WAYCROSS, Ga. – The rare winter wonderland in Southeast Georgia continued Wednesday morning after snow began to fall Tuesday night in Waycross.
The conditions made traveling on roads hazardous and icy patches forced authorities to close all lanes of I-95 southbound at St. Marys Road (County Road 61).
According to 511GA, roads were getting really dicey around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning between Brunswick and Savannah.
The Brantley County Sheriff’s Office said road conditions, particularly around bridges, are really bad and they’ve requested spreaders and sand for state highways.
The city of Nahunta warned that black ice is expected to be an issue into Thursday morning. They urged drivers to avoid travel if at all possible for their own safety.
The Georgia Department of Transportation spent several days brining roads from interstates I-95 in Glynn and Camden counties.
The department added that Georgia DOT snowplow crews are prepared to work to clear roads once precipitation begins to fall, however, crews cannot clear roads that are packed with vehicles.
Remember if you see a salt, brine or plow trucks, make sure not to crowd the plow and give them at least 100 feet of space.
Glynn County police urged residents to stay off the road as GCPD and Public Works employees canvass the roads applying sand and removing tree limbs where they can.
Center and edge lines are not visible on many roads and black ice is treacherous, the police warned.
Glynn County Public Works and GCPD are working to make intersections with downed lights/controls safe.
Here is an 8:30 a.m. list of intersections where traffic controls are out:
- Demere and Quamley
- Edwards Plaza on Frederica
- Perry Lane & Cate
- Old Jesup Rd. & Old Cypress Mill Rd.
- Altama Rd Connector / Old Cypress Mill Rd.
- Scranton Rd. / Golden Isles Plaza
GCPD said as of 9:40 a.m., there are still problems on Old Jesup Road at Canal, Walker, Scranton, Cypress Mill, and Community Road.
At 12:22 p.m., GCPD said Fredrica is impassable north of Redfern Village due to fallen limbs and power lines across the road and to avoid the area.
If you encounter a problem intersection not on this list, please report to GCPD.
The intersection at Ava and Satilla in Waycross is closed due to excessive flooding.
Ware County reported that snow had come to an end across the area around 8:30 a.m. but that with snow and ice lingering on the roads, hazardous driving conditions remain.
Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing for the majority of the day, aside from a few hours in the mid to late afternoon, so the snow and ice are expected to persist (especially on less-traveled roadways), leading to continued hazardous travel conditions.
Temperatures will quickly drop below freezing after sunset. Refreezing of roadways will be likely tonight into Thursday. Beware of Black Ice.
Snowfall
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
News4JAX crews and viewers captured video of snowfall in Brantley County, Brunswick and Waycross, and it was predicted that the area could accumulate 1-2 inches of snow, with some models suggesting up to 4 inches across North Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Waycross businesses were also damaged by the snowfall.
Along with the increasing snow in the area, there will be pockets of freezing rain as the cold air settles across the Peach State.
Pierce County also reported snowfall. The Pierce County manager shared a photo from Blackshear with a blanket of snow over a home.
Power outages
Power outages were reported across Southeast Georgia.
According to http://poweroutage.us, significant power outages are being reported in Glynn, Camden & Charlton counties with more than 50% of customers currently without power in Glynn & Charlton.
Less than 10% outages are reported in the counties along the Florida/Georgia border.
According to https://t.co/UE5gDRwoz3, significant power outages are being reported in Glynn, Camden & Charlton Cos w/ more than 50% of customers currently without power in Glynn & Charlton. Less than 10% outages are reported in the cos. along the FL/GA border.#flwx #gawx #jaxwx pic.twitter.com/QP0t8BFNcc
— NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) January 22, 2025
According to Georgia Power, more than 8,500 customers were affected in Brunswick, more than 7,500 were affected in St. Simons Island and more than 1,000 were affected in Folkston.
Hundreds more were without power across the region.
News4JAX crews saw evidence of power arcing Wednesday morning in Brunswick as transformers experienced power surges.
The Glynn County Police Department warned residents to stay away from downed power lines.
Warming centers
The Warming Center at 1050 Wildcat Dr. in Kingsland will remain open nightly at 8 p.m. as long as needed based on weather conditions. Contact: 912-729-5602. If you or someone you know needs warmth and safety overnight, please spread the word!
The Waycross Police Department Courtroom is open to anyone needing shelter from the cold. The city auditorium will serve as a back up once the court room reaches capacity.
Pierce County announced at 8:30 a.m. that it was closing its warming shelter. Anyone who is without power or needs a warm place to go was told to call 911 for assistance.
The Camden County Warming Center will be open from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Schools
Brantley, Camden, Glynn, Pierce, and Ware county schools will remain closed on Thursday and will make a decision about Friday.
Charlton County Schools will be closed Thursday and will reopen Friday due to 35% of the county being without power.
All afterschool activities are also canceled.
Other closures
The Coastal Health District in Georgia announced that all operations will be suspended at 12 p.m. Tuesday and will remain suspended Wednesday. Officials anticipate a delayed opening on Thursday at 11 a.m. This includes all health department clinics and offices in Camden and Glynn, counties. Anyone with an appointment previously scheduled during the closure will be contacted to reschedule.
Camden County government and city offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday and will operate with essential personnel only.
Camden County Fire Rescue Life Squads will limit patient transport to local hospitals due to potential weather conditions. Road conditions may also delay response times across the county.
Glynn County libraries will remain closed all day Wednesday.
Both the Glynn County and city of Brunswick offices will be closed for all services on Wednesday and Thursday including courts. Essential personnel will be on duty for emergency services.
Waste services
Camden County
- MSW and C&D Landfills will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday Extended hours will be offered Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- County (Unincorporated Area): The Curbside Collections office will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Note: Waste collections will be one day behind; Wednesday collections will be made on Thursday.
- City of Kingsland: Waste collections will pause on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and will resume normal operations Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Note: Waste collections will be one day behind; Wednesday collections will be made on Thursday.
- St. Marys/Woodbine: Waste collections will pause on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and will resume normal operations Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, weather and conditions permitting. Note: Waste collections will be one day behind; Wednesday collections will be made on Thursday.
Ware County
Ryland initiated trash pickup early Tuesday, ensuring all trucks were off the road by 3 p.m. There will be no pickup on Wednesday.