DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale officials announce closings, rescheduling due to Winter Storm Fern

DEKALB COUNTY

DeKalb County government closings

DEKALB COUNTY GA–All DeKalb County government buildings, events, and county-sponsored programming will be closed this weekend, including recreation centers, libraries, and non-essential in-person services. Closures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect residents and employees. County officials will continue to evaluate conditions and provide updates, including whether closures will be extended into next week.

To further support residents, CJ Avery, director of the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), released a public safety video outlining steps individuals and families can take to prepare for winter weather, including guidance on protecting people, pets, plants, and pipes. To view Director Avery’s Winter Weather Preparedness Video: INCLEMENT WEATHER TIPS PSA

DeKalb County departments and emergency partners will continue monitoring conditions closely and sharing updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to remain attentive to attentive to official County communications and be prepared to act should conditions worsen.

DeKalb County School District offices closed

Due to inclement weather, all DeKalb County School District schools, centers, and offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26. If possible, all 12-month employees should work remotely. All school activities and athletic events will be rescheduled. The district will continue to monitor weather conditions closely. A decision on operations for Tuesday, Jan. 27, will be announced by 5 p.m. on Monday.

Clerk of Superior Court’s Office announces closing

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court, located in the DeKalb County Courthouse at 556 North McDonough Street, will be closed to employees and the public from Sunday, Jan. 25, beginning at 8 a.m. through Monday, Jan. 26, in anticipation of severe winter weather.    

The DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 27, (weather permitting) at 8 a.m. Please note that pursuant to OCGA § 38-3-62 (a), all court deadlines, other time schedules, or filingrequirements imposed by applicable statutes, rules, regulations, or court orders, whether in civil or criminal cases or administrative matters, are hereby suspended, tolled, or extended until Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2 unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Although the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office will be physically closed, our website www.dksuperiorclerk.com remains available 24 hours a day for filing criminal, civil, real estate, tradenames and UCC documents.  No passport and notary applications can be processed until the Courthouse reopens.  Temporary protective orders will be processed through our website.  For additional information please refer to the judicial Administrative Order dated January 23, 2026.  Thank you for your cooperation.

DeKalb Sanitation suspends weekend operations            

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– In anticipation of severe winter weather expected to impact the region, the DeKalb County Sanitation Division has suspended operations for Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25.

Commercial collection service for Saturday customers will be delayed, and a rescheduled service date for these customers will be provided in the coming days.

Operational updates for the coming week will also be provided in the coming days.

Voices of Faith Church’s Sunday worship will be live-streamed @ 10 a.m.

STONE MOUNTAIN/ CONYERS–Due to the impending inclement weather, Voices of Faith Church will not be holding in-person service this Sunday, Jan. 25. Congregations from the Stone Mountain and Conyers campuses will gather virtually to worship together from the safety of their homes.

“Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us. We encourage you to take all necessary precautions during this time. Please stay informed about local weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure that you and your loved ones are safe,” said Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder of Voices of Faith.

All are welcome to join the online service at 10 a.m., which will be streamed on both YouTube and Facebook. Please ensure that you are subscribed to the churh’s channels and have your notifications turned on, so you don’t miss this uplifting worship experience.

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church shifts Sunday worship to virtual service 

STONECREST, GA — In response to forecasted inclement weather and a State of Emergency issued for the state of Georgia, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announced today that its Sunday worship service will be held virtually only this weekend to prioritize the safety of its members, visitors, and staff.

The virtual service will stream Sunday at 9:30 a.m., allowing worshippers to remain connected while avoiding potentially dangerous travel conditions as state and local officials urge residents to brace for hazardous roadways and winter weather impacts.

Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal H. Bryant shared the update with the congregation, emphasizing both safety and continued spiritual connection.

“Due to impending inclement weather and the State of Emergency declared for the state of Georgia, our Sunday worship service will be virtual only this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.,” said Pastor Bryant. “Please remain safe, stay warm, and stay connected.”

The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church sets virtual Sunday worship Jan. 25

DEKALB COUTY, GA—The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church announced that it will be closed this weekend, Jan. 23-25. 

All on-campus activities and meetings are canceled.

 Pastor William Flippen,Sr. is extending a warm welcome to family and friends to join the congregation for a wonderful virtual Sunday worship.  

“Your pastor, the leadership of this church, first and foremost, want you to be safe during this storm that is on the way, and because of that, we have decided we will not have in-person worship on this Sunday…You can worship with us virtually at  9 a.m. as usual and you will be blessed with a wonderful, wonderful worship experience,” said Senior Pastor William Flippen,Sr.   

GWINNETT COUNTY

Gwinnett County announces closings, cancellations due to Winter Storm Fern 

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Due to the forecasted serious winter weather event, Gwinnett County has announced cancelations and closings. 

