On Friday, the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas in North Georgia were hit hard by a winter storm that brought heavy snow and ice, creating slippery and dangerous road conditions. Residents faced challenges as temperatures dropped and roads turned into icy trails. Officials are urging everyone to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.
Winter Weather Gripped North Georgia
As the winter storm swept through, snowfall amounts varied significantly across the region. In Atlanta, between 1 to 5 inches of snow fell, with the city recording about 3 inches. This led to hazardous conditions, especially as freezing rain also contributed to an over quarter-inch of ice accumulation. High winds gusting up to 25 mph made matters worse, resulting in power outages for over 110,000 customers. This storm was significant and its timing couldn’t have been worse for city residents.
Live Updates: Closings and Delays
Due to the extreme weather, MARTA, the local public transportation system, announced they would suspend bus and streetcar service on Saturday morning, citing icy conditions as a primary reason. Schools and government facilities also closed their doors as a precautionary measure. Warnings about black ice and other hazardous conditions on the roadway were issued, with officials strongly advising people to avoid traveling until conditions improved.
Waking Up to Icy, Slushy Roadways
Many residents woke up Saturday to streets covered in slush, ice, and snow. People across the city shared images and videos on social media of the wintry scene, showing cars cautiously navigating the roads. Friends and families were reminded to check on each other during this stormy time, as the risk of accidents increased with the icy conditions. A little camaraderie and neighborly help could go a long way in keeping everyone safe.
How Much Snow Fell in Atlanta?
Local meteorologists reported that snow totals varied greatly even within a few miles. In some areas closer to the mountains, snow levels reached upwards of 5 inches, while, in the heart of Atlanta, residents found about 3 inches on the ground. These levels were significant enough to disrupt typical routines, including the schedules of school kids and weekend activities.
Black Ice and Refreezing
As temperatures dipped into the teens and lower 20s overnight into Saturday, concerns about black ice grew. Black ice, a thin layer of transparent ice that forms on roads, creates especially dangerous driving conditions as it is often invisible to drivers until it’s too late. Local officials emphasized staying safe by steering clear of unnecessary travel and following updates from local news outlets regarding road conditions.
Even Colder Sunday
As the sun was expected to peek out by late Saturday morning, temperatures were predicted to remain frigid heading into Sunday. This means that road conditions would stay treacherous for a while longer, with the possibility of icing continuing. The community is collectively keeping an eye on forecasts to stay prepared and safe during the remainder of the winter weather event.
NBA Game Postponements
The winter storm not only affected everyday lives but also had significant impacts on local events, including sporting events. The NBA had to postpone the highly anticipated game between the Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks due to the hazardous conditions. Safety for players, fans, and staff was the top priority as icy conditions made it dangerous for travel to the arena. The league will announce a new date for the game which fans will be eagerly waiting for as they recover from the storm.
$ Table: Winter Storm Impact Summary
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Snow Accumulation | 1 to 5 inches across North Georgia, with 3 inches in Atlanta |
| Ice Accumulation | Over a quarter-inch in some areas, creating hazardous conditions |
| Power Outages | Over 110,000 homes without power |
| Transportation | MARTA suspended services due to icy roads |
| Sporting Events | NBA Rockets-Hawks game postponed |