Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (2025)

By Staff

Published: Jan. 10, 2025 at 7:44 AM EST|Updated: Jan. 11, 2025 at 12:26 AM EST

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - News 12 First Alert meteorologists issued a First Alert through Saturday morning as an area of low pressure tracks through Georgia and the Carolinas, bringing a wintry mix of precipitation.

Here’s a look at some of the latest developments related to the winter weather:

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11:37 p.m.: Freezing rain stops around the Augusta area

  1. Freezing rain has stopped in the Augusta area. Regular rain will continue until around 2 a.m. on Saturday.
  2. On Saturday morning, winds are set to pick up around 6 a.m.
  3. Winter storm warnings will end for the central and northern CSRA around 7 a.m. Saturday.
  4. MORE: See the full forecast

10:45 p.m.: Snow brings joy to kids in the area

  1. Kids in the CSRA had a fun-filled day playing in the snow.
  2. Many were seen making snow angels, building snowmen and even having snowball fights.
  3. You can share your pictures of winter fun at https://www.wrdw.com/community/user-content/.
  4. Here’s a photo gallery:

9:50 p.m.: Thousands lose power in CSRA as rain freezes

  1. Statewide, 112,811 Georgia Power customers are without elecricity.
  2. Most of those outages are around Atlanta, but some stretch into the CSRA, including:
  3. Columbia County: Nearly 980 customers
  4. Glascock County: More than 120 customers
  5. Jefferson County: More than 60 customers
  6. Lincoln County: More than 173 customers
  7. McDuffie County: More than 2,100 customers
  8. Richmond County: More than 800 customers
  9. Taliaferro County: More than 280 customers
  10. Warren County: More than 300 customers
  11. Wilkes County: More than 820 customers
  12. All Georgia Power resources are engaged and well-positioned, the company says.
  13. In addition to local crews, the company has moved crews from south Georgia to reinforce efforts where needed, with additional personnel available from within the Southern Company system and Florida.
  14. MORE: Read the full story

8:12 p.m.: An update on efforts from GDOT

  1. The Georgia Department of Transportation announced crews will work through the night to treat roads impacted by winter weather on Friday.
  2. Officials say Bobby Jones Expressway and Interstate 20 are their highest priorities.
  3. Crews will apply an additional layer of brine to all lane miles of Bobby Jones Expressway and I-20 in the area.
  4. Plow teams will continue working on I-20 from mile marker 84 to mile marker 138 to clear snow from the shoulder. Plow teams will also work to push back snow and put out salt on various state routes across the district, mainly focusing on routes in Lincoln, Wilkes and Oglethorpe counties.
  5. The agency is continuing to monitor the weather and is prepared to change treatment plans as needed.
  6. As of 8 p.m. on Friday, all state routes in east-central Georgia are passable.
  7. MORE: Read the full story

7:37 p.m.: Latest First Alert weather forecast

  1. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the central and northern CSRA through 7 a.m. on Saturday.
  2. Freezing rain is expected to stop around 11 p.m. Friday night.
  3. All precipitation should clear the CSRA after midnight with temps hovering near freezing overnight into early Saturday.
  4. When the sun comes out on Saturday, temps should be above freezing and sunny skies should be visible in the afternoon with highs in the mid-40s.
  5. It could be breezy during the day on Saturday with gusts up to 25 mph.
  6. MORE: See the full forecast

6:45 p.m.: An inside look at Georgia Power’s storm center

Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (1)

  1. We got an inside look at Georgia Power’s storm center as the CSRA sees winter weather conditions.
  2. Georgia Power says its crews are prepared and responding to issues quickly and as conditions are safe to work as the winter storm continues to make its way through the state.
  3. In the center, folks stay busy checking radars, watching news reports and communicating information to crews in the field.
  4. So far in this winter storm, the CSRA has been spared large-scale outages, but that could change. In Atlanta this evening, Georgia Power is beginning to see more outages.
  5. MORE: See inside the storm center

6:09 p.m.: When life gives you a snow day, make a snowman

  1. In the CSRA and elsewhere across the South, folks woke up Friday to a rare chance to bust out the mittens and snow pants thanks to a cold snap that dumped snow in their parks, streets and backyards.
  2. And many kids didn’t even have to go school, so they got to play, building snowmen big and small.
  3. Slightly spoiling the fun in Aiken County was the school district’s last-minute decision to cancel classes. In fact, the decision came after many kids had already boarded school buses, which turned around and brought the kids home.
  4. And in Columbia County, where classes are rarely canceled, kids got to school only to find out they were being released as early as 10:40 a.m.
  5. So kids in both of those districts missed out on some valuable play time.
  6. Dozens of folks sent in their photos of snowmen, decked out in everything from cowboy hats to Texas Longhorns gear to Publix aprons.
  7. Others tried their hand at sledding – although in some places the mud was more plentiful than snow.
  8. The ice will be no more on Saturday morning, but long after the snow has melted, memories of the winter storm of 2025 will live on.

