City of Savannah, GA
01/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/22/2025 12:10
City Continues Response to Winter Storm
______________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 22, 2025
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
City Continues Response to Winter Storm
Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible
SAVANNAH - The City of Savannah continues its emergency response to Tuesday's winter storm that brought 1-3 inches of snow and ice to the city, according to the National Weather Service. The City remains under a State of Emergency on Wednesday, Jan. 22 due to impacts from the winter storm.
The City remains under a Cold Weather Advisory. The National Weather Service has declared hazardous travel conditions for the area due to the forecast which anticipates just above freezing temperatures during the day on Wednesday and no widespread significant melting.
Administrative offices and facilities for the City remained closed on Wednesday. Thursday operations will be determined Wednesday evening and will depend on the impacts of the storm. An update will be issued to the public later today. Emergency services will remain open.
The City's 311 call center is active. Residents are encouraged to submit requests for services by calling or using the 311SAV App. For emergencies, dial 911.
Residents are strongly urged to limit all travel on Wednesday due to hazardous road and sidewalk conditions. If travel is necessary, use the WAZE App to find the latest road conditions and closures. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) alerts to receive the latest on road closures.
When driving or walking plan ahead and prepare for delays. Make sure the vehicle used is in good working condition. When driving, increase the following distance from other vehicles and give extra time when stopping.
If the vehicle begins to lose control and skid do not stab the brakes. Let off the accelerator and turn the wheels the direction you want to go until the vehicle regains traction. If the vehicle does not recover from the skid initially and is heading towards a collision, plant your foot on the brakes and do not let up.
Georgia Power has reported limited power outages in the area. Residents are encouraged to make sure furnaces and space heaters remain in good working condition throughout the cold weather this week.
Space heaters should always have three feet of clearance around them and be kept away from furniture, curtains, bedding, and clothing. Do not leave a space heater on unattended. The heater should be plugged directly into the wall, not powered by extension cords. Check that carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly to reduce the potential risk of poisoning from furnaces or gas burning heaters.
During extreme temperatures, remain indoors as much as possible. When going outside, wear several layers of loose clothing, protect your ears, face, hands, and feet. Keep exposure to the elements for pets at a minimum and check on elderly or at-risk neighbors who may need assistance.
The City has opened a warming center at the Tompkins Regional Center, 2333 Ogeechee Rd. The warming center reached full capacity Tuesday night with 40 people and five dogs. Tompkins will continue to service the current folks sheltering there through Wednesday until Thursday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. A decision on Thursday afternoon and evening services will be made based on conditions and need.
Sanitation routes have been affected by Wednesday's closures. Residential garbage collection, recycling collection, and yard waste collection services, already operating on a one-day delayed holiday schedule, are scheduled to resume on Thursday, Jan. 23 on a modified holiday schedule. Updates will be provided to the public as available.
Live Oak Public Libraries will close all libraries on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and Wednesday, Jan. 22. Thursday operations are yet to be determined.
For winter weather safety tips and updates, visit savannahga.gov/winterweather and follow the City's official Facebook page facebook.com/cityofsavannah and Instagram page @cityofsavannah.
# # #