Winter Storm Leon, which left about two inches of snow covering the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, hit Atlanta particularly hard. Here are 12 things we remember about it. 2023 Cox Media Group. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Atlanta mayor and Georgia governor face scrutiny over response to storm, Past winter storms caused similar problems in Atlanta. Deal acknowledged Tuesday that perhaps he should have acted sooner. We would have shut a major city down for a day, he said. Many schools and businesses closed in the late morning and early afternoon. Average Snowfall: 1 inch Usual Weather in Atlanta in February Average High Temperature: 57 degrees Average Low Temperature: 37 degrees Average Precipitation: 4.5 inches Average Snowfall: 0.5 inches Usual Weather in Atlanta in March Average High Temperature: 65 degrees Average Low Temperature: 44 degrees Average Precipitation: 5.1 inches This article was published more than9 years ago. Channel 2's Richard Elliot caught one car spinning out on Ga. 400 live on TV. Traffic jammed at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Roswell Road. The January 28, 2014 snowstorm crippled metro Atlanta for almost a week and caused extreme chaos on the city's main interstates and highways. Ginger Reid, 44, waited for eight hours to see her son, Ross, 11, who was stuck on a bus. Known as "Snowmageddon 2014 or the "Snowpocalypse," it was a snow event that left two inches of snow throughout much of central Alabama, stranding motorists on Highway 280 in Birmingham and Highway 431 at the Calhoun/Etowah County line, stranding students at schools, and giving cities a chance to use recently acquired military vehicles to take Some drivers even abandoned their cars on the streets to walk home after a 15-mile trek took over six hours. The South's disastrous response to the winter storm, in pictures But some folks still were able to have a little fun. Atlanta Snow | Gov. Deal: I don't think we responded fast enough The forecast path of the storm changed. If damage is found, you may be entitled to Diminished Value. January 06, 2014 at 12:15 pm EST ATLANTA Some people called it Snowmageddon, others called it Snowpocalypse, thankfully very few people called it snOMG. He said the city's response was better than after "Snowmageddon 2011," the winter storm that paralyzed the Atlanta metro that year. There was never and has never since been a blizzard in GA that had the ferocity of the 1993 disaster, and its unlikely that itll repeat itself often, if at all. Atlanta Officials Gamble on Storm and Lose, and Others Pay the Price "Atlanta yesterday was buried under a blanket of snow that reached a depth of 10.3 inches, the largest in the 50-year history of the local weather bureau," Constitution reporter Luke Greene wrote. "Unlike the last event, when we had four pieces of equipment in Atlanta, this time, we had 70 pieces of equipment, and we knew how to use it.". Graphical Multiple locations were found. Past Weather Events Crews worked hundreds of crashes over the course several days. Winter in Georgia tends to be mild, with an average of just two to three inches of snow on the snowiest of days. Get Prepared, Additional Info By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Winter weather can be a tricky thing. Questions? One of the most infamous winter storms in Atlanta history was dubbed Snowmageddon, and it took place on January 28, 2014. Unable to get to a bathroom, she did what she had to do as she drove. Here is our video story about how some stranded drivers had to sleep in their cars because of the ice. What Atlanta's snowmageddon teaches us about . In Birmingham, Ala., more than 1,500 students spent Tuesday night at school, and more were expected to be stuck at school on Wednesday night, too. Although the. It gained 50,000 followers in hours. Traffic inched along the connector of Interstates 75 and 85 in Atlanta on Tuesday. She sent messages to Facebook and took calls and advice from friends and family. A snowfall that began after midnight brought the entire city to a standstill, with cars trapped on the interstate and ice blanketing the streets. Gridlock Guy: Snowmageddon memories in Atlanta crystal-clear 7 years later That led to Too many people hitting the roads at the same time. Satellite Images The winter storm caused major impacts and severe travel issues in the states of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi as many people were caught outside unexpectedly in the hazardous conditions, which included snow, freezing rain and sleet. Yearly Climate Graphs Visit our total loss page. All NOAA. What is known as an