The event was set up when a shallow layer of cold air pushed into northeast Georgia on Sunday January 25. Northeast winds continued to push cold air westward and southward on the 26th until temperatures dropped to the freezing mark or lower as far south as the greater Augusta area. When rain spread across the state late Sunday and Monday, it froze on contact with many above-ground objects. In locations where temperatures were cold enough, roads also became covered in ice. The storm ended when temperatures rose above freezing on the 27th. But, for some, the effects lasted for a few more days, as there were many trees and limbs to clean up before power could be restored.