Once again, Georgia and much of the Deep South appear headed for a round of winter weather this weekend, but like last weekend, the best chance for frozen precipitation looks to stay mainly east of Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker Counties. The National Weather Service says confidence continues to increase for measurable snowfall across parts of northeast and east-central Georgia between Friday night and Saturday night, prompting a Winter Storm Watch for those areas.
A developing winter storm is expected to affect parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic late Friday night into Saturday morning, bringing the potential for heavier snow and travel impacts mainly to areas east of Northwest Georgia. Forecast guidance continues to point the most significant winter weather toward the eastern Carolinas and into southern Virginia, with confidence increasing for impactful snowfall in those regions.
Drivers across Georgia are seeing slightly higher prices at the pump as severe winter weather continues to disrupt energy production nationwide. The state average gas price rose six cents to $2.70 per gallon on Monday, with additional fluctuations possible in the days ahead.
Current prices are six cents higher than last week, the same as one month ago, and 26 cents lower than this time last year. For motorists filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the average cost now comes in at approximately $40.50.
AAA says colder temperatures are playing a key role in the recent uptick. “Colder weather has pushed fuel costs up, leading to slightly higher gas prices across the state even though demand hasn’t changed,” said Montrae Waiters, spokesperson for AAA–The Auto Club Group. Officials are also urging drivers to limit travel until weather conditions improve and roads are safer.
Nationally, the average gas price also edged higher, increasing four cents to $2.86 per gallon. While winter weather kept many drivers off the roads, gasoline demand typically reaches its lowest levels this time of year, helping keep crude oil prices in the high-$50 to low-$60 range. Demand is expected to rise later in February and early March as warmer temperatures arrive and Spring Break travel begins.
Area gas price averages:
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect this morning until 9 AM as temperatures in the teens are being reported across Chattooga County and the greater Northwest Georgia area. Very cold wind chills ranging from 5 below to 5 above zero are being observed, creating dangerous conditions for anyone exposed for extended periods of time.
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.
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
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.
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.”
