The most severe consequences were in Raleigh, NC, where two people died when their car drove off the road. NC Highway Patrol had responded to 300 car accidents and almost 800 calls for service.
Thousands of Georgia, North, and South Carolina residents are without power, and Charlotte Douglas International had to cancel more than 1200 flights due to severe weather conditions.
Severe Weather Conditions Were Reported in Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida
Heavy snow caused numerous car crashes, and First Sgt. Christopher Knox, from the North Carolina Highway Patrol, said that they had responded to 300 car crashes and almost 800 calls for assistance. The most tragic event took place near Raleigh, NC, on Sunday, when two people died when their car drove off the road and hit a tree.
Tens of thousands of customers were without electricity throughout North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The officials stated that the power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice and snow buildup. In Lee County, Florida, a tornado ripped through a trailer park, injuring three people and destroying 62 mobile homes. Luckily, no deaths were recorded.
Thundersnow, a rare phenomenon, was reported near Waynesville, North Carolina. It is similar to summer thunder and lightning storms with heavy precipitation, but with snow instead of rain.
Severe Weather Conditions Call For Caution, Both Indoor and Outdoor
With snow accumulations reaching two to seven inches in North Carolina, four inches in Atlanta, and up to three inches in Washington, the best thing to do is postpone any trips and stay home. Traffic safety statistics say that icy roads considerably increase the possibility of an accident.
New England officials warned residents to stay indoors as a blast of cold air from the north can drive temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees.
In conditions like these, people are less likely to ventilate their living space to prevent heat loss. That’s especially dangerous if they are using wood stoves for heating. People are advised to check if their smoke detectors are functioning properly to prevent harmful gas buildup.
