Snow in Atlanta: What to Expect, How to Prepare, and Where to Get Information

Snow in Atlanta is famously rare—and when it does arrive, it can cause outsized disruption. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are just curious how snow in Atlanta really works, it helps to understand the local climate, how the city responds, and what you should do when flakes finally fall.

How Often Does It Snow in Atlanta?

Atlanta has a humid subtropical climate, which means:

• Winters are generally mild
• Temperatures often hover above freezing
• Snow is occasional, not routine

Most winters bring little to no measurable snow inside the city. Some years see only flurries, while other years bring one or two storms that briefly cover neighborhoods from Buckhead to East Atlanta.

Snow is most likely:

• Between late December and early March
• During cold fronts that drop temperatures near or below freezing
• When moisture from the Gulf or Atlantic meets that cold air over North Georgia

Because snow is unpredictable here, even a couple of inches can have a big impact.

Why Snow Causes Bigger Problems in Atlanta

In cities that get regular snow, roads, vehicles, and services are built around winter weather. Atlanta operates differently, and that’s why even light snow can cause significant challenges.

Limited Snow Infrastructure

Atlanta and the surrounding metro area have:

• Fewer snowplows and salt trucks compared with northern cities
• A limited supply of de-icing materials like salt and brine
• Less routine snow-driving experience for many residents

This doesn’t mean the city is unprepared; it simply reflects the reality that snow is infrequent, so winter equipment is scaled accordingly.

Ice Is Often the Bigger Problem

Because temperatures in Atlanta frequently sit near freezing, winter events often involve:

• Freezing rain
• Sleet
• Refreezing overnight after daytime melting

This leads to black ice on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads—especially on major routes like I-75, I-85, I-285, and the Downtown Connector. Even a light dusting of snow can hide extremely slick surfaces.

Typical Snow Impacts in Atlanta

When snow or ice is in the forecast, Atlantans usually see changes across daily life.

Roads and Traffic

• Roads may be pre-treated with brine on major highways and critical routes.
• Bridges and overpasses are particularly vulnerable to icing.
• Wrecks can quickly trigger major backups and stranded vehicles.
• Many people choose to stay off the roads unless travel is essential.

School and Business Closures

It’s common for:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and surrounding districts (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.) to:
  • Delay start times
  • Announce early dismissal
  • Fully close for the day, even for small snow or ice events
• Offices, daycares, and some stores to adjust hours or close, especially if roads are unsafe.

If you’re visiting, plan your schedule with flexibility when snow is predicted.

Power Outages

Heavy wet snow or ice can:

• Weigh down tree branches
• Bring down power lines
• Cause localized outages, especially in tree-filled neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Morningside, and Druid Hills

Having a basic emergency kit at home is a smart idea even though major winter outages are not an annual occurrence.

How the City of Atlanta Handles Snow and Ice

When winter weather threatens, several agencies work together within the city and across the metro area.

Key Local Agencies

City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)

• Oversees city streets, bridges, and certain right-of-way operations
• Coordinates snow/ice response for Atlanta-owned roads

Main office:
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
General City of Atlanta government information: (404) 330-6000

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)

• Manages state routes and interstates (I-20, I-75, I-85, I-285, Georgia 400, etc.)
• Operates Maintenance & Operations teams that handle plowing and de-icing on major highways throughout metro Atlanta

Main office:
600 W Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
General information: (404) 631-1990

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Has its own de-icing and snow removal operations
• Works to keep runways and taxiways open when winter weather hits

Main contact line: (800) 897-1910

Priority Roads and Snow Routes

Atlanta focuses first on priority corridors, including:

• Major interstates and state highways passing through the city
• Key arterials like Peachtree Street, North Avenue, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Moreland Avenue, and Metropolitan Parkway
• Routes to hospitals, fire stations, major transit hubs, and key government facilities

Neighborhood streets and residential side roads are treated later, if at all, depending on severity and available resources. This is one reason many Atlantans refrain from driving until the main roads are clearly safe.

Staying Informed During Winter Weather in Atlanta

When snow is in the forecast, the best thing you can do is stay informed and flexible.

Local Weather and Transit Updates

You can track:

• Weather conditions through local TV and radio broadcasts
• Traffic through local traffic reports and freeway camera feeds
• Transit service changes via MARTA alerts

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Service: (404) 848-5000

MARTA may:

• Reduce, reroute, or suspend some bus routes in icy conditions
• Keep rail service running where possible, sometimes on modified schedules

Emergency and City Alerts

Atlanta-area residents can monitor:

• Announcements from the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and surrounding counties
• Updates from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)

GEMA/HS Headquarters
935 E Confederate Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
Main phone: (404) 635-7000

Signing up for local emergency alert systems through your county or the City of Atlanta can provide text or phone updates about major impacts.

