“Southern Freeze: Winter Storm Leaves Travel Disruptions and Power Struggles in Its Wake”

A man operates a snow blower after a snowstorm on Friday in Atlanta.

Megan Varner/Getty Images

hide caption

toggle caption

Megan Varner/Getty Images

Frozen conditions and snowfall from winter tempests are still affecting Southern states in the U.S., causing flight cancellations, perilous road situations, and power outages.

As reported by the National Weather Service, the major winter tempest wound down on Saturday, with winter storm warnings being removed across southern counties. However, travel complications and power outages remain throughout Southern states.

“Major winter consequences from this tempest have concluded as the associated low-pressure system advances further out to sea,” stated the NWS.

More than 34,000 power outages are still reported in Georgia as of early Saturday afternoon. State officials are advising residents to remain indoors until Sunday.

Georgia Power, the primary electric utility in the state, announced on social media that its teams worked overnight to tackle severe icing and downed trees. “Our teams are out in full force today – navigating icy roads – and will continue to operate until everyone who can regain power is restored,” the utility reported.

The region experienced its largest snowstorm in years, leading to 26% of flights being delayed and 14% canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta as of early afternoon, according to FlightAware data.

The Charlotte, N.C., area experienced its initial winter storm in three years, with less than half an inch of snow observed.

Ice and snow are predicted to melt by Saturday afternoon in the Charlotte region, but temperatures are anticipated to drop once again Saturday night, according to Trisha Palmer with the NWS. “Thus, anything that melts on Saturday will refreeze,” Palmer informed NPR member station WFAE.

With the return of low temperatures, WFAE warned about the possibility of black ice on roads through Sunday morning.

Due to severe weather and safety risks, the NBA has postponed Saturday’s matchup between the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks, initially slated for the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The NBA indicated that the decision was made “to ensure the safety of players, fans, and staff.” The date for the rescheduled match has yet to be unveiled.

The NWS indicated that “light snow showers” could occur in New England and the central Appalachians as the winter storm departs the East Coast.