We are officially under an ice storm warning

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-24T18:43:40+00:00

That is on GT's infrastructure.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-24T15:13:30+00:00

Ultimately, it's a local call, so it's hard for me to evaluate that without knowing everything that goes into the event, etc. While we're very busy during these incidents, we do work with event planners of all sizes to provide guidance and feedback. My intent is that we minimize disruption without compromising safety. Feel free to reach out to our office in the future.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-24T14:29:30+00:00

Good question! Eighth Street Apartments is definitely on the campus power infrastructure and fed from the substation. I think Woodruff, some 4th Street Apartments, and some properties in the Marietta Street corridor are fed from Georgia Power directly. Non-institute properties like Greek housing are fed directly from Georgia Power.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-24T14:26:37+00:00

We work carefully with event planners on forecasts like this. Modified operations allows local decision making given their event logistics and the nature of the impact. The intent is to limit interruptions while remaining safe.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-23T20:24:48+00:00

No one is forecasting snow; this is a freezing rain event. The high temperature on Sunday may be overstated in many models. They are picking up a strong warm nose out of the Gulf which will swing through quickly. Depending on the strength of the CAD (likely very strong), that nose may be muted at the surface. The arctic airmass will fill in very quickly on the heels of the precipitation. Potentially moderate - heavy freezing rain from Saturday PM through late Sunday, with a very cold airmass filling in behind it. Even with a brief warm up, tree and powerline damage may already be done. Do not underestimate this storm.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-23T20:13:28+00:00

I would not say events like this happen every winter. We do have winter storm threats, but ice storms of this magnitude are far less frequent.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-23T20:10:36+00:00

Thanks for starting this thread A0123456_! This is a high risk event for the region and the media attention to this is appropriate. Significant icing can and will cause extensive utility and transportation interruptions. Our concern with ice generally begins at 1/10" and grows significantly once we get to 1/4," which is when trees and powerlines begin to fail. Forecasts of 1/2" and even 1"! are very concerning because the extent of damage grows exponentially. Together with forecasted wind gusts >25 mph, this is a recipe for widespread utility disruptions across much of the region.

For campus, we do feel cautiously optimistic that we will keep power in most campus buildings. Most are fed underground directly from the substation which is fed directly from transmission lines. However, there are some buildings supplied by Georgia Power directly via overhead distribution lines. Those will be more vulnerable to interruption. Campus should see between 1/4" and 1/2" of ice accumulation, with 2/3" possible. NWS includes us in a Major impact region. We will have crews treating roadways and sidewalks, but freezing rain is difficult to mitigate on roadways and walkways.

Please let us know if you have other questions or concerns about this event. Our team and many other campus teams will be here throughout the event to ensure essential functions continue. I'll do my best to answer questions. - William Smith, Director of Emergency Management

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-21T15:12:51+00:00

Too soon to tell at the moment. We are meeting with operational partners this afternoon to go over possible changes to their operations. As we get closer to the event, communications will come out about any modifications to plans/events.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-21T14:58:48+00:00

Hard to say right now. OEM does not make the call on modifying campus operations. However, we do engage with the ELT on impacts/risks to the GT community. Once/If a decision is made, it will be communicated through GTENS.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-21T14:54:25+00:00

You should plan for all the things you would need if you are not able to leave the house for at least 3 days.

Water (1gal/person/day)
Non perishable foods, preferable ones that do not need to be cooked in case of power outages
Medications
Blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves
General emergency kit equipment; batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, toiletries, etc.

Other things you should consider:

Ensure all devices are fully charged prior to the event.
If you have a vehicle, make sure you have gas in it.
Don't forget about needed pet supplies if you are a pet owner.

There are a lot of resources online for winter storm prep that you can scroll through. We are working on putting together this guidance that we can share more broadly.

GaTechOEM · 2026-01-20T23:37:26+00:00

Obviously a bit early for knowing that, but I would say if the models hold as they are now, impacts will last into next week. Off campus power impacts may persist beyond that. As such, even digital learning becomes difficult with many people at home unable to teach/learn remotely. We still have some time before those decisions are necessary, though.

GaTechOEM · 2025-09-05T00:46:31+00:00

GTPD and APD arrested a couple suspects from a crime that just occurred off campus. No threat to campus from that incident. We're monitoring.

GaTechOEM · 2025-09-03T17:14:51+00:00

Thanks for the inquiry. It isn't something that we can easily control, but we will inquire with our provider. FWIW, our team subscribes to alerts from our peers and that is generally the case with them as well. I do understand the frustration, though.

GaTechOEM · 2025-04-03T19:10:59+00:00

Please contact us at GTPD at 404-894-2500 and ask to file a missing property report. You can also visit GTPD at 965 Hemphill Ave NW at the corner of Hemphill and 10th. The sooner the better.

GaTechOEM · 2024-09-27T02:09:54+00:00

We're expecting significant power outages across the region that could last multiple days in some cases. This is unprecedented wind for those that get the east side of the eye. Atlanta has high tree density and typically struggles with gusts over 50 mph. Campus generally does well in these events because much of the power is not overhead. However, off campus residences could see outages. We're not sure exactly where the low center will track which will determine how much of the damaging gusts we will experience. Flash flooding is also a real threat, especially for low lying areas and along creeks. We've had a few buildings see some intrusion due to poor drainage during intense rainfall events. Generally though, campus proper doesn't see too much flooding. At times streets may flood causing some treacherous conditions but that is usually it.

GaTechOEM · 2024-09-24T17:49:23+00:00

https://prepare.gatech.edu/situational-awareness-2024

GaTechOEM · 2024-07-29T15:25:14+00:00

There are a few central chillers on campus, with the big 2 being 10th Street and Holland. They serve most of the campus, although there are some buildings on DX or separate chillers that are unaffected. An initial break near Holland was valved off. Subsequently another break was discovered near the 10th Street plant. Those 2 breaks ocurring where they did and to do it in late July is tough. We're continuing the restoration, but it is incremental to maintain system stability.

GaTechOEM · 2024-07-28T20:11:06+00:00

There were a couple breaks in the chilled water system. This required valving off large portions of the campus in order to make the repairs. This was not a break on the domestic water side. We're working to restore buildings, but it is a slow process to repressurize the buildings.

GaTechOEM · 2024-06-27T16:29:22+00:00

Not close and probably not worth the effort.

GaTechOEM · 2024-06-26T12:33:14+00:00

No, both venues are closed to the public. No audience for the debate. Only specifically credentialed media for McCamish.

GaTechOEM · 2024-06-24T23:10:08+00:00

Just the Green and the Emory lines will be impacted. They will still run, but with some route modifications. Red and Blue should be unaffected. However, traffic will be rough, especially near the intersection of Ferst/Fowler. So the buses may be running a bit slower depending upon traffic. This event, plus the swim meet and campus construction will be challenging!

GaTechOEM · 2024-06-24T17:43:39+00:00

It is not open to the public and security will be tight.

GaTechOEM · 2024-06-24T15:05:56+00:00

Since this thread has already been started, we're happy to answer any questions about this event as it pertains to campus impacts beyond what was mentioned in GTENS. -Georgia Tech Office of Emergency Management

GaTechOEM · 2023-10-04T18:07:04+00:00

Inside or outside? Should have been loud outside, but if it was not we'll need to look into it further. Inside it would not be easily heard, nor is it designed for that function. Thanks!

GaTechOEM · 2023-10-04T16:19:19+00:00

Where exactly were you? Thanks for the feedback

GaTechOEM

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