Following a winter storm that brought ice and record-breaking snow to several major Southern cities, cleanup efforts are now in progress. In New Orleans, crews are working to remove snow using methods similar to how they clear trash, drink cups, and plastic beads after Mardi Gras festivities. Temperatures are gradually rising across the U.S. South, offering hope that remaining snow and ice will soon melt away.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development spokesperson Daniel Gitlin emphasized the need to let Mother Nature take its course in clearing the snow and ice. However, up to 200 miles of interstate are expected to remain closed until Friday due to treacherous black ice patches. Louisiana is facing a shortage of salt after treating roads.
In New Orleans, a waste management firm has repurposed equipment typically used for Mardi Gras cleanup to clear snow from the streets. IV Waste President Sidney Torres deployed a 4,000-gallon “flusher” truck to spray water and soften the ice for removal in the French Quarter.
Arkansas has provided snowplows, dump trucks, and salt spreaders to assist Louisiana in the cleanup efforts. The winter storm likely set records across the region, with Florida potentially breaking its all-time snowfall record in one town.
In Georgia, Savannah recorded its highest snowfall since 1989, while metro Atlanta saw varying snow and ice accumulations. In South Carolina, icy roads led to a curfew in Brunswick, with warming stations opened for residents without power.
Tragically, South Carolina reported a storm-related death as a 71-year-old man passed away while shoveling snow. The storm also caused road closures and power outages in coastal areas.
In North Carolina, slick roads remained hazardous after snow refroze overnight, impacting schools and causing delays. Schools in Alabama also remained closed due to icy conditions, with concerns about frozen pipes in some areas.
Airports in the South are gradually recovering from the weather disruptions, with flight cancellations decreasing significantly. Overall, efforts are underway to clear roads, restore power, and resume normal activities in the aftermath of the winter storm.
