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GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–The Gwinnett County Police Department responded to nearly 2,000 service calls during the first 24 hours of the icy winter storm that hit Georgia this week.
As predicted by weather forecasters, snow flurries began falling in the metro Atlanta area late Tuesday afternoon, blanketing streets, vehicles, homes and buildings as temperatures dropped below freezing.
The Police Department said 1,819 service calls came in between 3 p.m. on Tuesday (Jan. 21) and noon today (Jan. 22).
Of these, 572 calls were related to traffic accidents, the department said. Two officers sustained minor injuries while addressing weather-related incidents. A total of eight police vehicles were involved in traffic-related accidents due to severe weather conditions.
Many officers, along with 911 operators, worked extended hours to manage and respond to the increased call volume effectively, officials said.
Meanwhile, in neighboring DeKalb County, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson declared a State of Emergency for the county, urging residents to shelter in place through Thursday, Jan. 23, due to continued icy, hazardous road conditions. County emergency services have responded to hundreds of 911 calls, authorities said. More than 100 vehicles in DeKalb have been reported stranded, many lss obstructing emergency response efforts. Residents are strongly urged to avoid travel to prevent further incidents and delays, authorities stated.
“This is a serious situation,” said Cochran-Johnson. “We are asking for everyone’s patience and cooperation as our teams work around the clock to ensure public safety. Staying off the roads is critical—not only for your safety but to allow emergency responders to reach those in need.”