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4:32 p.m.: Augusta firefighter injured in traffic accident

Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (8)

  1. Among the accidents Friday on slick CSRA roadways, a firefighter suffered minor injuries in a crash while responding to a call.
  2. “Please, be considerate of your speed and mindful of the road conditions. Let’s do our part to help keep our community safe,” the Augusta Fire Department said.
  3. Local roadways are a mixed bag. Major highways have been plowed by state crews, but other roads are a slushy mess after a day of rain, snow and sleet.
  4. MORE: Read the full story

4:24 p.m.: Flights canceled out of Augusta, Atlanta airports

  1. Commercial flights at Augusta Regional Airport have been canceled until Saturday morning as a result of the winter storm.
  2. All American Airlines flights have been canceled through 7:50 a.m. Saturday.
  3. Delta departures from Augusta appear canceled through at least 7 a.m. Saturday, according to the airport’s flight status page.
  4. The airport said to check with your airline directly for the most up-to-date status of your flight.
  5. To the west in Atlanta – where many fliers from Augusta change planes – hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed.
  6. Four passengers were injured after a Delta Air Lines plane bound for Minneapolis aborted takeoff and 200 fliers had to evacuate on inflatable slides.
  7. One passenger was hospitalized, while three people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
  8. MORE: Read the full story

3:30 p.m.: Here’s the latest First Alert weather forecast

  1. We are under a winter storm warning in central parts of the CSRA, including Augusta.
  2. The early snowfall we received has raised our accumulation totals, and we’re expected to get 2-3 inches of snow and sleet.
  3. Going forward, we’ll get up to a quarter inch more of freezing rain, a lot of which will happen this evening.
  4. Temperatures around Augusta are 29-31 degrees, and they’re not expected to rise much for the next several hours.
  5. Ice in Augusta should total about 0.06 inch.
  6. However, by morning when the sun comes out, we should be above freezing, so the danger of ice will vanish
  7. MORE: See the full forecast

3:20 p.m.: Storm causes snags across the South

  1. We’re not alone in dealing with this winter storm.
  2. Arkansas and North Carolina mobilized their National Guards for tasks such as helping stranded motorists, as governors across multiple states declared states of emergency.
  3. Six inches had already coated Memphis from late Thursday into Friday morning. The city usually sees 2.7 inches a year.
  4. The storm dumped as much as 7 inches in some spots in central Oklahoma and northern Texas.
  5. And in the Kansas City area, students were back at school in several districts Thursday after three straight snow days, only to see classes called off again Friday because of more snow.
  6. MORE: Read the full story

3:13 p.m.: An update on efforts from Georgia Power

  1. Georgia Power says its crews are prepared and responding to issues quickly and as conditions are safe to work as the winter storm continues to make its way through the state.
  2. The utility says power interruptions to customers have been minimal, but may increase with additional ice accumulation, falling trees or weather-related causes.
  3. All Georgia Power resources are engaged and well-positioned, the company says.
  4. In addition to local crews, the company has moved crews from south Georgia to reinforce efforts where needed, with additional personnel available from within the Southern Company system and Florida.
  5. MORE: Read the full story

2:28 p.m.: Bobby Jones Expressway and I-20 have been plowed

Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (9)

  1. The Georgia Department of Transportation said it has plowed all of Bobby Jones Expressway and Interstate 20 in east-central Georgia.
  2. As of 2 p.m., crews were plowing the shoulders of Bobby Jones and I-20.
  3. Crews have also started to plow high-priority multi-lane state routes throughout the district.
  4. The agency plans to switch from plow operations to brine operations around 7 p.m.
  5. An additional layer of brine will be applied on Bobby Jones Expressway and I-20 from mile marker 84 to the South Carolina state line.
  6. Brine is a solution of salt and water used to decrease the probability of freezing under certain conditions.
  7. MORE: Read the full story

1:27 p.m.: Georgia crews working to keep roadways clear

Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (10)

  1. As the impacts of snow, sleet and freezing rain began to grip Georgia this morning, the Georgia Department of Transportation transitioned its operations from pre-treatment using brine to active snowplowing and removal in much of the state.
  2. More than 300 pieces of equipment are now deployed across the region to plow Georgia roads.
  3. Crews continue to work 12-hour shifts and are prioritizing routes that are heavily traveled by emergency vehicles.
  4. Officials said that with continued precipitation still in the forecast for much of today, including sleet and freezing rain, conditions on the roads continue to deteriorate and should be considered hazardous for travel.
  5. Numerous crashes and incidents have been reported on Georgia’s interstates and state routes. For their own safety, motorists should continue to heed all warnings to stay off the roads.
  6. As of this morning, crews had treated more than 20,000 lane miles of Georgia interstates, state routes, bridges and overpasses with more than 1 one million gallons of brine, a salt and water mixture that helps keep ice from bonding to the surface of the road.
  7. Crews had also applied approximately 770 tons of salt to roadways across the region.
  8. All interstates and state routes in the most affected areas had been treated at least once by the time the storm arrived early Friday morning, with most interstates having been treated twice.
  9. For their safety, motorists in affected areas are advised to limit all travel from now through midday Saturday.
  10. MORE: Read the full story

