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Macon urged to check on neighbors, family as city sees snowfall. Latest forecast

Mercer University seniors Bradley Anderson (left) and Kendall Boyd play on the Tatnall Square Park playground in the snow on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Macon, Georgia. The National Weather Service expected Macon to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow on Sunday.
Mercer University seniors Bradley Anderson (left) and Kendall Boyd play on the Tatnall Square Park playground in the snow on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Macon, Georgia. The National Weather Service expected Macon to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow on Sunday. The Telegraph

Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency urged caution from residents Sunday morning as the county saw notable snow accumulation.

This snow caused several closures at county-run facilities: the Convenience Center on 11th St was delaying its opening until 11:00am., and the Bowden Golf Course was closed Sunday, as were all tennis and pickleball facilities.

Additionally, the emergency management agency urged residents to check on elderly neighbors and family members.

Snow covers campus at Mercer University on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Macon, Georgia. The National Weather Service expected Macon to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow on Sunday.
Snow covers campus at Mercer University on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Macon, Georgia. The National Weather Service expected Macon to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow on Sunday. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

“Roads may be slick due to freezing temps and the snow,” Macon emergency management said. “If you must drive, slow down, leave extra space, and treat intersections without working signals as four-way stops.”

The Brookdale Resource’s warming center was open as of Sunday morning, and The Salvation Army had additional shelter space, according to Macon emergency management.

Snow sits on top of the Otis Redding statue on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in downtown Macon, Georgia. The National Weather Service expected Macon to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow on Sunday.
Snow sits on top of the Otis Redding statue on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in downtown Macon, Georgia. The National Weather Service expected Macon to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow on Sunday. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

Macon is expected to wind up with 1 to 2 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. The high temperature for Macon is 43 degrees Sunday, with a low of 25 degrees overnight. No precipitation is expected Monday, and highs are supposed to reach 49.

Snow covers cars in downtown Macon on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.
Snow covers cars in downtown Macon on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Jesse Fraga/The Telegraph

Some braved the cold to find few businesses open

Erin Lesure, a New York native and Atlanta resident, wasn’t fazed by the moist snow coating her clothes while standing in line outside Macon Bagels Sunday morning.

It was one of the only downtown businesses open around 9 a.m.

“I’m from New York, which is why I could get out of the house,” Lesure said, and chuckled. “It feels even colder in Atlanta.”

The 44-year-old and her two kids drove from a local hotel to get their breakfast fix. They were only slightly bundled to bear the cold while visiting Macon for a wedding that night.

“We’re getting breakfast for the bride and another bridesmaid, and then we’re going back for hair and makeup,” she said.

This story was originally published January 18, 2026 at 9:03 AM.

Jeremy Chisenhall
The Telegraph
Jeremy Chisenhall is the Georgia editor for McClatchy, overseeing the newsrooms in Columbus and Macon.
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