ice accretion process brought a perfect storm of conditions that led to a sudden snowfall. It's about to begin! Snowpocalypse 2014: Remembering the Jan 28 snow storm that shut down One of the biggest stories to impact Georgians in recent years was Snowmageddon, which happened nearly nine years ago this month. Peachtree City, GA4 Falcon DrivePeachtree City, GA 30269770.486.1133Comments? . Blame game heats up in Atlanta's winter nightmare. Considering that Georgia isnt exactly a place thats always prepared for severe winter weather, this historic winter storm in GA changed the lives of everyone who experienced it (and lived to tell the tale). Atlanta 1982: 40 years ago, Snow Jam '82 brought Atlanta to a - ajc Fire Weather Regional Loop, Climate It was virtually impossible to drive in midtown Atlanta. Atlanta's ability to handle winter storms questioned The alarm was sounded too late. Motorists stopped on normally busy roadways. Drivers and some employees took shelter in this Publix grocery store on West Paces Ferry Road. DOT Commissioner Keith Golden said many of the department's road-clearing crews were stationed in communities east and south of the Atlanta metro area. Also called Snowpocalypse, Jan. 28, 2014, is far from forgotten by the metro Atlantans who lived through it. ATLANTA - Thursday marks the two-year anniversary of "Snowmageddon2014" and we are happy to report there are no signs of wintry weather in Atlanta's forecast! Snowpocalypse ATX | Razorhorse He and other children were rescued when a group of fathers made their way down a hill on foot and took the boys to cars that whisked them to a parking lot, where Mrs. Reid was waiting with pizza. Nathan Deal were by turns defensive and apologetic. Insurance companies know who the legitimate appraisers are, so don't get caught up in the estimate game. One of the most infamous winter storms in Atlanta history was dubbed Snowmageddon, and it took place on January 28, 2014. 7 Gorgeous Frozen Waterfalls In Georgia That Must Be Seen To Be Believed, Here Are The 5 Best Places To Go Sled Riding In Georgia This Winter, The Charming Small Town In Georgia Where You Can Still Experience An Old-Fashioned Christmas, This Trail In Georgia Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ancient Ruins, The Magnificent Farmhouse Rental In Georgia That Gets Decked Out For The Holidays, The Giant Ice Skating Rink In Georgia Avalon On Ice, Is A Winter Dream Come True, This Georgia Christmas Town Is Straight Out Of A Norman Rockwell Painting, Not Everyone Knows The State Botanical Garden Of Georgia Puts On A Dazzling Holiday Light Display. She had to turn off her car when it began to overheat. US Dept of Commerce This might simply be Atlanta's fate in winter storms: The city was also brought to a standstill in a winter storm in 1993. What year was the big ice storm in Georgia? Cars werent starting, which caused many people to be stuck at home in miserable and life-threatening conditions. After so much havoc was caused by a storm that brought only 2-3 inches of snow to most of the Atlanta metro area, Georgia Gov. When a light snow started falling early Tuesday afternoon, Saquana Bonaparte, 31, left her. ", "I'm willing to accept whatever blame comes my way," Deal said. Two rounds of precipitation occurred with this event. Atlanta Snowmageddon 2017 - Jan 6th - YouTube However, the blizzard most commonly referred to as the worst blizzard in Georgia history was the incredible storm of 1993, dropping 20 inches of snow and killing at least 300. Why Atlantans Freak Out When Snow Is in the Forecast: Flashback to 2014 Jon Stewart Made All The Easy Southern Jokes While Eviscerating Atlanta's Snowmageddon Last Night. Rainfall Copyright 2020 WBRC. But throughout the late afternoon and evening, the snow became slush -- and then sheets of ice. Do you have any other information you'd like to provide us? Everyone knew it was going to snow and there could be ice - leading to long lines at the supermarket. Thousands of flights were canceled because of the winter weather. You know, that time when commuters, schools and businesses all let out at the same time, causing gridlock. Education and Outreach Weather Radio Ms. Bonaparte spent the night on jammed roads with tens of thousands of other desperate Atlanta-area drivers who had never seen anything like the sheet of ice that coated the city. The ambulance that was headed their way crashed. We crippled transportation across the country. Just having that data available in real-time in an event has truly been a game changer., Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023. Atlanta hasn't even thawed out yet but the blame