1:20 p.m.: VA Augusta halts outpatient services for the day

  1. Due to worsening weather and road conditions, the Department of Veterans Affairs Augusta Health Care System has decided to close outpatient operations at 1:30 p.m. at each of its sites – Augusta, Aiken, Athens and Statesboro.
  2. The VA began contacting impacted veterans to reschedule appointments for the earliest possible date.
  3. Veteran patients with urgent needs can report to VA Augusta’s Emergency Department at the downtown Augusta campus, 950 15th St.

12:22 p.m.: Richmond County GOP to skip Saturday breakfast

  1. The Richmond County Republican Party canceled its January breakfast meeting scheduled for Saturday.

12:20 p.m.: Richmond County school board delays meeting

  1. Out of an abundance of caution, the Richmond County Board of Education has rescheduled its planned reorganizational meeting that was originally scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m.
  2. It will now begin at 4 p.m. Monday in the Richmond County Board of Education auditorium, 864 Broad St.

12:19: Georgia crews plow major highways

  1. The Georgia Department of Transportation earlier began plowing Interstate 20 in east-central Georgia from mile marker 84 to mile marker 138.
  2. Crews in the Augusta area are loaded up plow equipment in preparation to plow I-520 and I-20 from mile marker 138 to the South Carolina state line.
  3. Plow crews are also salting bridges as they drive their routes.
  4. “We ask drivers in affected areas to limit travel as much as possible,” the agency said. “If you must travel, please give Georgia DOT crews room and space on the roads to help ensure they can safely do their jobs.”

11:57 a.m.: Columbia County offices, libraries close early

  1. Due to inclement weather, Columbia County offices will close at noon.
  2. This includes the board of commissioners, tax commissioner, Columbia County sheriff’s administration, clerk of court, all courts and district attorney’s office.
  3. In addition to the closure of county offices, all Columbia County libraries, including in Evans, Grovetown and Harlem, will also close at noon.

11:53 a.m.: Aiken County trash centers to delay openings

  1. Aiken County residential trash collection centers and the Barden Landfill will have a delayed opening of 10 a.m. on Saturday.

10:50 a.m.: Multiple crashes reported on slick roads

Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (11)

  1. On Interstate 20 in Augusta, the road conditions at the Washington Road exit are hazardous, according to our reporter on the interstate.
  2. Our reporter saw another wreck on the Bobby Jones overpass from I-520 to I-20 at 10:35 a.m. We’ve reached out to learn more.
  3. Across the river, on I-20 westbound just before mile marker 4, multiple vehicles were pulled over after a car carrier crash around 10 a.m. in Aiken County.
  4. Dispatch told us crews were on the scene of a multiple-car crash on I-20 eastbound at the Walton Way extension ramp at 9:25 a.m.
  5. There was another accident in Columbia County in the same area.
  6. MORE: Read the full story

10:23 a.m.: Stay home, Aiken County officials urge neighbors

  1. The Aiken County Emergency Management Agency is urging all residents to stay off the roads.
  2. “We’re experiencing a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain throughout Aiken County,” the agency said. “Roads are extremely hazardous and conditions are deteriorating rapidly.”
  3. Emergency services are reporting multiple accidents in Aiken County.
  4. “Our road crews are working hard but the continuing winter precipitation is making travel extremely dangerous,” the agency said.
  5. Officials added that multiple roads are becoming impassable, black ice is forming and may be invisible, emergency response times are delayed due to conditions, and bridges and overpasses are especially dangerous.
  6. “Keep your phones charged and stay tuned to local news and emergency channels for updates,” the agency said. “Check on elderly neighbors and those who live alone.”

10:15 a.m.: Most Aiken County operations closing

  1. All non-essential Aiken County offices and collection centers will be closing today at 10:15 a.m.

10:06 a.m.: Columbia County schools sending kids home

  1. Due to the increase in precipitation, and out of an abundance of caution, the Columbia County School District will begin dismissal ahead of schedule, and as follows:
  2. Middle schools: Dismissal at 10:30 a.m.
  3. High schools: Dismissal at 10:35 a.m.
  4. Elementary schools: Dismissal at 11:25 a.m.
  5. All district facilities will be closed following early dismissal and all school-related events and activities are also canceled for the day. Normal operations will continue Monday.

