When Was the Last Snow Storm in Atlanta? Local History, What to Know, and How to Prepare

Atlanta isn’t known for harsh winters, but when snow storms do hit, they tend to be memorable. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just trying to understand our local weather, it helps to know when the last big snow event happened, how often they occur, and what to expect when the city does see wintry weather.

Because weather changes from year to year and new storms can happen, the exact “last” snow storm date can shift. Still, Atlanta’s most recent notable snow and winter weather events are well documented and give a clear picture of what “snow storm” usually means here.

The Short Answer: Recent Notable Snow and Ice Events in Atlanta

Atlanta does see light snow flurries and brief dustings from time to time, but residents usually remember the bigger, disruptive events that affect roads, schools, and flights.

Here’s a simple overview of recent memorable winter weather events in the Atlanta area:

Since then, Atlanta has seen periodic light snow, mixed wintry precipitation, or brief icy episodes, but large, citywide snow storms are still rare. If you’re asking, “When was the last snow storm in Atlanta?” most locals will point to January 2018 as the last clearly disruptive winter event with snow and significant ice issues across parts of the metro area.

Because new storms can occur after this information was last updated, always check current forecasts for the most up-to-date answer about the “last” event.

What Counts as a “Snow Storm” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, people use “snow storm” loosely. It can mean:

• A true accumulating snowfall (more than just flurries), especially if it sticks to roads, cars, and yards
• A mix of snow and ice that creates hazardous driving conditions
• Any winter event that triggers school closures, work-from-home days, or heavy flight disruptions at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Because Atlanta averages relatively little snow each year, even 2–3 inches can feel like a storm, especially when:

• Temperatures drop quickly
• Ground temperatures are already cold
• The system brings freezing rain or sleet along with snow

So while other cities might not call some of these events “storms,” in Atlanta terms, they usually qualify.

How Often Does Atlanta Get Snow Storms?

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, it helps to think of winter weather in three tiers:

1. Flurries and Light Dustings (Most Common)

   • Brief snow showers or flakes mixing with rain
   • Often melt on contact, especially on roads
   • Occasionally coat cars, grassy areas, or rooftops

2. Minor Accumulations (Occasional)

   • Around 1 inch or less on the ground in parts of the metro
   • Slick bridges, overpasses, and untreated neighborhood roads
   • Possible school delays, especially in outlying counties

3. Major Snow / Ice Events (Rare but Memorable)

   • Multiple inches of snow and/or significant ice
   • Widespread traffic problems, business closures, flight delays, and power outages in some areas
   • Examples: 2011, 2014, December 2017, January 2018

For most Atlanta residents, a major snow storm is something that might happen a few times in a decade, not every winter.

Why Even Small Snow Storms Cause Big Disruptions in Atlanta

People new to the city often ask why Atlanta seems to struggle so much with snow that other cities handle more easily. There are several local factors:

• Limited snow removal equipment
  The City of Atlanta and surrounding counties have plows and salt trucks, but not on the scale of northern cities that handle frequent snow. Crews focus on interstates, major arteries, and key connectors first.

• Hilly terrain and overpasses
  Metro Atlanta has many hills, ramps, and bridges. These surfaces cool quickly and become icy fast, especially at:

  • I‑75/I‑85 Downtown Connector
  • I‑285 interchanges
  • Major overpasses like the I‑85 and GA‑400 areas

• Timing with commuting patterns
  When snow or freezing rain arrives during the evening rush hour, thousands of people may be on the road at once. This is what turned relatively light snowfall into a transportation crisis in January 2014.

• Mixed precipitation
  Many Atlanta “snow” events include sleet or freezing rain, which can be more dangerous than dry snow. A thin layer of black ice can form even when you don’t see much white on the ground.

Because of this, any forecast for snow or ice tends to get quick attention from residents, schools, and employers.

How to Stay Informed About Snow Storms in Atlanta

If you want to know when the next or most recent snow storm is or was, use a combination of:

• Local TV and radio
  Stations based in Atlanta typically offer detailed, neighborhood-level forecasts and breaking coverage when winter weather is expected.

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Peachtree City office
  This office covers the Atlanta metro area and issues:

  • Winter storm watches and warnings
  • Ice and snow advisories
  • Wind chill advisories

  NWS Atlanta/Peachtree City Office
  4 Falcon Drive
  Peachtree City, GA 30269
  Phone (public line): (770) 486‑1133

• City and county alerts
  Many metro-area governments offer text or email alert systems for:

  • Road closures
  • School or government office closures
  • Emergency and safety notices

• Airport updates
  For travelers, check announcements from:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for flights, de-icing delays, and cancellations

What Atlanta Residents Typically Do When a Snow Storm Is Forecast

When winter weather is in the forecast, people who live in Atlanta often adjust quickly. Common local habits include:

• Leaving work early or planning to work from home when snow is expected during the day
• Avoiding driving at night when temperatures may drop and black ice can form
• Checking in on neighbors who are older or may have limited mobility
• Stocking light essentials:
  • Non-perishable food and bottled water
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Basic cold-weather gear (gloves, hats, extra blankets)

Even though major snow storms are rare, it’s helpful to treat any winter weather advisory or warning as something to take seriously, especially outside the central city where roads may be treated less frequently.

Practical Tips for Dealing With Snow and Ice in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta during a snow storm or icy event, these basics go a long way:

If You Have to Drive 🚗

• Avoid driving if conditions are poor, especially if you’re not used to snow and ice.
• Stick to major roads and interstates, which are more likely to be treated.
• Slow down and leave extra space between cars; braking distances are much longer on slick roads.
• Watch out for bridges, overpasses, and shaded curves – they freeze first.
• If your route includes steep hills, consider an alternate path; many Atlanta hills become impassable in ice.

Around Your Home or Hotel 🏠

• Use caution on steps, driveways, and sidewalks; even a thin glaze of ice can be hazardous.
• If you have salt, sand, or kitty litter, it can help add traction on icy patches.
• Keep your phone charged in case of power blips or outages.
• If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the front desk about restaurant hours, as nearby businesses may close early.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Snow Storms

• Atlanta does get snow, but significant snow storms are rare.
• The last widely remembered disruptive events in the metro area were:
  • January 2018 (snow and ice, hazardous travel)
  • December 2017 (unusual early-season snowfall)
  • January 2014 and January 2011 (major snow/ice impacts)
• Light snow or mixed wintry precipitation may occur in other winters, but not all events rise to the level of a full “storm.”
• Because of limited snow infrastructure, hilly terrain, and mixed precipitation, even a small amount of snow or ice can cause significant disruption in Atlanta.
• For the most accurate, up-to-date answer about recent or current snow storms, check:
  • Local Atlanta forecasts
  • National Weather Service – Peachtree City (Atlanta) office
  • Local government and airport alerts

Understanding how winter weather works in Atlanta helps you plan travel, adjust your schedule, and stay safe when the city’s rare but memorable snow storms do arrive.