BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Glynn County agencies said Tuesday afternoon they are ready to respond to the potential impacts of the winter storm forecast to hit Southeast Georgia in the evening and into Wednesday morning.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has been taking steps to ensure roads are as safe as possible during the winter storm. In a statement, the department outlined its brine treatment plans.
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“A total of thirty-one (31) brine tankers, each with a 5,000-gallon capacity, are available statewide for deployment to apply brine treatment to interstates, state routes, and other critical routes. The primary fleet of tankers is supplemented by smaller units in each Georgia DOT district as well as by contractor forces,” officials wrote.
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Brunswick residents were preparing Tuesday afternoon ahead of the storm.
“I think we are going to get a little bit, and if it is, it might just be ice,” said Cheyenne LaMarsh.
LaMarsh works at Parkers. She said she helped a man check out by the name of Don Clark.
“Down here in the South, people aren’t used to getting in the snow and driving in it,” Clark added.
Clark, who has lived in Brunswick his entire life, recalled a similar winter weather event decades ago.
“One time back in ’89,” he said. “Something like this—this will be a little bit worse.”
Parker’s gas station, located just off I-95, is a busy spot, so LaMarsh and others working there said they expect to see plenty of people coming and going as weather conditions develop. Both LaMarsh and Clark said they were particularly concerned about icy bridges and how drivers would handle them.
“They better be careful, and if they are not experienced in it, they are liable to go right on sliding,” Clark warned.
On Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency allowing for more resources to be made available to help in the preparation, response and recovery efforts during the severe winter weather event forecast to bring snow and dangerously cold temperatures starting Tuesday.
“We’re in constant local contact with the EMAS, coordinating with a lot of state agencies, not just on snow and ice and precipitation, but also things like rural waters and freezing pipes and other things,” Kemp said. “Local warming stations are active. And then also, obviously, our utility partners are standing by in case we have power outages.”
Closures and preparations in Brunswick
On Tuesday, schools were open in Glynn County with the exception of extracurricular activities. However, schools will be closed on Wednesday.
“The county and city will suspend all services on Wednesday, including court operations. A decision regarding Thursday services will be made on Wednesday. Essential personnel will remain on duty to handle emergencies,” officials wrote.
Glynn County Public Works said it will have sand trucks ready if needed, and both Georgia Power and OREMC have extra crews on standby to address potential power outages.
If the forecast proves accurate, Brunswick may experience scenes similar to what LaMarsh recalled from a few years ago.
“About six to seven years ago, we got two to three inches, and it stuck for less than 24 hours,” she said. “It shut us down, shut down Brunswick completely.”
With winter weather threatening to impact the area, residents and officials are staying vigilant.
Drivers, especially those unfamiliar with icy conditions, are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
