Atlanta Paralyzed by January Snow Storm
TL/DR –
In 2014, Atlanta experienced a winter storm referred to as Snowpocalypse, Snow Jam and Snowmageddon, causing significant disruption to the city. The storm resulted in numerous traffic accidents, extended traffic jams, and considerable property damage, with more than 1,000 accidents reported and the city taking 18 hours to return to normal traffic movement. The storm also had significant financial implications, with property losses including damaged cars and burst pipes amounting to at least $10 million.
Doug Turnbull Recounts Atlanta Snowmageddon 2014
Doug Turnbull, the Triple Team Traffic anchor on 95.5 WSB, described the infamous Snowmageddon 2014 in Atlanta as a day Atlanta residents will never forget.
The Transformation of an Average Tuesday into Chaos
Turnbull recalls Metro Atlanta’s transformation from normality to chaos, beginning with a regular Tuesday morning and escalating into an extraordinary winter storm warning that went into effect in the early hours.
By late morning, the commute in Cherokee, Bartow, and Cobb counties became nearly impossible due to ice and snow. The rest of the metro area soon followed, trapping tens of thousands of people trying to return home early.
Snowpocalypse: A Glimpse by the Numbers
The winter storm, also known as the Snowpocalypse, Snow Jam, and Snowmageddon, left a remarkable impact. Here are the numbers:
Over 1,000: Traffic accidents reported. 5: Hours after the first snowfall, Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency. 6 (or more): Hours it took to drive 10 miles. 2.6: Inches of snow that fell. 18: Hours before traffic returned to normal. Over 500: Cars towed following the storm.
Impact Beyond Motorists
The storm’s effects were not limited to the roads. At least $10 million: The value of property losses, including damaged cars and burst pipes. Many abandoned their cars and sought cover while vehicles remained stranded on interstates for days. Some students were stuck at school due to clogged roads.
The Aftermath
Well after the storm, Turnbull highlighted that Metro Atlanta learned to treat winter weather threats with greater caution.
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