A winter storm swept across the southern United States over the weekend, bringing heavy snowfall and ice that impacted roadways significantly. The storm maintained its icy grip on the region, causing power outages for over 110,000 residents, particularly in the Atlanta area.
Georgia Power acknowledged the challenges of the weather, stating on social media that ice and falling trees had resulted in the power outages as the sun set. They reassured the public that crews were working safely to restore power while dealing with treacherous conditions on the roads.
Transportation officials in Georgia advised people to avoid traveling until at least noon on Saturday, predicting that snow and ice would continue to affect areas in the Carolinas, Virginia, and parts of Ohio and Tennessee.
Earlier in the week, the storm had covered much of Texas and Oklahoma with snow before moving eastward. States like Arkansas and North Carolina called in National Guard troops to assist stranded drivers, and several governors declared states of emergency in anticipation of the severe weather.
Schools from Texas to Georgia, as well as parts of South Carolina, canceled classes, giving millions of children a rare day off due to snow.
In some locations, the snowfall equaled an entire year’s worth, with Arkansas reporting totals of up to 31 centimeters (about a foot) and Little Rock, which averages 9.7 centimeters (3.8 inches) annually, experiencing around 25 centimeters (nearly 10 inches). Memphis International Airport measured about 18 centimeters (over 7 inches) of snow since Thursday night, a stark contrast to the city’s average annual snowfall of just 6.9 centimeters (2.7 inches). Officials expressed concerns about road conditions turning icy as temperatures dropped overnight.
The mix of sleet, snow, and ice made travel hazardous in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, while the Carolinas faced transitioning wintery conditions turning into freezing rain. According to the National Weather Service, parts of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia could receive up to 20 centimeters (about eight inches) of snow.
The snowfall that began Friday morning in the Atlanta metropolitan area led to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays at one of the world’s busiest airports. Additionally, four passengers sustained injuries after a Delta Airlines flight to Minneapolis had to abort its takeoff, resulting in one hospitalization and three others treated for minor injuries.
Major airports in Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Nashville also reported significant disruptions, with the Federal Aviation Administration warning that the storm could continue to affect air travel.
This severe winter weather has coincided with unusual January wildfires in the Los Angeles area, raising questions about climate patterns. The polar vortex, typically locked around the North Pole, occasionally dips south, and some experts believe such events may be becoming more common due to global warming.
As this storm continues to develop, officials will remain vigilant and advise the public to act cautiously.
