(updated Saturday, January 31, 8:27 am)
This weekend, Athens finds itself in the grip of a winter storm warning paired with an extreme cold watch. Residents can refer to this article for the latest updates on community resource availability and closures.
Closures and Delays
Athens Regional Library System: The library will remain closed on Saturday, January 31st due to the adverse weather conditions.
ACCGov Notices:
- Animal Services: The Animal Shelter will not be open for drop-offs, adoptions, or visits on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and Sunday, February 1, 2026. For emergencies, contact 911.
- Courts: Updates regarding court operations for the week starting February 2, 2026, will be provided by noon on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Jurors should call the Jury Hotline on the evening of February 1 for any updates.
- Leisure Services: All parks and facilities under Leisure Services will be closed on January 31, 2026, and February 1, 2026, except for Lay Park, which will offer overnight shelter services. For more details, visit www.accgov.com/shelter. The Movies at Moonlight event at the Morton Theatre scheduled for February 1, 2026, is canceled.
- Solid Waste: Service collections in the Central Business District are suspended on January 31, 2026, and February 1, 2026. The CHaRM facility and the landfill will also be closed on January 31.
- Transit (Updated 1/31, 6:59 AM): All transit services will be suspended on January 31, 2026. Travelers should consult the myStop app or call 706-613-3430 for real-time updates on service resumption.
Shelters and Warming Resources
Temporary Sheltering Resources:
Lay Park Overnight Shelter (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1):
- Operating from Friday, January 30, 7:00 PM to Sunday, February 1, Noon. Facilities include sleeping areas and distribution of donated goods. Note: Cots may not be guaranteed. No pets, drugs, alcohol, or weapons are allowed.
Contact: 706-613-3596 / 297 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601 - To volunteer at Lay Park, visit the ACCGov GivePulse volunteer site.
General Shelter and Service Information
- Bigger Vision of Athens: Provides emergency shelter for individuals. Call at 4:00 PM to reserve a bed.
Contact: 706-340-6062 / 95 North Ave, Athens, GA 30601 - Salvation Army: Offers emergency shelter for families and individuals.
Contact: 706-543-5350 / 484 Hawthorne Ave, Athens, GA 30606 - Athens Area Homeless Shelter: Provides emergency shelter for families with children.
Contact: 706-354-0423 / 620 Barber Street, Athens, GA 30601 - Family Promise of Athens: Offers shelter for families with children.
Contact: 706-425-1881 / (Day Center): 355 Pulaski St, Athens GA, 30601 - The Sparrow’s Nest: Provides homeless support services, including free meals, a clothes closet, showers, and laundry services.
Contact: 706-549-6693 / 745 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30606 - Advantage Homeless Day Service Center: Offers support services, showers, and laundry facilities from Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Contact: 706-354-1154 / 240 North Ave, Athens, GA
Power Outage and Burst Pipe Information
Residents experiencing burst pipes should refrain from calling 911. Instead, contact the Public Utilities Department at 707-613-3495 or 706-613-3481 (after hours).
- Shut off the main water valve immediately if a pipe bursts.
- If help is needed to shut off the main water valve at the meter, reach out to the Public Utilities Department using the above numbers.
- Those living in multi-family complexes should contact their property management for assistance.
- Locate your home’s main water valve and the meter valve in advance of severe weather.
- If pipes freeze, turn off the main valve and use a blow dryer or space heater to thaw them slowly. Once thawed, turn the water back on slowly and inspect for leaks.
For further details on handling burst or frozen pipes and preparing for winter conditions, visit the Public Utilities Department’s Winter Water Tips page.
