Residents across northeast Georgia are grappling with the aftermath of a severe ice storm that has left thousands without power amidst frigid temperatures. Habersham County was particularly hard hit, with up to 1,000 trees reported down, obstructing roads and creating significant power outages.
Jerry Baggett, Habersham County's public works director, detailed the extent of the destruction to FOX 5 Atlanta, saying, "There could be as many as 800 to 1,000, countywide." The damage not only to trees but also to infrastructure, with Baggett adding, "I’ve seen trees on houses, I’ve seen power lines catching on fire, and we weren’t able to get to them because of trees being in the way."
At the same time, White County experienced widespread power outages, at one point affecting 82 percent of residents. As of last night, more than 6,000 individuals remained without power. Public officials and utility crews have been working around the clock to restore normal conditions. Don Strength, Deputy Director of Public Safety for White County, told Atlanta News First, "There are a lot of people here, a lot of work going on, but still a lot to do."
Within both affected areas, schools have closed, and residents are asked to remain cautious. The National Guard has been deployed in White County, assisting with emergency operations. Fortunately, adherence to safety guidelines has led to minimal injuries. Don Strength conveyed a sense of resilient community spirit, stating, "We’re a mountain community; we take care of ourselves, check on our neighbors, and know how to survive events like this," as noted by Atlanta News First. As crews continue to bravely face the cold in efforts to repair essential services, the true cost of the damage across Habersham and White Counties is still to be assessed.