game has already started. He said the city has spent $2.5 million since then on equipment. Gov. Computer Models The interstates were like ice skating rinks, and thousands of people were stranded on the side of the road. November 13 - 21, 2014 North American winter storm January 2016 United States blizzard (Snowzilla [11]) Winter of 2009-2010 in the United Kingdom Winter of 2010-2011 in the United Kingdom January 17, 2020 in St. John's, Canada blizzard (Snowmageddon) [12] [13] February 13-17, 2021 North American winter storm See also Many motorists left their vehicles on the side of the road as they ran out of gas or simply couldnt bare the frustration, towing companies were towing vehicles non-stop to their yards. On the heels of a significant winter storm 2 weeks earlier, a more powerful storm brought heavy snow and record level of ice to north and central Georgia on February 11-13, 2014. Cant get enough of Georgias amazing natural wonders? By the time the precipitation wrapping around the back side of the upper low pressure area ended late Wednesday night in north Georgia, a large area of 2 to 4 inches of snow had fallen roughly north of I-20 and ice accumulations of 1/4 to over 1/2 inch near Atlanta and amounts over 3/4 of an inch all along the I-20 east corridor towards Augusta (see accumulation map). Two rounds of precipitation occurred with this event. All rights reserved. When Was Snowmageddon Atlanta? Whatever you called the snow storm of January 2011, you no doubt remember being stuck at home from Sunday night until mid-week. The next storm was supposed to be different. Anyone can read what you share. No one could travel out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the delays caused a ripple effect. Nationwide This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. They can be proactive on that, Lanxton said. Whatever you called the snow storm. Drivers take refuge inside a local store as roads become too slick to drive on. The precipitation continued through day and into the overnight. By August 15, 2022. Fortunately a "dry slot" wrapped around the south end east side of the upper level low pressure area. Channel 2 Action News is taking a look at the biggest events in Georgia history as WSB-TV celebrates its 75th anniversary. WRONG! Remembering 'Snowmageddon' 2014: 2 years later This exact situation must have occurred in the Atlanta Metro 100 more times, I was lucky and was able to cross the bridge an hour after it was shut down, others were not as lucky. In late January 2014, just under three inches of snowand, more specifically, the ice that followedcrippled metro Atlanta, shutting down the region's economy and forcing people to sleep in. Some people had to abandoned their cars or sleep in them. Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! In fact, as the snow picked up. South of this line a mixture of rain, sleet and snow occurred with little impact at the time. The rare Southern winter storm stretched to Brownsville, Texas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iudRPyX4934. The problem with towing companies especially when in a rush is the fact that they dont strap vehicles well or attach their hook to the engine cradle or cross-member causing incidental damage to the structure of the vehicle. We've had a number of winter weather events, but city officials have been well-prepared each time. Tropical Weather, Current Weather Even beaches were coated with snow and ice. Other cities were caught off guard as well. We cannot provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion, or recommendation about possible legal rights, taxes, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies. Atlanta Snowmageddon 2014 is six years old today | 11alive.com Deal is there to congratulate him. It makes you very emotional after a while, she said. In the aftermath, this headline led the front page of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: How did this happen?. Atlanta Snowmageddon 2014 - Car Accidents and Appraisals / Car Appraisal Blog / By Diminished Value Car . If you suspect structural or undercarriage damage to your vehicle caused by tow truck drivers not properly strapping your vehicle while in tow, you need to file an insurance claim and get the vehicle repaired right away. But other times, winter weather can be quite harsh closing down streets and highways, and oftentimes shutting down entire cities. One of the most infamous winter storms in Atlanta history was dubbed Snowmageddon, and it took place on January 28, 2014. Another thing we learned, according to Tanner, was to have points of contact available, as well as contacts for the second