The year 2026 has already delivered a pair of winter surprises, and Middle Georgia is once again bracing for another round of weather-related uncertainty.
Last week, residents of Lamar County woke up to a rare and picturesque snowfall. A few inches of snow blanketed yards and roadways, just enough for children to play, families to snap photos, and social media feeds to fill with scenes of snow-covered landscapes. Within a few hours, the snow melted away, and life returned to normal almost as quickly as it arrived.
This week’s potential winter weather, however, is far less entertaining.
Various forecasts suggest Lamar County could be in the crosshairs of a frigid ice storm, bringing concerns of slick roadways, hazardous travel conditions, and possible power outages rather than photo ops.
According to the National Weather Service, Lamar County could see hazardous conditions beginning Sunday night as temperatures drop sharply behind a period of precipitation.
Rain is expected through Sunday, with totals potentially exceeding one inch. Sunday afternoon may also bring thunderstorms before temperatures drop overnight. Lows are forecast to fall to around 25 degrees, creating the potential for freezing conditions on wet roads.
Monday will be sunny but cold, with highs near 38 degrees and strong northwest winds gusting up to 30 mph. Clear skies Monday night could allow temperatures to drop further, with lows near 15 degrees.
School Closure
Due to the potential for hazardous road conditions, Lamar County Schools announced Saturday evening that all schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, for both students and staff. All after-school activities have also been canceled.
Warming Stations
Lamar County officials announced that two warming stations will be available for residents in need. They will be located at the Lamar County Senior Center (106 Veterans Dr., Barnesville) and the Lamar County Recreation Center Gym (100 Academy Dr., Barnesville). More information is said to be available at a later time on the Lamar County Commissioners Facebook page.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
