Key Takeaways
- Georgia is better prepared to handle snow and ice compared to 2014’s Snowmaggedon
- New technology, better equipment, and more efficient deployment of crews have improved the state’s response to winter weather
- Cobb County and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) have increased their fleet of snow-handling vehicles and use digitized routes to treat roads more efficiently
- GDOT has over 1.6 million gallons of brine stored, compared to just over 70,000 gallons in 2014
- The state has implemented innovative solutions, such as adding snowplows and pre-treatment equipment to existing trucks, to save money and improve response times
Introduction to Snowmaggedon
The Snowmaggedon of 2014 was a devastating winter storm that brought the city of Atlanta to a standstill. Thousands of Georgians were stranded on icy roads for 24 hours or longer, and the event became a nightmare for commuters and emergency responders alike. However, since then, state and local agencies have made significant improvements to their winter weather response, using new technology, better equipment, and more efficient deployment of crews. In this article, we will explore the changes that have been made and how they have improved the state’s ability to handle snow and ice.
Preparation and Equipment Upgrades
Cobb County, for example, has increased its fleet of snow-handling vehicles from four to 14, and now pre-treats roads to prevent ice from forming. The county also holds an annual winter weather exercise to ensure that crews are prepared and equipment is in good working order. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has also made significant upgrades, including the purchase of machines that can mix salt and water to create brine, which is used to treat roads. GDOT can now produce 11,000 gallons of brine per hour, and has over 1.6 million gallons stored in tanks, compared to just over 70,000 gallons in 2014.
Technology and Innovation
GDOT has also implemented innovative solutions, such as adding snowplows and pre-treatment equipment to existing trucks, to save money and improve response times. The department has also installed 57 road weather information sensors to provide real-time data on road conditions, allowing crews to respond more effectively. Additionally, GDOT has developed a system to add a "steroid" to the brine, calcium chloride, which can quickly melt ice on bridges, overpasses, and roads. Cobb County has also digitized its routes, allowing crews to more efficiently treat roads and respond to winter weather events.
Communication and Planning
Communication and planning have also improved significantly since Snowmaggedon. The state has hired a meteorologist, Will Lanxton, who ensures that all state, local, and federal agencies are using the same forecast from the National Weather Service. This has improved coordination and response times, and has helped to prevent the kind of chaos that occurred during Snowmaggedon. Additionally, schools are now more likely to close virtually, rather than physically, which has helped to reduce the number of people on the roads during winter weather events.
Testing the New Systems
In January 2025, a snowstorm similar to Snowmaggedon put Georgia’s planning and preparation to the test. While there were a few wrecks on bridges that froze, the response was much more effective than in 2014, with fewer incidents and less chaos. The improvements made by GDOT and local agencies, such as Cobb County, have clearly paid off, and the state is now better equipped to handle winter weather events. As the state continues to improve its response to snow and ice, residents can be confident that they will be safer and more prepared for whatever winter weather comes their way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Georgia has made significant improvements to its winter weather response since Snowmaggedon in 2014. The use of new technology, better equipment, and more efficient deployment of crews has improved the state’s ability to handle snow and ice. The hiring of a state meteorologist and the implementation of innovative solutions, such as digitized routes and the use of calcium chloride, have also contributed to the state’s improved response. As the state continues to prepare for and respond to winter weather events, residents can be confident that they will be safer and more prepared for whatever comes their way.