Winter Weather: Stay informed with the latest updates

Winter Weather: Stay informed with the latest updates

Updated 8:13 a.m. Friday, Jan 23, 2026

GCSU to Announce Campus Operations Plan Friday Ahead of Winter Storm

Georgia College emergency personnel continue to monitor the incoming cold weather system approaching the Georgia area this weekend. Although models continue to shift, the National Weather Service has the Baldwin County area under a Winter Storm Watch, with rain and extremely cold temperatures, and the possibility of ice accumulation, forecasted in the Middle Georgia area beginning Saturday evening. Gov. Brian Kemp has also declared a state of emergency throughout Georgia.

Looking ahead, the university will brief with the National Weather Service in the morning with a plan to announce a final decision regarding Monday's operating schedule by midday Friday, Jan. 23.

Weather Report

Milledgeville is expected to receive cold weather and precipitation beginning Saturday evening and continuing into Monday morning, with below-freezing temperatures forecasted throughout next week. The most extreme weather impacts are expected in northern Georgia, beginning early Saturday, with moderate impacts expected midday in the Atlanta metro Interstate-12 corridor.

If models shift south, however, Milledgeville could receive freezing rain and winds that would increase the risk of downed trees and powerlines in our area.

Operational Impacts

Given the possibility of power outages and/or ice limiting roadway travel this weekend, we encourage students who are able to return home for the weekend to do so and to make transportation arrangements with friends and family as soon as possible.

Campus organizations are asked to cancel any meetings scheduled Friday evening through Sunday.

For students unable to leave Milledgeville, a special shuttle run from campus into shopping areas will be held 1-6 p.m. Friday for students to gather supplies. Additional shuttle service updates will be communicated via the PassioGo app.

For more on the latest weather models, monitor the National Weather Service.

Updated 5:44 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026

GCSU Actively Monitoring Incoming Cold Weather System

Emergency management personnel at Georgia College & State University have been briefing daily with the National Weather Service, monitoring an incoming cold weather system expected to impact Georgia later this week. Although models are still shifting, rain and extremely cold temperatures are forecasted in the Middle Georgia area this weekend, with the possibility of ice accumulation, which would make roadways unsafe and could lead to power outages in Baldwin County.

If conditions worsen, the university is prepared to quickly shift its operational plan and communicate those changes to the campus as soon as more information is available.

Weather Report

Milledgeville is currently in what the National Weather Service is calling a "Minor Impact Zone" for the upcoming storm, expected to receive cold weather and precipitation beginning Saturday evening and continuing into Monday morning. Below-freezing temperatures are expected throughout next week.

More extreme weather conditions, including sleet/ice and strong wind gusts, are expected in north Georgia. If models shift south, however, Milledgeville could receive freezing rain and winds that would increase the risk of downed trees and powerlines in our area.

Safety Considerations

Extended periods of freezing temperatures could threaten pipes in older buildings around Milledgeville. We urge off-campus students to contact their landlords to determine what precautionary measures they should take; for example, running faucets throughout this time could minimize the possibility of burst pipes.

Students are encouraged to exercise caution throughout the storm and stay indoors and off roadways whenever possible.

Practice fire safety at all times and never leave candles unattended.

Also remember to give space heaters space; place them on flat, stable surfaces; keep them at least three feet from flammable items; plug them directly into wall outlets (no extension cords); and never leave them unattended.

Operational Impacts

If shuttle service is impacted during the storm, updates will be communicated through the PassioGo app.

A special shuttle run from campus into shopping areas ​will also be scheduled toward the end of the week, for students to gather supplies.

If an extended power outage is expected, GCSU will consider a modified campus operations schedule. Stay tuned for more information on that front tomorrow and, in the meantime, consider any potential travel plans you may need to make if campus should close.

For more on the latest weather models, monitor the National Weather Service.