Gwinnett County Officials Urge Caution as Winter Weather Approaches; Grocery Chains Say No Need to Panic Buy
County governments across metro Atlanta are preparing for a potential winter storm expected to impact much of north Georgia this weekend, while major grocery chains are urging customers to avoid panic buying.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts winter weather primarily for areas north of Rome and Gainesville, but officials warn the system could still affect the greater Atlanta area. Gwinnett County officials said they are closely monitoring changing forecasts and participating in daily briefings from the NWS.
In Duluth, temperatures are expected to reach a high of about 54°F (12°C) on Friday before plunging to a low of 21°F (-6°C) early Monday morning.
Major grocery chains say supplies are sufficient. Publix reported it has stocked essential items such as water, canned goods, and batteries and that many stores are equipped with generators or plan to deploy portable ones if needed. Kroger said it is prepared to keep shelves stocked and that all stores plan to remain open during regular hours, though some may close early depending on conditions. Customers were encouraged to check the Kroger app for updates.
Both retailers emphasized there is no need for stockpiling. “There is absolutely no reason to panic buy,” a Kroger spokesperson said, urging customers to purchase only what they need.
On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for areas north of a line from Rome through Gainesville to Elbert County. While core metro Atlanta counties are not currently included, forecasters said the coverage area could expand as the weekend approaches. The watch is in effect from late Friday through Monday morning.
The NWS warned that much of Georgia could see snow and hazardous icy roads with potentially significant impacts.
Atlanta city officials are advising residents to limit travel, charge electronic devices, and stock up on shelf-stable food, water, and batteries. They also urged residents to bring pets indoors and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
“Our top priority is keeping residents safe and providing timely information,” said Michael Smith, deputy communications director in the mayor’s office.
The Atlanta Department of Transportation plans to deploy 21 brine trucks carrying 2,500 tons of salt and 22 trucks loaded with 15,500 gallons of brine during the storm.
DeKalb County officials said they have 2,500 tons of salt, 50 tons of calcium chloride, 7,500 tons of sand, 800 tons of salt-sand mix, 12 to 15 chainsaws, and seven spreader trucks ready for storm response.
Cobb County has installed a new brine-making system that allows crews to produce deicing materials in real time, officials said, adding that generators and vehicles are prepared for immediate deployment.
Fulton County noted that it is responsible for only about one square mile of unincorporated roads, primarily near Fulton County Airport at Brown Field, with most road treatment handled by cities and the Georgia Department of Transportation.
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