Southern Cities Tackle Snow Cleanup After Winter Storm

Southern Cities Tackle Snow Cleanup After Winter Storm \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ After a record-breaking winter storm, Southern states like Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina are grappling with cleanup efforts. Crews adapted Mardi Gras equipment for snow removal in New Orleans, while icy roads kept interstates closed and schools shuttered. Gradual warming brings hope for melting, but lingering hazards persist.

Southern Winter Storm Cleanup Quick Looks:

• Historic Snowfall: Records set in Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
• Cleanup Innovations: New Orleans repurposes Mardi Gras trucks for snow and ice removal.
• Road Closures: Interstates in Louisiana and Alabama remain shut due to black ice.
• Power Outages: Nearly 4,000 residents in Glynn County, Georgia, are still without power.
• Airport Recovery: Flight cancellations drop as airports resume operations post-storm.
• Tragic Impact: A 71-year-old man in South Carolina died while shoveling snow.

Deep Look:

The South is slowly recovering after a rare and record-breaking winter storm brought snow and ice to states unaccustomed to such weather. Cleanup efforts are underway in cities like New Orleans, where crews have adapted unique methods to clear roads, while dangerous conditions persist in other parts of the region. The storm disrupted daily life, caused fatalities, and highlighted the challenges Southern states face when dealing with severe winter weather.

Louisiana: From Mardi Gras Cleanup to Snow Removal

In Louisiana, where snow and ice are an unusual sight, officials and private companies have repurposed resources typically used for Mardi Gras cleanups to tackle snow-covered streets. New Orleans-based waste management company IV Waste has deployed its 4,000-gallon “flusher” truck, usually reserved for cleaning up post-celebration debris, to soften and remove ice in the French Quarter.

“This truck usually sprays lemon-scented water to get rid of the smell of liquor and vomit,” said Sidney Torres, president of IV Waste. “Now we’re using it to deal with snow and ice—it’s a learning experience for all of us.”

Despite these efforts, the state’s infrastructure remains ill-equipped to handle severe winter conditions. Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development reported nearly depleting its salt supply after treating icy roads. Approximately 200 miles of interstate remain closed due to black ice, and conditions are not expected to improve significantly until temperatures rise further.

“We’re from Louisiana—we know crawfish, we know football, but we don’t know snow and ice,” said state transportation spokesperson Daniel Gitlin. “Mother Nature will help us out soon.”

To aid recovery, Arkansas has sent snowplows, salt spreaders, and other equipment to help Louisiana clear its roadways.

Record Snowfall Across the South

The storm shattered snowfall records across the region, bringing a historic level of winter weather to states like Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

• Florida: A preliminary report of 10 inches of snow in one Florida town could set a new state record if verified.
• Georgia: Savannah recorded 3 inches of snow, the highest accumulation in the historic city since 1989. In metro Atlanta, southern suburbs received more snow and ice than areas to the north.
• South Carolina: Coastal areas like Charleston were hit with several inches of snow, causing major transportation disruptions.

In Covington, Georgia, resident Jesse Gentes took an unconventional approach to clearing icy roads in his subdivision, using a flamethrower typically reserved for brush removal.

“It works surprisingly well,” Gentes told WSB-TV.

South Carolina: Tragic Loss and Lingering Ice

South Carolina experienced widespread disruptions, with icy roads and refreezing conditions complicating travel and cleanup efforts. In Charleston, the James Island Connector bridge remained closed after melted ice refroze overnight, creating hazardous conditions.

Tragically, the storm claimed the life of a 71-year-old man in Berkeley County, who suffered a medical emergency while shoveling snow. Coroner Darnell Hartwell confirmed that approximately 3–4 inches of snow fell in the area.

Local officials urged residents to stay home as schools and government offices remained closed.

North Carolina: Education and Transportation Adjustments

In North Carolina, the storm disrupted transportation and education systems. Melted snow refroze overnight, leaving roads slick and dangerous. Fayetteville-area schools announced asynchronous learning days, allowing students to complete assignments at home. Several other districts across the state implemented delayed start times.

Alabama: Lingering Challenges

Alabama also felt the storm’s impact, with icy conditions keeping schools closed in central and southern parts of the state. Concerns over frozen pipes added to the challenges, particularly in coastal Baldwin County, where sections of Interstates 65 and 10 were closed due to ice.

Power Outages and Curfews in Georgia

In Glynn County, Georgia, local officials imposed an overnight curfew due to dangerous road conditions. Nearly 4,000 residents remained without power as of Thursday afternoon. To support those in need, the county opened three warming stations where residents could escape the cold.

Flight Disruptions Begin to Ease

Airports across the region are recovering from the storm’s widespread impact on travel. As of Thursday, approximately 600 flights were canceled nationwide, a significant improvement compared to the height of the storm earlier in the week. According to FlightAware.com, major airports in the South are gradually resuming normal operations.

Economic and Human Toll

The storm’s impact extends beyond inconvenience, with significant financial and emotional tolls on affected communities. Businesses, schools, and transportation systems across the South were paralyzed, adding strain to local economies already grappling with other challenges.

In South Carolina, the tragic death of a resident underscores the human cost of the storm, while in Louisiana, limited infrastructure and supplies have highlighted the region’s vulnerability to severe winter weather.

Hope for Warmer Days Ahead

As temperatures gradually rise across the South, officials are hopeful that remaining snow and ice will melt naturally, easing cleanup efforts. However, officials warn that lingering icy patches on roads, particularly in shaded areas, remain a hazard.

The storm has also prompted discussions about how Southern states can better prepare for future winter weather events. Improved infrastructure, increased stockpiles of salt and equipment, and enhanced emergency response plans are among the measures being considered.

Conclusion: A Rare Southern Winter Event

This week’s winter storm was a stark reminder of the challenges posed by rare but severe weather events in regions unaccustomed to snow and ice. While recovery efforts are underway, the storm’s impact will be felt long after the snow melts. For now, Southern states are focused on clearing roads, restoring power, and supporting residents as they navigate the aftermath of this historic winter event.

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