Historic Winter Storm Hits the Deep South

News Summary

A rare winter storm has blanketed the Deep South, particularly Atlanta, with significant snowfall that hasn’t been seen in over a century. With records being broken and travel disruptions occurring across the region, the community is coming together to navigate the challenges posed by this unprecedented weather event. The storm has sparked memories of past snow disruptions, leading to improved responses from local transportation agencies. As residents face icy conditions and potential refreezing, the resilience of the community shines through amidst the chaos.

Historic Winter Storm Hits the Deep South

Atlanta, a city known for its warm southern hospitality, was caught off guard this past Tuesday by a historically unusual winter storm that swept across the Deep South, leaving behind a blanket of snow in places many never thought would see such weather.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Snowfall

For some regions, this was no ordinary snowfall; it was a once-in-a-lifetime event. Parts of the South experienced more snow than they have in 130 years, creating a winter wonderland that locals and visitors are talking about. In Atlanta, the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport recorded a surprising 1.1 inches of snow—a record for the airport on Jan. 21. This broke the previous records for this day and left many wondering just how much the weather can surprise us.

Heavy Snow Totals

As we looked across Georgia, the heavier snowfall totals painted a picture of a wintery landscape. Cordele saw an astonishing 9 inches, while nearby Camilla recorded about 8 inches of snow. Meanwhile, Northern metro Atlanta areas such as Kennesaw, Marietta, and Acworth basically struck out, receiving no measurable snowfall. It’s almost as if Mother Nature was playing favorites with where the snow would fall this time around.

Travel Disruptions Abound

With snow comes travel troubles, and this storm was no exception. Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled, leaving travelers stranded and scrambling for alternate plans. Roads became a battleground, with hundreds of vehicles either abandoned or caught in the chaos of winter driving conditions. To make matters worse, this storm resulted in tragic loss of life in Texas and Alabama, with officials stressing the importance of staying safe and off the roads if possible.

An Improved Response

Remember the infamous snowstorm of January 2014, dubbed “Snowmageddon” or “Snowpocalypse,” that wreaked havoc in Atlanta? Well, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has been working hard to prevent a repeat of that nightmare. Since then, they’ve ramped up their winter storm preparedness, utilizing road brine and deploying snow removal trucks quicker than before. However, despite these improvements and a State of Emergency declared by Governor Brian Kemp, many drivers faced significant challenges on the icy roads, leading to several crashes and some cars left behind in the snow.

Weather Conditions Worsen

The situation did not improve as temperatures plummeted into the low-to-mid 20s, creating hazardous icy conditions as the day wore on. Officials urged residents to stay off the roads, emphasizing that conditions would only deteriorate. As the storm progressed, school districts began announcing closures or shifting to virtual learning to ensure the safety of students.

Service Suspensions and Road Safety Concerns

Transportation services were not immune. MARTA suspended its bus service due to severe weather. Adding to the worries, meteorologists were concerned about the potential for road refreezing as temperatures dropped further on Wednesday night following the storm’s aftermath.

Community Resilience

In the face of all these challenges, the spirit of Atlanta remains resilient. Neighbors are banding together to help one another, and the community is stepping up to support those most affected by this winter storm. As they all hunker down, the chat around town is filled with tales of snow angels made, warm mugs of cocoa enjoyed, and a new appreciation for the beauty (and unpredictability) of winter in the South.

Looking Ahead

As the snow begins to melt and streets clear, residents are left to wonder what else surprises the weather has in store. Each storm is a reminder that nature keeps us on our toes, and it seems like winter in Atlanta is just getting started!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Winter Woes: School Districts Across Georgia Face Delays and Closures
Winter Storm Causes School Closures and Icy Roads in Fayette County
Winter Weather Alert: Georgia Declares State of Emergency
Georgia Warms Up After Record Snowfall and Icy Conditions
New Orleans Sees Rare Winter Wonderland Following Snowstorm
Churches in Georgia Cancel Services Due to Winter Storm
Winter Storm Hits Metro Atlanta Hard
Winter Storm Causes School Disruptions in Georgia
Historic Winter Storm Disrupts Gulf Coast States
Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene Faces Heartbreak with Closures

Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta: Winter Storm Results
• WSB TV: Winter Weather Advisory
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Winter Chill Persists
• 11 Alive: Georgia Winter Weather Road Conditions
• Atlanta News First: Icy Hazardous Road Conditions
• Wikipedia: Winter Storm