NEW ORLEANS — Following a severe winter storm that left behind ice and record amounts of snow, cleanup operations began on Thursday in prominent Southern cities, including New Orleans. Crews were seen tackling snow removal in a manner reminiscent of cleaning up after Mardi Gras, making use of the same techniques employed for collecting trash and plastic beads.
As temperatures across the Southern U.S. began to warm, hopes were raised that the residual snow and ice would soon dissipate. “We have to face facts — we’re from Louisiana and accustomed to crawfish and football. Snow and ice? Not really our thing, but that’s perfectly fine,” remarked Daniel Gitlin, spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. He added, “It’s going to melt away, and we’re better off letting nature take its course.”
Due to hazardous black ice conditions, up to 200 miles (approximately 320 kilometers) of interstates were expected to remain closed until Friday, according to Gitlin. The state was nearing depletion of its salt supply after extensive road treatments.
In New Orleans, a private waste management company has adapted its equipment typically used for Mardi Gras festivities to effectively remove snow from city streets. Sidney Torres, President of IV Waste, mentioned that a specialized 4,000-gallon (15,000-liter) “flusher” truck was utilized to spray water on icy road surfaces, particularly in the historical French Quarter, to facilitate ice removal. His team usually deploys the vehicle for dispersing a lemon-scented fragrance to mask unpleasant odors from revelers. “We’re discovering innovative ways and better methods to tackle this situation,” Torres explained.
Additionally, Arkansas lent support by sending snowplows, dump trucks, and salt spreaders to assist Louisiana, as confirmed by Governor Jeff Landry.
The storm’s impact has been significant, with snowfall amounting to record levels across various states. A preliminary report from Florida indicated that one town registered 10 inches (25 centimeters) of snow, which could set a new state record, pending confirmation. In Savannah, Georgia, the snowfall reportedly reached 3 inches (8 centimeters), marking the highest level recorded in the city since December 1989.
Snowfall was lighter in the metropolitan Atlanta area, with southern suburbs experiencing more accumulation than northern regions. In nearby Covington, Jesse Gentes resorted to using a flamethrower to de-ice the roads within his neighborhood, an unusual measure he typically employs for brush clearance.
The coastal city of Brunswick, along with Glynn County, was expected to see light freezing rain, leading local authorities to enforce an overnight curfew due to hazardous road conditions and cold temperatures. Officials established three warming stations for residents needing refuge from the chill, while nearly 4,000 individuals in the county were reported to be without power.
In coastal South Carolina, the combination of melting snow and subsequent refreezing resulted in treacherous roadways. The James Island Connector bridge in Charleston faced closures as authorities noted that, despite ongoing efforts, it wouldn’t reopen soon. Schools and county offices remained shut down, with residents in most areas south and east of Columbia being advised to stay indoors for another day.
Similarly, in North Carolina, icy conditions posed risks to motorists as thawed snow refroze overnight. Schools in Cumberland County, home to Fayetteville, opted for an “asynchronous” learning day, allowing students to work on assignments from home. Several other districts also implemented delays by two hours.
Overall, airports across the Southern region were showing signs of recovery from the storm’s disruptions. By midday Thursday, approximately 600 flights scheduled for arrival or departure at U.S. airports were canceled, reflecting significant improvement compared to the peak of the storm in previous days.
