Southern U.S. Begins Recovery After Rare Winter Storm Disrupts Region

Power is largely restored and warmer temperatures are helping to melt snow and ice, but lingering hazards remain on roads and in communities.

A severe winter storm brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and icy conditions to southern states unaccustomed to such weather, including Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Power outages affected tens of thousands of residents, but utility crews have restored electricity to most areas, with Georgia Power reporting 97% of customers reconnected by Sunday morning.
The storm caused significant travel disruptions, including over 1,000 flight cancellations at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Saturday, though operations have since improved.
Some areas experienced record-breaking snowfall, with Memphis receiving more than seven inches—over twice its annual average—and Atlanta seeing its first snowfall of more than an inch since 2018.
Authorities are warning of continued risks from black ice as temperatures drop overnight, urging caution on roads and in affected communities as the region gradually recovers.