Happy Snowiversary, Atlanta!
Today marks one year since Snowpocalypse 2011 shut down Atlanta for a full work week. And though it seems a bit funny to be thinking about this when today’s forecast calls for a high of 67 degrees, we were curious. What has Atlanta done to make sure we are better prepared for the next big snowstorm?
In a December 2011 guest column published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Mayor, Kasim Reed notes how important “collaboration and communication” among city and state government agencies are to keeping the city up and running during winter weather. He vows, “This coming winter, we will put aside boundaries and jurisdictions. If there is a major street within city limits that needs to be cleared, city employees will take responsibility for it.”
Additionally, Mayor Reed notes that the city has invested about $1 million for new snow and ice equipment which increases the city’s inventory from the four snow plows and eight sand spreaders we had in winter 2011 to the now 44 plows and 35 sand spreaders we have in 2012. That’s a big jump and should make a huge difference in ensuring major roads and bridges are cleared efficiently during the next winter storm.
While we are of course glad the new storm response plan will make it easier and safer to get around the city, many of us enjoy the zany, unexpected day snow typically brings Atlanta workers and students alike. As an Atlanta native, I have fond memories of waking up early the morning after a predicted snowstorm to look out the window to see if the illusive snow had, in fact, arrived in my neighborhood. My family then proceeded to watch the local news intently to see if our county was among those closing school for the day. (Cut to me and my sister jumping for joy upon confirmation.) The news coverage continued with familiar shots of empty milk and bread shelves at the grocery store and people clearing out the firewood at the hardware store. And there was always the interview with the guy from the northeast who commented on how he can’t believe the city shut down for one inch of snow. There’s a part of me that’s a bit sad our new equipment may mean fewer true snow days, but I know it also means increased safety for our growing city. So for all my fellow snow day dreamers out there, here’s a look back at how things looked and felt one year ago today in Inman Park near the shops at N. Highland Steel. Enjoy the unseasonably warm weather... for now!
