ATLANTA – For the second time this month, Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency in Georgia, with snow expected across the state.A winter storm watch is in effect in 128 of the state’s 159 counties, with forecasts calling for up to two inches of snow between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.“Before the full force of the incoming winter weather arrives, many Georgians are already experiencing dangerously low temperatures ahead of expected freezing precipitation on Tuesday,” Kemp said Monday. “As we continue to coordinate with state and local officials throughout the state, I urge everyone to make their own preparations to ensure they and their families are safe over the coming days, especially if road conditions prevent travel.”With Kemp’s emergency declaration, the State Operations Center in southeast Atlanta has been activated, and the Georgia Department of Defense has been authorized to deploy up to 250 Georgia National Guard troops should they be needed for preparation, response, and recovery efforts.State offices in Atlanta, including the Georgia Capitol, will be closed on Tuesday, and agency officials outside of Atlanta will have discretion to close and have their employees work from home. The first two of three days of hearings on Kemp’s budget proposals to the General Assembly that had been due to start on Tuesday have been canceled.Wintry precipitation is expected to begin in Southwest and West-Central Georgia late Tuesday morning or early Tuesday afternoon and cover most of Central and South Georgia by sunset. Low temperatures will be in the teens across North and Central Georgia Wednesday morning and in the 20s across South Georgia.Any precipitation that falls is likely to remain through at least Wednesday. But afternoon highs should reach the low 40s on Thursday, allowing the snow and ice to melt.Power outages and tree damage are possible, especially in South Georgia where the highest ice accumulations are expected.The state Department of Transportation began treating roadways with brine on Sunday morning, focusing on pre-treating interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses. For those who must travel, motorists are advised to leave room for DOT crews to continue treating and clearing roads.Like the earlier emergency declaration, the governor’s executive order prohibits price gouging, suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities, and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting emergency supplies.The post Snowy forecast prompts state of emergency appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.