Atlanta, Georgia – Flight cancellations and dangerous road conditions continue in the aftermath of a winter storm that swept through parts of the southern US, disrupting travel and closing schools. While the storm has moved off the east coast, leaving behind snow showers in the Appalachian mountains and New England, temperatures are expected to drop significantly in the south, leading to concerns about icy roadways.

As state officials issue warnings about treacherous conditions, major roads remain mostly clear but the Atlanta Hawks opted to postpone their game against the Houston Rockets due to icy conditions. Airports in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina, report ongoing disruptions with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed, impacting travelers across the region.

Delta Air Lines, the largest carrier at the Atlanta airport, is working to recover from cancellations that resulted in significant disruptions to flight schedules. Meanwhile, Richmond, Virginia, has lifted a boil-water advisory after a snowstorm caused issues with the city’s water system, affecting over 200,000 residents.

The storm also brought freezing rain to Georgia, resulting in electricity outages for tens of thousands of customers. While most power has been restored, concerns remain about potential risks due to high winds. Parts of western North Carolina and middle Tennessee saw significant snowfall, adding to the winter weather woes.

Earlier in the week, the storm blanketed Texas and Oklahoma with heavy snow before moving east, prompting states like Arkansas and North Carolina to mobilize national guard troops and declare states of emergency. School closures extended from Texas to Georgia, with officials monitoring the situation to determine when it will be safe to resume classes.

The unusually cold weather, including rare snowfall in cities like Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee, has sparked discussions about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. Experts note that events like the polar vortex dipping southward are becoming more frequent, highlighting the complex relationship between cold snaps and a warming world.

The winter storm’s impact coincided with rare January wildfires in the Los Angeles area, underscoring the diverse and unpredictable nature of weather patterns in different parts of the country. As communities work to recover and restore normalcy, the aftermath of the storm serves as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate through unpredictable and challenging weather conditions.