A powerful winter storm has swept across the southern United States, causing widespread disruptions to air travel, road safety, and power supply. Major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, have faced significant delays and cancellations, while residents grapple with hazardous driving conditions and power outages.
Air Travel Chaos
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs, was severely affected by the storm. On Friday, all five runways were closed for over two hours due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Delta Air Lines, the airport’s primary carrier, canceled around 700 flights on Friday and warned of potential further disruptions over the weekend.
By Saturday morning, a ground delay was implemented to manage traffic flow. Although flights have since resumed, the airport continues to experience delays and cancellations. As of Sunday morning, conditions have improved, with the main security checkpoint reporting a wait time of just 16 minutes—down from earlier chaos.
According to FlightAware, a flight tracking site, there are currently 75 delays and 26 cancellations, a significant improvement from the nearly 900 delays and 350 cancellations reported on Saturday.
In Jacksonville, Florida, the storm’s impact has been milder, with only a few flight cancellations and delays. However, travelers are urged to check with airlines for updates, as conditions remain unpredictable.
Dangerous Road Conditions
The storm has made roads across the southern U.S. extremely hazardous. In Atlanta, major roads are mostly clear, but secondary routes remain dangerous due to slush and the risk of refreezing as temperatures drop. The National Weather Service has warned that melting snow could refreeze after sundown, creating icy and treacherous roadways.
In response to the unsafe conditions, the Atlanta Hawks postponed their scheduled game against the Houston Rockets, citing safety concerns for players, fans, and staff. The NBA has announced that a new date for the game will be determined later.
Power Outages and Emergency Measures
The storm has caused widespread power outages across the region. In Georgia, freezing rain left over 110,000 customers without electricity on Friday night. By Saturday evening, power crews had restored service to most areas, though a few thousand households remained in the dark.
Governors in several states, including Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, have declared states of emergency to mobilize resources and address the storm’s impact. National Guard troops have been deployed in some areas to assist stranded motorists and support recovery efforts.
Community Impact
The storm brought rare snowfall to southern cities unaccustomed to such weather. Nashville, Tennessee, received several inches of snow, prompting businesses and churches to clear pathways in preparation for reopening. Members of Judah Temple of Praise shoveled and salted sidewalks and parking lots to ensure safe access for Sunday services.
In east Nashville, the Bad Luck Burger Club food truck prepared to reopen after closing due to the storm. Meanwhile, in Alabama, officials warned that schools may remain closed if ice on secondary roads does not melt, prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
The storm has led to school closures from Texas to South Carolina, giving millions of children an unexpected snow day.
What’s Next?
As the storm moves off the East Coast, the southern U.S. is expected to face colder temperatures, increasing the risk of refreezing and continued hazardous road conditions. Residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling and to stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to restore normalcy in the affected regions.
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