Transit Service

Ride Gwinnett is not operating local, microtransit or paratransit service on Saturday, Jan. 24. The Ride Gwinnett Customer Service office will also be closed.

Community Services and Parks and Recreation

All Community Services and Parks and Recreation facilities, with the exception of those serving as warming stations, will close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Shorty’s 40th Birthday event at Shorty Howell Park originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24 has been moved to Saturday, Feb. 21.

Astro Adventure Night scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24 at Rhodes Jordan Park is canceled. 

Courts

Gwinnett County Courts will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, due to inclement weather. All court hearings and trials are canceled.

The courthouse will be closed for court business, including courts located in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, the Nash Court Building, the Recorder’s Court and Juvenile Court Building, as well as the Clerk of Court and Probate Court.

No court services will be available. 

Tax Commissioner

All Tax Commissioner offices, including all DMV offices, will be closed Monday, Jan. 26.  Online services will remain accessible during the closure. For additional information, online services, and the latest updates on closures and delays, visit the Gwinnett Tax Commissioner’s website. 

Contacts for residents to know during the storm

Residents are encouraged to save these phone numbers for emergency and non-emergency situations throughout the storm:

• Emergencies and immediate threats to life safety: 911
• Non-emergencies like downed trees, car accidents and other incidents that do not pose an immediate threat to life safety: call 770-513-5700 or text 470-636-9202. 
• One Stop for Help and Warming Station information: 770-822-8850.
• Gwinnett Water Resources dispatch like urgent water, sewer or stormwater-related incidents: 678-376-7000. 

Gwinnett County issues local emergency order, prepares for winter storm

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson has issued a declaration of local emergency in advance of the major winter storm forecasted by the National Weather Service. 

Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Thursday, Jan. 22, declaring a state of emergency across Georgia due to the storm’s projected impact. The order makes available all resources of the state of Georgia to assist in preparation, response and recovery activities associated with the winter storm across the state. 

Similarly, the local declaration activates certain emergency powers under the Gwinnett County Emergency Management Ordinance. The declaration allows for the use of all available County resources to address the storm’s impact and use public property, resources and facilities as necessary to cope with the storm or when there is compelling necessity for the protection of lives, health and welfare. 

“In light of Gov. Brian Kemp’s state of emergency declaration, it is in the best interest of Gwinnett County and our residents to take this step locally as well,” said Hendrickson. “Declaring a local state of emergency gives us the flexibility and authority to respond quickly as conditions evolve, with the safety and well-being of our community as our top priority.”

The Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring forecasts and coordinating with departments to prepare for the storm, including brining roads, checking generators at County facilities and making plans to ensure 24/7 staffing in critical areas throughout the event.  

Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes and families:  

• Keep flashlights and batteries on hand  
• Use generators safely outdoors and away from doors and windows 
• Make sure you have enough food, water, medications, and pet essentials 
• Charge devices and backup power sources  

Gwinnett County Issues Local Emergency Order, Prepares for Winter Storm Impacts/Page 2

• Protect your pipes from extreme cold by dripping faucets and opening cabinet doors 
• Plan to stay off the roads unless necessary

The County’s website, GwinnettCounty.com, and social media channels will be kept up to date with current information and tips for preparing winter weather.

ROCKDALE COUNTY

Rockdale Democratic Party General Meeting canceled

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Due to inclement weather, the Rockdale County Democratic Committee (RCDC) General Meeting scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, at 9 a.m. has been canceled.  The safety of our members and community is our top priority, and we encourage everyone to stay safe during this time.

The conversation with Devante Jennings, President of the Young Democrats of Georgia, has been postponed until March 28, 2026. Please plan to attend an engaging discussion on leadership, civic engagement, and creating meaningful change.

The next regularly scheduled General Meeting will be held  on Saturday, Feb. 28. General meetings are open to the publi

 Meeting Location:
977 S. Main Street, Suite 8-H
NE Conyers, GA 30012

Countywide-wide shredding event rescheduled to March 21

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA – Due to predicted inclement winter weather expected this weekend, Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) announces that the County-Wide Shredding Event scheduled for Saturday, January 24, has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event will take place at the same time and location as originally planned at Wheeler Park, located at 1400 Parker Road SE, Conyers, GA 30094, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in March, weather conditions permitting.

The rescheduling allows for continued coordination with partners and ensures the event can be held safely and efficiently for all participants. Residents are encouraged to hold on to their documents and attend the rescheduled event for secure, on-site shredding of sensitive materials.

Updated Event Details:

• New Date: Saturday, March 21
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Wheeler Park, 1400 Parker Road SE, Conyers