9:58 a.m.: Augusta closing city offices early

  1. All Augusta government offices will close at noon. Normal operations will resume on Monday.
  2. “Residents are encouraged to limit travel due to potentially hazardous road conditions,” the city said in a statement. “If travel is necessary, please drive with extreme caution.”
  3. Among the city departments:
  4. Augusta Transit: All Augusta Transit bus services have been suspended until further notice.
  5. Augusta landfill: The landfill is closed. Officials will evaluate weather conditions for Saturday operations.
  6. Trash collection: Regular service for Friday has been suspended. Officials will evaluate conditions to resume pick-up on Saturday or services will resume on Monday.
  7. To report hazardous conditions such as icy roads, fallen branches, or other weather-related concerns, please contact Augusta 311. City crews are actively working to treat roads and respond to any reported issues to ensure public safety.

9:44 a.m.: Aiken Tech closes campus

  1. Due to the inclement weather, Aiken Technical College is moving to remote operations for the remainder of the day.

9:30 a.m.: Crash clogs I-20 at Walton Way Extension

  1. Crews are on the scene of a multiple-car crash on I-20 eastbound on the Walton Way Extension ramp. Dispatchers said at least two vehicles were involved, but more were reported - they were unsure how many exactly. They did however say more vehicles became involved after sliding on the road from weather conditions. Dispatchers say they are unsure of any injuries or whether any lanes are blocked.
  2. They also told us there was another accident in Columbia County in the same area.

9 a.m.: Snow floating from sky across CSRA

  1. By 9 a.m., fluffy snow was tumbling from the sky in a sight not seen often in the CSRA. Most of the snow seemed to be coming down in Augusta, with North Augusta getting less and Clarks Hill Lake getting quite a bit less.
  2. Our live camera network showed the snow falling from Clarks Hill Lake to Beech Island. Take a look at what our tower cam at the station showed:

Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (12)

8:30 a.m.: Traffic is sparse on local roadways

  1. Most drivers were taking News 12 First Alert meteorologists’ advice to stay off the roads.
  2. But with roads well-brined and temperatures just at the freezing mark, driving conditions are still good.
  3. Most of the snow is not sticking to the ground, except in some flowerbeds and corners of parking lots.

7:30 a.m.: A status update on precipitation

  1. Screven County Emergency Management Agency reported some light freezing rain across Allendale, Screven and Jenkins counties this morning.
  2. News 12 viewers told us they saw sleet and snow in Glascock County around 7:30 a.m.
  3. Sleet and freezing rain started falling in Augusta around 6:30 a.m.
  4. Across the river, North Augusta also saw sleet at 6:40 a.m.

6:45 a.m.: Aiken County schools send students home

  1. The Aiken County School District decided at the latest minute to cancel in-person classes for the day. It happened after many students had been picked up on their buses. Some buses turned around and dropped off students at home minutes after picking them up.
  2. The district posted this message:
  3. “All ACPSD Schools and Offices will be CLOSED TODAY! Predicted weather changes overnight have necessitated a change in our in-person learning plans for today. All Aiken County Public Schools will transition and be closed today, Friday, January 10, due to weather. We apologize for the challenges that this shift may cause. Any student who was already picked up this morning by our school buses is being transported back home at this time. Please know that our students, families, teachers, and staff members’ safety is at the forefront of all decisions. Forecasted temperatures for this morning and through the afternoon hours have dropped below freezing and precipitation chances have also increased over those hours. Thank you for your understanding. Please be safe and stay warm.”
LIST: Winter weather causes some CSRA schools to close, change schedule

Check out which CSRA schools have changed schedules due to the winter weather conditions on Friday.

Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (13)

MORE FROM NEWS 12

CSRA winter weather: A survival guide

  1. Protecting your pets during extremely cold weather
  2. What can renters do if pipes burst due to winter weather?
  3. Don’t get burned by cold-weather home repair scams
  4. Local fire crews warn of heating hazards in cold weather
  5. How to spot warning signs of frostbite, hypothermia
  6. Protecting your most precious plants from winter’s wrath
  7. Stay inside if you can during cold snap, experts say
  8. Winter weather myths debunked to keep you safe
  9. If your pipes freeze or break, follow this advice from experts
  10. How to get help with your heating bill in the CSRA
  11. What to know if you’ll be driving in subfreezing weather
  12. How to protect your heating system during freezing temperatures
  13. How to stay warm on a budget and beat the cold weather
  14. Trouble from burst pipes can linger well beyond a freeze
  15. Keep your pipes from bursting in freezing weather
  16. How to prepare your home for major freeze

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Latest updates on winter weather across the CSRA (2025)

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