How to Prepare for Snow in Atlanta

Because snow is rare, many Atlantans don’t think about winter prep until the forecast turns icy. A little planning can make a big difference.

At Home

Keep a basic cold-weather kit that includes:

• Bottled water and shelf-stable food
• Flashlights, batteries, and a way to charge phones
• Blankets and warm layers
• A manual can opener and basic first-aid supplies

If you live in a home or apartment with outdoor steps or steep driveways:

• Store a small amount of ice melt or sand for traction
• Know how to shut off water in case a pipe freezes or bursts
• Protect outdoor faucets and pipes during deep freezes

For Your Vehicle

Atlanta drivers are often caught off guard when snow and ice arrive. To prepare:

• Keep your gas tank at least half full when winter storms are possible
• Store:
  • An ice scraper and small brush
  • A blanket or extra coat
  • Basic snacks and water
• Check your tires for good tread and appropriate pressure for colder weather

If you don’t feel comfortable driving in snow or on ice, it is usually safer to stay home unless you have an essential reason to travel.

What to Do When It Actually Snows in Atlanta

When the snow starts sticking in metro Atlanta, these steps can help you stay safe and sane.

If You’re at Home

• Stay off the roads unless you truly need to go out
• Keep phones charged and limit unnecessary use during possible outages
• Bring pets indoors and make sure outdoor plants are protected if possible
• Check on neighbors who are elderly, live alone, or may need help

If snow is heavy enough to accumulate, you might enjoy:

• Walking to a nearby park like Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Freedom Park
• Building snowmen or sledding on small hills in your neighborhood (while avoiding steep, icy roads and private property)

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re staying in a hotel or short-term rental:

• Ask the front desk or host for updates about local conditions
• Avoid renting or driving a car unless necessary; consider walking or rail if conditions allow
• Expect that some attractions, restaurants, or tours may open late, close early, or pause operations

Allow more travel time to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and check your flight status frequently, since snow and ice can alter schedules.

School, Work, and Daily Life During Snow Events

Snow days in Atlanta often reshape routines across the city.

Schools and Childcare

For Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and nearby districts:

• Closure and delay decisions are usually announced early in the morning or the night before
• Notices appear on:
  • District phone or email alert systems
  • Local TV stations and official platforms

Parents and caregivers in Atlanta often plan ahead by:

• Arranging backup childcare if required to report to work
• Preparing at-home activities in case kids have a snow day
• Expecting possible digital/remote learning in some situations

Workplaces and Remote Options

Many Atlanta employers:

• Allow remote work when roads are unsafe
• Use flexible hours or staggered shifts during severe weather

If you’re employed in Atlanta:

• Check your company’s inclement weather policy
• Confirm expectations about remote work and availability before winter begins
• Keep necessary equipment (laptop, chargers, key files) accessible at home when snow is forecast

Safety Tips for Driving in Atlanta Snow and Ice

If you absolutely must drive during winter weather in Atlanta, be extremely cautious.

Key tips:

• Slow down significantly and allow extra stopping distance
• Avoid abrupt braking, sharp turns, and rapid acceleration
• Be especially careful on:
  • Bridges and overpasses
  • Shaded or tree-lined streets
  • Untreated neighborhood hills
• If you start sliding:
  • Ease off the accelerator
  • Steer gently in the direction you want to go
  • Avoid slamming on the brakes

Many residents who are not used to winter driving choose not to drive at all until roads are clearly treated or clear of snow and ice.

Where to Turn for Help or Information

If you encounter hazards or need assistance during a winter event in Atlanta, you can use these resources:

• Emergency Situations (accidents, injuries, immediate danger)

  • Dial 911

• Non-Emergency Public Safety Concerns within the City of Atlanta

  • Atlanta Police Department Non-Emergency: (404) 658-6666

• Road Hazards on Interstates and State Roads

  • Call 511 within Georgia for traffic, road conditions, and incident reports

• City Services and General Inquiries

  • City of Atlanta customer service / information line: (404) 330-6000

• Power Outages

  • Contact your electric utility’s outage reporting line (for many Atlantans, this is Georgia Power; check your bill for the correct number)

Quick Reference: Snow in Atlanta at a Glance

Snow in Atlanta may not be common, but when it happens, it becomes the city’s main conversation. By understanding how winter weather is handled here—and by taking a few simple precautions—you can navigate snow days in Atlanta with far less stress, whether you call the city home or are just passing through.