person and third person in charge, three deep as he says. Known as Snowmageddon 2014 or the Snowpocalypse, it was a snow event that left two inches of snow throughout much of central Alabama, stranding motorists on Highway 280 in Birmingham and Highway 431 at the Calhoun/Etowah County line, stranding students at schools, and giving cities a chance to use recently acquired military vehicles to take nurses to their shifts at hospitals. ATLANTA Remember Snowmageddon, aka Snowpocalypse, in 2014? Also, there is more pre-treatment of the states roads. Current Hazards Incident Support Archived Info Jon Stewart of "The Daily Show" played a clip of Georgia governor Nathan Deal saying the scope of the snowstorm could not have been predicted, then a clip of a Weather Channel meteorologist predicting it, while pointing out The Weather Channel is itself located in Atlanta. National At least two babies were born during the storm, one with the help of a Sandy Springs police officer who got to a woman who was giving birth in a car on Interstate 285 and helped her husband deliver the baby, named Grace, as in by the grace of God.. It is an image that would be seen over and over again. Research But in those sea of vehicles, reports of babies being born Do you have a memory you want to share with us? In January 2011, Atlanta was hit with a massive snow storm, the whole city was offline for about 5 days. ATLANTA It's one of the most infamous weather events in Atlanta history, and it turns six years old today: Snowmageddon. Temperatures had been in the 60s just two days earlier, then the temperatures suddenly dropped and two inches fell in a short period of time when a light dusting had been predicted for later in the day. Warner Robins The storm only produced about two to three inches of snow. SNOWMAGEDDON: Remember the last big winter storm to hit Atlanta? "We did an excellent job of communicating with our local partners to let them know what was going on, but even as well as the communication was, there were still folks that were still stuck at work or they were stuck at school," Tanner says. There are a handful of storms that have gone down in Georgias history as some of the worst of the worst. Many people were unable to even get on the roads to get to the airport. Love Georgia? Another big change, the state installed a network of road sensors across Georgia providing a precise measurement closely monitored by Severe Weather Team 2, the state, and GDOT. Also called Snowpocalypse, Jan. 28, 2014, is far from forgotten by the metro. State and local officials expected the brunt of the storm to hit south and east of Atlanta; when it started snowing in communities in west and north Atlanta, schools, businesses and government offices started closing. Some drivers slept in their cars. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Once frozen over, the metros interstates turned into parking lots. Want to go even further back to the snowstorm of 2011? Please try another search. Local Storm Reports The conditions led to crashes all over the place. If the city had been closed and the storm had been as light as some forecasters had told him it was going to be, he said, money would have been lost, and people would have complained. Our Office. Would you rather collect 80% of an accurate appraisal or 20% of an inflated one? And we found heroes were among all of us. Her boyfriend, Byron Dobbins, called 911. GADSDEN, Ala. (WBRC) - Six years ago January 28, a heavy snow that seemed to come out of nowhere wreaked havoc throughout much of the state. One of the lessons learned, he says, is that resources should be staged ahead of time in places that could be impacted by such an event. Not to mention the mess on I-285 where dozens of tractor trailers remained for several days. Jan. 29, 2014 ATLANTA There are bad commutes, and then there is what happened here this week. Others ran out of gas. Aviation Weather I was thinking of looting and things you hear about during other crises, she said. Tuesday's snowfall brought just 2.6 inches of snow to Atlanta, but it was a one-day record and enough to hamstring the region, creating nightmares for commuters, truckers, students and their. It played out again when "Snowmageddon 2011 . Which Georgia ice storm was the worst? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Mike Luckovich, depicted Deal and Reed responding to the snowfall by making snow angels. The worst Georgia ice storm on record is likely subjective; after all, everyone experiences things differently. Celebrating 75: A look back at 'Snowmageddon' and the changes it brought You know, that time when commuters, schools and businesses all let out at the same time, causing gridlock. Jon Stewart Made All The Easy Southern Jokes While Eviscerating Atlanta 1. He was awakened by a gentle knock on his window. This dry slot caused precipitation to break up across much of the area late Wednesday morning through the afternoon. The Home Depot stores and fire stations provided shelter to stranded motorists. The city was more prepared than it had ever been, he said. Atlanta is such an important hub when it comes to goods movement.". Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); METHOD OF DIMINISHED VALUE CALCULATION IN REPAIRED VEHICLES, Diminished Value of Georgia Services and Price List. By early Tuesday, Deal said, Atlanta meteorologists predicted a storm path farther north, but the governor said storm plans were made on the earlier forecasts from the National Weather Service. ATLANTA The winter storm paralyzing one of the nation's largest cities three years after another winter storm shut down the city in much the same way raises the question: Is Atlanta simply destined to quit functioning every time it gets a few inches of snow? When Was Snowmageddon Atlanta? - PartyShopMaine As thousands of Atlanta residents jump in their cars and start going nowhere, Mayor Reed accepts the 2014 Georgian Of The Year award from GeorgiaTrend Magazine. Within a very short window of time, many more motorists got on the roadways and during that same timeframe is when the amount of snow continued to come, then-Gov. It was brought standstill "Snow Jam 1982," a storm that hit in January of that year, and during a winter storm in 1993. Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency, No one could travel out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Checks from Georgias $1 BILLION tax rebate are starting to hit bank accounts, No. While ice storms arent too rare in Georgia, this one was one of the most catastrophic. Ice Storm Atlanta: 5 Winter Storms In GA That Made History Authorities told us that they responded to more than 200 accidents this afternoon, Channel 2s Justin Farmer reported throughout our coverage of the storm. Two inches of chaos: What Atlanta's leaders were doing while the - CNN Rivers/Lakes, Radar Imagery Dalton, Ga., Mayor David Pennington, who's running against Deal for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, said, "Government's primary role is to protect the people; Nathan Deal has failed miserably once again. A snowfall that began after midnight brought the entire city to a standstill, with cars trapped on the interstate and ice blanketing the streets. As the sun began to rise the next day, people woke up to the news that many of those same vehicles on Atlanta's interstates remained there overnight. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Atlanta man discovers way for drivers to legally escape parking lot boots without paying fine, Marine veteran in his 80s held at gunpoint during home invasion: 'I wasn't afraid of him', Atlanta studio already feeling pain from possible Hollywood writers' strike, Legendary folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, Morehouse offers to open primary care facility on Atlanta's southside to fill gap from Wellstar closures, Metro Atlanta city named one of the 'Best Places to Live' in United States: report, Fulton County Jail inmate somehow got to enjoy steak dinner in their jail cell, Police investigating threats to Forsyth County high school, student in custody, Beloved Forsyth County school custodian named finalist for national 'Custodian of the Year', Mayor 'acted like a fool' during drunken episodes while criminal case still unresolved. Here's how the story unfolded on our Facebook page: The first signs of a snow storm aren't typically flakes falling from the sky A few hours into the Winter Storm Warning and FOX 5's Joanne Feldman was already tracking snow showers moving into the state. Your access to the website is subject to our, Atlanta Snowmageddon 2014 Car Accidents and Appraisals, How Subaru Became a Leader in Subcompact SUVs, Auto Market Update Week Ending Apr 22, 2023, Auto Incentives and Rebates Week Ending Apr 29, 2023, The Updated List of EV Models Eligible for Tax Credits in the US, 2021 Honda Pilot Loss in Value Case Study, Tesla Sales Growth Slows Despite Price Cuts, Poor coordination between the multiple jurisdictions covering the Atlanta Metro Area, The school systems decided to have a school day, Poor preparation from the Georgia Department of Transportation, Poor preparation from the various cities and municipalities, Lack of resources and competent personnel, People were let go from their jobs all at the same time.