGA COUNTY
P. O. Box 211
Summerville, Georgia 30747
Telephone (706) 857-0700
Fax (706) 857-0742
Ice Storm Warning for Chattooga County
Chattooga County, GA — Andy Allen, Chattooga County Commissioner, urges all residents to prepare now for a significant ice storm expected to begin Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, and continue into Sunday.
Unfortunately, if this is an all-ice event, it will delay emergency service responses and limit the availability of county work crews. Our public works department is in place, equipped, and ready to respond as conditions allow, but icy roads and hazardous conditions will slow operations and restrict access to some areas.
Please take the following precautions:
• Stay informed. Monitor local news outlets for alerts and updates.
• Remain at home. Travel will be dangerous; avoid driving unless it is an absolute emergency.
• Prepare for outages. Be ready to be without power for a few days in the dangerous cold. Gather warm clothing, blankets, nonperishable food, water, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio or charged devices.
• Check on neighbors. If it is safe to do so, check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors before the storm and after conditions improve.
Operational note: Only essential workers will report on Monday. Nonessential county offices and services may be delayed or closed until conditions are safe.
Our crews are ready and working to keep the community safe, but your best protection is to stay home and stay informed. Please take this storm seriously and prepare now.
Andy Allen
Sole Commissioner Chattooga County
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.
Photo Credit: Chris Wilburn (Facebook)
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.
Henry’s BBQ, a longtime staple in Chattooga County, was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, leaving the restaurant a total loss and putting multiple local families in a difficult and uncertain position. Those close to the business say the Henry/Foster family has long been known for being kind and hardworking, and that Chasity has poured her heart into keeping the family restaurant running while serving the community. Employees who depended on those shifts now have no workplace to return to as they try to provide for themselves and their families. The loss extends beyond the building itself, impacting a business that has been part of daily life in Chattooga County for years and the workers who helped keep it going. Supporters are now asking the public to consider donating if they are able and to share the fundraising page widely to help the family and employees navigate the difficult days ahead. Here is a link to the fundraising account: Here