Following a freezing winter storm that wreaked havoc across the South, warmer weather is slowly bringing relief as snow and ice begin to melt. Crews have been working tirelessly to restore power to affected areas, with significant progress made in North Carolina and South Carolina. In Atlanta, where around 1,000 flights were cancelled or delayed on Saturday, airport officials have cleared all roadways and parking lots of snow, ensuring that all runways are operational.
According to a press release from The City of Atlanta Government, power has been restored to 97% of Georgia Power customers by Sunday. The storm, which brought heavy snow and freezing rain, has now moved out of the region, allowing for a gradual thawing process.
Some areas experienced record-breaking snowfall, with parts of Arkansas receiving as much as a foot of snow. In Memphis, where annual snowfall averages 2.7 inches, the airport recorded over 7 inches of snow. Atlanta saw over 2 inches of snow on Friday, marking the first significant snowfall in the city since 2018.
While Gulf Coast residents can expect showers, other parts of the country may face snowfall and cold, dry air from the Arctic region. Despite improving conditions, some closures, including at churches, were announced for Sunday. Schools were closed on Friday for millions of children, offering them a rare snow day. In northern Alabama, schools may remain closed on Monday if ice persists on secondary roads.