U.S.

'Catastrophic' Winter Weather Threatens Atlanta Again

Unlike last time, Georgia will likely get more than just two inches of snow.

'Catastrophic' Winter Weather Threatens Atlanta Again
National Weather Service
SMS

After being the butt of the country's joke, it seems Atlanta will get a chance to redeem itself when a second snowstorm hits the area. 

But unlike last time, Georgia won't be experiencing two inches of snow, the southern state is looking at up to 5 inches and a thick layer of ice on the ground according to most forecasts.  

 "Six to 10 inches of snow over northeast Georgia, three to six out toward the northwest. Icing out to the Atlanta area." (Via Fox News)

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According to Fox News, "The forecast drew comparisons to an ice storm in the Atlanta area in 2000 that left more than 500,000 homes and businesses without power. ... In 2000, damage estimates topped $35 million."

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The National Weather Service even called this upcoming storm to strike Georgia and the southeast a "potentially catastrophic event!"

So, to avoid a catastrophic outcome officials are warning those in Georgia, specifically the Atlanta area, to stay home by any means necessary. 

"Do not put yourself or your family in jeopardy."

"The most important thing we can do is to have the roads clear so that all the capabilities we have put together as a team can be used." (Via ABC)

The Weather Channel, which is stationed in Atlanta, also tweeted, "Bottom Line, Atlanta: Just stay home Wednesday."

With the whole country watching to see if Atlanta will miss the mark again, CNN reports the major metro area is taking several precautions to prevent another country-wide embarrassment.  

Georgia's Department of Transportation put crews on 12-hour shifts to salt, sand and scrape the roadways. The state has brought in an additional 180 tons of salt and sand, school has been canceled all across the state and the Governor has declared a state of emergency.

The winter storm set to hit the southeast is strong and widespread. According to NBC, almost one-third of the American population, 93 million people, is under some sort of winter advisory for Wednesday.