Dry conditions and near-normal temperatures are expected to hold steady across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the remainder of the week, but it’s the fire danger that has officials on alert.
Fire officials are warning that high fire danger conditions are expected today, Sunday, across much of North Georgia, with the threat lasting from the morning hours into the evening.
Residents across Chattooga County and the broader Northwest Georgia region are being urged to use extreme caution this weekend as a Fire Weather Watch goes into effect Saturday due to dangerous conditions.
Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, millions of Americans are balancing the role of caregiver — often caring for young children and aging loved ones at the same time. Yet many caregivers say they are not prepared to respond to a medical emergency like cardiac arrest, even though it can happen suddenly and without warning.
This week is severe weather week in Georgia. Today, Monday Feb. 2 – Friday Feb. 6.
Today’s focus is Day 1 (Feb. 2): Thunderstorm Safety. Thunderstorms can produce dangerous conditions in a short amount of time, including damaging straight-line winds, large hail, torrential rain, and frequent lightning. Even storms that don’t appear severe at first can quickly intensify, so having a plan and staying weather-aware is key.
The Chattooga Community Resource Center (CRC) announced it will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, due to predicted inclement weather, saying the decision is aimed at keeping volunteers and the community safe. CRC is urging residents to avoid travel unless it’s an emergency, especially as winter weather impacts are expected across the area.
CRC also reminded residents that anyone who loses power and needs a warm place to stay should go to the gym at the old North Summerville School, located behind the Community Resource Center. The gym will be open to all residents as a warming location. If someone cannot make it to the gym, CRC says to call 9-1-1, and transportation can be arranged.
The message from CRC is simple: don’t stay home without heat, food, or help—use the resources available. CRC ended its announcement with a reminder of community strength: “We are in this together. We are Chattooga Strong.”
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.
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.
With winter weather and colder temperatures in the forecast, the City of Summerville is reminding residents to take a few simple steps now to reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes. The city recommends letting faucets drip at a thin stream—about the size of a pencil lead—especially for sinks on exterior walls, and opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to help warmer air circulate around plumbing. Officials also advise disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor spigots and using insulated covers if available. Residents are encouraged to make sure everyone in the home knows where the main water shut-off valve is located in case a pipe breaks. For questions or assistance, residents can contact the City of Summerville at 706-859-0900.