A powerful winter storm recently swept through the southern United States, causing widespread disruptions with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Schools were closed, travel plans were disrupted, and thousands of people experienced power outages across multiple states.
Travel and Flight Disruptions
The storm brought travel to a standstill in many areas. Major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Charlotte Douglas International faced cancellations and delays. By Saturday afternoon, nearly 1,000 flights at Atlanta’s airport were canceled or delayed. Security lines were long, and stranded travelers, like Sarah Wanyoike, faced extended waits. Some passengers even slept on the airport floors due to the chaos.
Delta Air Lines, the largest carrier in Atlanta, announced efforts to stabilize operations and resume reliable service by the weekend.
Snow and Ice Create Dangerous Conditions
Snowfall blanketed large portions of the South, with parts of western North Carolina receiving up to 4.5 inches and middle Tennessee seeing nearly 6 inches of snow. In Arkansas, areas reported nearly a foot of snow, far surpassing yearly averages. Roads remained icy and treacherous, particularly secondary routes, prompting officials to urge caution.
The storm also caused power outages, leaving over 110,000 customers without electricity in Georgia on Friday night. By Saturday evening, most power had been restored. Freezing rain and icy conditions were reported in areas like Atlanta, creating additional challenges.
Community Efforts Amid the Storm
Despite the harsh conditions, communities came together to clear snow and reopen businesses and places of worship. In Nashville, Tennessee, members of Judah Temple of Praise worked to shovel snow and prepare their parking lot for Sunday services. Local businesses, like the Bad Luck Burger Club food truck, also worked to clear sidewalks and reopen for customers after Friday closures.
Impact on Schools
The storm gave millions of children from Texas to South Carolina an unexpected snow day as schools closed. In northern Alabama, officials warned that schools might remain closed Monday if icy roads persist.
A Rare Southern Winter
The storm delivered a year’s worth of snow to some cities in just days. Little Rock, Arkansas, which usually averages 3.8 inches of snow annually, saw nearly 10 inches. Memphis, Tennessee, received over 7 inches, far exceeding its yearly average of 2.7 inches.
Polar Vortex and Climate Implications
The extreme cold is linked to the polar vortex, which occasionally moves south from the North Pole. Experts suggest that such events could become more frequent due to global warming.
