Robert M. Hammers | December 6, 2024 | Other
Atlanta is home to over 510,000 residents. The city ranks 10th nationally in economic output with significant infrastructure. Despite this, Atlanta approaches winter weather preparedness differently from most northern cities.
These differences are largely due to the region’s mild climate. While cities like Boston and Chicago maintain extensive snow removal fleets and salt reserves, Atlanta faces unique challenges in justifying similar investments for its relatively rare winter weather events.
Winter Weather in Atlanta, GA
Here’s a top-down look at Atlanta’s normal winter conditions:
- The average temp in Atlanta, GA, during winter ranges from 38°F–57°F
- Atlanta’s coldest period is January, which averages between 35°F–53°F
- Chances of precipitation in winter months are about 30%
Does Atlanta get snow? Quite rarely. It mostly rains, with only a 1% chance of snow or mixed precipitation on any given day.
Atlanta’s Climate Compared To Other Cities
Winter in Atlanta, Georgia, records only about 2.2 inches of snow annually. By contrast, a city like Chicago averages 36 inches, while Boston sees about 48 inches of snow. This is the main reason Atlanta’s winter weather infrastructure differs so dramatically.
Cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago must prepare for harsher winter conditions, including heavy snowfall and extreme cold. Atlanta, on the other hand, mostly deals with managing the disruption of transportation and daily life.
Atlanta’s Winter Weather Preparation Challenges
Atlanta has limited winter weather resources, which can create dangerous conditions during storms. Northern cities often have established snow removal protocols, extensive salt and sand supplies for roads, and community resources for snow emergencies. In addition, these cities conduct regular training for emergency services to handle winter storms effectively.
Meanwhile, Atlanta’s management fleet consists of just a few dozen pieces of winter weather equipment. These limitations in the city’s level of preparedness can lead to various types of car accidents, especially when drivers who aren’t used to winter conditions come across icy roads.
How Winter Affects Transportation in Atlanta
The 2014 “Snowpocalypse” demonstrated how even a modest amount of snow can paralyze Atlanta’s transportation system. According to the National Weather Service, the three-day storm dumped two to four inches of snow north of I-20 and saw ice accumulations of a quarter inch to a half inch near Atlanta.
Despite being a small amount of precipitation compared to what northern cities regularly handle, these conditions resulted in numerous truck accidents and stranded motorists across the metropolitan area.
Economic Considerations
The cost-benefit analysis of winter weather preparation in Atlanta also diverges from those of northern cities. For perspective, Boston spends approximately $21 million a year on snow removal. According to one news outlet, Atlanta only spends around $4.7 million, reflecting the lower frequency of winter weather events.
Atlanta’s Public Safety Measures
Atlanta implements several critical safety measures during winter weather events, including:
- Pre-treating major roads with salt and brine solutions
- Closing schools and government offices preemptively
- Encouraging remote work when possible
- Issuing early weather warnings through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency
- Setting up emergency operations centers
- Coordinating with state and local law enforcement for traffic management
- Sending emergency response teams to assist stranded motorists
- Setting up warming centers for vulnerable populations
These preventive measures help reduce pedestrian accidents and other negative weather-related outcomes.
Atlanta’s Winter Safety Preparations
Atlanta may never match the winter weather preparedness of northern cities. Even so, staying safe in Atlanta, Georgia, weather in winter months requires residents and policymakers to take special steps to adapt to local conditions. Residents can make sure they’re prepared by stocking up on essential items and reducing travel as much as possible.
Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the Atlanta personal injury law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975,
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Open 24/7
(678) 605-9838
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Open 24/7
(678) 916-8584
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108,
Mableton, GA 30126
Open 24/7
(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Open 24/7
(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111,
Roswell, GA 30075
Open 24/7
(678) 582-8466