The main threats from winter weather across the Southeast stem from snow and ice storms. Last winter (2017-2018) was quite active and brought a couple of impactful winter weather events.
The most significant winter storm was a very early heavy snow event in December across much of north Georgia. Some locations received a foot of heavy, wet snow that left numerous downed trees and widespread power outages.
Now that we are heading back into the winter weather season, it’s time to review your winter weather plans to make sure you’re prepared. Understanding potential winter weather hazards is a good first step.
Types of precipitation
Snow falls as light frozen precipitation while freezing rain falls, well, as rain. It freezes after it hits the surface. Sleet is rain that freezes as it falls and hits the surface as frozen pellets.
Hail forms in thunderstorms and is rather rare in the winter. It develops when updrafts of air churn moisture in the clouds until it freezes and becomes too heavy for the air to hold it. Thundersnow is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which a storm with thunder and lightning also drops snow.
When temperatures freeze, black ice forms on wet roads, bridges, sidewalks and other surfaces. This ice is naked to the eye and can make driving and walking dangerous.
Ice is one of the major winter weather problems across the Southeast. The accumulation of ice on trees and power lines can cause them to topple. Ice storms can disrupt communications and block roads.
During the winter of 2010-2011 north and central Georgia witnessed such an event with the Snow and Ice Storm of January 9th and 10th. More recent ice events occurred in February 2014 and again in February 2015.
While it’s easy to put off preparing for winter in Georgia due to the generally temperate climate, you should not delay. It’s important to have an emergency kit in your car case ice makes roadways hazardous and transportation becomes disrupted.
For more information, visit the Ready Georgia website or search for Winter Weather Preparedness Week (#wwpw) on social media.
