NEW ORLEANS — Following a severe winter storm that blanketed the South with ice and unprecedented snowfall, cleanup initiatives commenced on Thursday in several key cities, including New Orleans. Crews are employing methods typically used for cleaning up post-Mardi Gras litter—such as trash, drink cups, and plastic beads—to remove the substantial snow accumulation.
As temperatures continue to climb across the Southern United States, many are hopeful that the remaining snow and ice will soon disappear. “We must face reality—we are Louisianans; we understand crawfish and football, but snow and ice are foreign to us, and that’s perfectly fine,” shared a spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. “Nature will take care of this, and we are better off giving it some time.”
According to officials, up to 200 miles of interstate roads are projected to remain closed through Friday due to hazardous patches of black ice, with the state running low on salt supplies after extensive road treatment measures. In New Orleans, a private waste management company has repurposed its equipment, originally intended for Mardi Gras cleanup, to tackle the snow-filled streets.
The president of IV Waste has stated that they are using a large “flusher” truck that usually dispenses lemon-scented fluids to eliminate unpleasant odors following festivities. This truck is now spraying water to help melt the ice in the famous French Quarter, while officials explore innovative ways to address the snowy conditions.
In a gesture of solidarity, Arkansas sent several snowplows, dump trucks, and other essential equipment to assist Louisiana’s recovery efforts. Reports indicate that snowfall in the region likely established numerous records, with preliminary figures suggesting a possible 10 inches of snow in one Florida town, setting a new state record.
Savannah, Georgia, measured snowfall totaling around 3 inches, marking the highest level of accumulation in the city since December 1989. Though snow was lighter in metro Atlanta, the southern suburbs received more significant snowfall and ice. In Covington, a resident resorted to using a flamethrower typically meant for clearing brush to remove ice from local roads.
Throughout Thursday, light freezing rain was expected in the coastal city of Brunswick, leading local officials to enforce a curfew due to icy conditions. With nearly 4,000 residents still without power and three warming centers established, the community sought to provide refuge from the frigid temperatures.
In South Carolina, the storm tragically claimed at least one life—a 71-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency while shoveling snow. The area saw about 3-4 inches of snowfall. The lingering snow and ice created treacherous situations on the roads, particularly in Charleston, where refrozen ice forced the closure of a key bridge.
Schools and county offices across various regions remained closed as authorities urged residents to stay home for safety. North Carolina faced similar challenges, with slick conditions persisting as melted snow refroze. Cumberland County announced an “asynchronous” learning day for students, allowing them to complete assignments from home.
Alabama also experienced delays; several school systems remained shuttered due to hazardous ice conditions, and significant stretches of Interstate 65 and Interstate 10 were closed. While airports across the South were gradually returning to normal operations, approximately 600 flights had been canceled nationwide by early Thursday—though this was seen as progress compared to earlier disruptions caused by the storm.
As regions rebound from this winter weather, efforts to clear roads and restore power continue, showcasing the resilience of the communities affected by this unprecedented event.
