Sumter Co. EMA Director urges residents to prepare for winter weather and remain off roadways

Sumter County, GA — The Sumter County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is closely monitoring a winter weather event expected to impact the county overnight and into Sunday.

The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City has issued Winter Weather Warnings for our area. Rain has already begun falling and is expected to continue throughout the night, with snow anticipated to begin around 3:00 a.m. Forecasts indicate that 1 to 3 inches of snow are possible across the county. Temperatures are expected to drop throughout the day, creating hazardous conditions.

As temperatures fall, black ice may develop on roadways and bridges, making travel extremely dangerous. Due to these conditions, EMA is strongly recommending that all Sumter County residents remain at home and avoid traveling if possible.

“If the county receives the amount of snow currently predicted, emergency response times could be significantly impacted,” said Jerry Harmon, EMA Director. “Staying off the roads will help keep residents safe and allow emergency agencies to respond more effectively to critical calls.”

Residents are also asked to check on elderly neighbors, family members, and those with special needs, as overnight temperatures are expected to be in the mid-20s from Sunday night through Tuesday night.

Currently, one warming shelter is open:

• Plains Methodist Church – Fellowship Hall

If additional warming shelters or stations open, EMA will release that information immediately through official channels.

Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring weather updates and follow guidance from local officials.

To get the most up-to-date information, follow the Sumter County EMA page on Facebook.

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