Strong to severe thunderstorms were moving through Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia early Monday morning, bringing the threat of damaging winds and a few brief tornadoes as a powerful squall line pushes across the region.
Northwest Georgia is getting the coldest day of the week today as strong northwesterly winds keep a sharp chill in place even with sunshine overhead. Morning wind chills across Chattooga County and surrounding communities are running in the teens, with the coldest spots in the region dipping into the single digits, especially in higher elevations. High temperatures this afternoon will stay mostly in the 40s locally, while the mountains hold in the 30s, and it will still feel wintry through the day as breezy conditions continue.
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia will continue to feel the grip of a dry and chilly weather pattern as high pressure and steady northwest to west winds keep moisture confined to the Gulf of Mexico. High-level cirrus clouds drifting overhead from passing disturbances aloft will come and go, but sunshine breaking through later today should allow afternoon temperatures to rise into the lower 40s to lower 50s across lower elevations, while mountain areas remain colder in the 30s. Another increase in cloud cover is expected Thursday morning, though temperatures should remain similar or slightly warmer than today.
The potential is increasing for another significant winter storm to impact parts of the eastern United States this coming weekend. Forecasters emphasize it is still too early to pin down exact details, but confidence is growing that a storm system could develop and move through while very cold air remains in place.
Meteorologists say a disturbance is expected to move out of Canada later this week, helping a stronger low-pressure system form across the East. If that system tracks in the right corridor, it could bring widespread precipitation that may fall as rain, snow, or a mix, depending on where the coldest air sets up. The biggest uncertainties right now include the storm’s timing, track, and strength, which will determine what areas see the greatest impacts.
For Northwest Georgia and the surrounding region, the message for now is preparedness without panic. Residents should keep checking updated forecasts through the week, especially as we get closer to Friday and Saturday when forecast confidence typically improves. Now is also a good time to review weekend travel plans, make sure you have supplies in case of slick roads or power issues, and plan ahead for pets, pipes, and outdoor needs if colder, wetter conditions move in.
Chattooga County Emergency Management says there are currently no reported road hazards across the county, but residents are urged to stay cautious as wet surfaces may have iced over in spots, especially on porches, driveways, and less-traveled roads.
EMA says Public Works Director Tim Brunson has been checking roads throughout Chattooga County and reports that while main routes appear to be in good shape, some less-traveled roads do have icy spots. If you must travel, officials ask drivers to take it slow, use caution, and allow extra time.
The cold is expected to hang on today, with temperatures possibly not rising above freezing, and wind chills making it feel even colder. Residents who need to be outdoors are encouraged to dress appropriately in layers and limit time outside, as hypothermia can develop quickly in these conditions.
Chattooga County EMA reports that as of 6:00 a.m., the temperature in the county was 22 degrees, with a wind chill of 11 degrees.
As dangerous cold grips Northwest Georgia, Chattooga County Animal Control is urging residents to bring pets inside and take extra precautions to keep animals safe. Officials warn that pets cannot survive prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, especially overnight when wind chills can drop even lower.
Chattooga County Animal Control Director Charlie Long says families in need can pick up one free bale of straw to help provide warmer bedding and insulation for outdoor shelters. Straw is available at Pine Ridge Outdoors, 4999 GA-114, Lyerly, GA 30730, or Southern Living Farm and Garden, 15734 US-27, Trion, GA 30753. Long says the straw is one per family and is being provided by Animal Advocates of Chattooga County, adding thanks for their continued support of local animals.
Residents are reminded that garages, sheds, and porches may still be too cold, and that animals left outside can suffer quickly in these conditions. If pets must be outdoors for brief periods, make sure they have a dry, wind-blocked shelter with warm bedding, along with food and unfrozen water.
Businesses / Government Offices /Events:
Mount Vernon Mills – Denim and Finish Plant will start up at 10 AM
United Community Bank – Delayed opening until 11 AM
Dirt Town Deli – Closed Today
Menlo Restaurant – Delayed opening until 8 AM
No Silver Sneakers Today
CRC Chattooga will be closed today
Chattooga County Courthouse
Chattooga County Governmental Offices (Essential employees report)
Walker County Courthouse
Walker County Governmental Offices
City of Summerville – Delayed Opening until 10 AM (Today & Tomorrow)
Town of Trion Offices – Closed Today
Trion Recreation Department – 4 Hour Delay
Schools:
Trion City Schools – 2 Hour Delay. Students at 10 AM / Teachers at 9 AM
Walker County Schools – Closed Today
Floyd County Schools – Closed Today
Rome City Schools – Closed Today
Fort Payne City Schools – Closed Today
DeKalb County, Alabama Schools – Closed Today
Cherokee County, Alabama Schools – Closed Today / 2-Hour Delay on Tuesday
Colleges:
GNTC – All Campuses – Closed Today
Berry College – Closed Today
As frigid air settles into Chattooga County behind the weekend rain, volunteers with the Chattooga County Community Resource Center will continue operating a warming station at 150 Third Street in Summerville, located in the gym above the CRC Food Bank.
The warming station will remain available through Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, and is scheduled to close at 9:00 a.m. that day.
The warming station hours are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday and Tuesday. If power outages occur, the site will transition to continuous operation to provide a safe, warm place for those who need it.
Chattooga County Public Works, city maintenance departments, and local law enforcement will continue monitoring road conditions and treating roadways as needed.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware as dangerously cold conditions will be with us for the next couple of days.
Drivers should use caution if traveling, particularly this evening and overnight as temperatures drop.
While most of Chattooga County avoided widespread icy conditions on Sunday—aside from some winter precipitation reported on Lookout Mountain—parts of Walker County were hit harder by the winter weather. Officials reported around 200 households without power on Sunday as the system moved through the area.
In response, several warming options were made available. Warming stations opened in Rossville and LaFayette, and Georgia State Parks opened a warming shelter at Cloudland Canyon State Park on Lookout Mountain to help residents needing a warm place during the cold snap.
Because of the continued threat of hazardous travel and dangerously cold temperatures, Walker County Government offices will be closed Monday, January 26. The closure includes county offices as well as the landfill and transit services.
In addition, the Walker County Health Department will also be closed Monday, January 26.
Much of Georgia is starting this Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, with freezing rain and sleet, but for folks here in Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia, the main issue early today has been heavy rain. Temperatures around daybreak were near to slightly above freezing, helping keep most roads wet instead of icy to start the morning. Even so, the steady rainfall can still create hazardous travel, especially with reduced visibility, standing water in low spots, and slick conditions where oil and debris collect on the roadway.