January 6-7, 2017 North Georgia Winter Event
The January 7, 2017 North Georgia Snow Event (also referred to as the January 2017 North Georgia Snowstorm or part of the broader Southeastern U.S. winter storm sequence) was a significant early-January snowfall that brought moderate to heavy snow to much of north Georgia, especially the mountains, foothills, and northern suburbs of Atlanta. Snow fell primarily on January 7, 2017 (with lingering effects into January 8), producing 4–10+ inches across the north Georgia mountains and foothills, with 2–6 inches in the north Atlanta metro fringe. The event occurred during a cold pattern and is remembered as one of the better snow events of the 2010s for north Georgia, with accumulations that caused widespread travel disruptions, school closures, and power outages.
Meteorological Setup
A strong upper-level trough dug into the eastern U.S., supporting a surface low that developed over the Gulf of Mexico and tracked northeastward. Deep Arctic air was entrenched across the Southeast, with surface temperatures in the teens to 20s°F across north Georgia. Gulf moisture overran this cold dome in a classic overrunning pattern, producing heavy snow rather than rain or ice in north Georgia. The low intensified off the Southeast coast, creating a focused band of heavy snowfall across the southern Appalachians and north Georgia, with snowfall rates of 1–2+ inches per hour in the core band on January 7. The deep, dry cold air supported high snow ratios (12:1 to 18:1), allowing moderate liquid equivalent to produce significant accumulations. The event was snow-dominant in north Georgia, with minimal sleet or ice.
Impacts
Snow fell primarily on January 7 (some lingering into January 8), with heaviest in the mountains and foothills:
Snowfall Amounts and Distribution
Precipitation fell primarily on January 6 (some lingering into January 7), with snow heaviest in higher elevations and ice more prominent in lower areas:
- North Georgia Mountains/Foothills (e.g., Blairsville, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Jasper, Blue Ridge): 3–6 inches snow common; higher elevations (e.g., near Blood Mountain) up to 6–8 inches in spots.
- Union, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Lumpkin, White Counties: Widespread 3–5 inches snow; some isolated higher totals.
- Dawson, Forsyth, Cherokee, Hall Counties: 2–4 inches snow.
- North Atlanta Metro / Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Canton, Nelson, GA):Trace to 1–3 inches snow/sleet mix; Cobb/Cherokee/Forsyth counties: 1–3 inches common.
- Ice Accumulation: 0.10–0.30 inches glaze in lower north Georgia; higher in some foothills (0.25–0.50 inches).
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Trace to 0.5 inches (mostly sleet mix).
Liquid equivalent was low (~0.15–0.40 inches), but marginal temperatures caused ice to be the bigger hazard in lower areas.
Temperature Records
The event occurred amid a cold pattern:
- North Georgia: Lows 20–28°F; highs only in the 30s°F on January 6–7.
- Atlanta Metro: Lows 22–26°F; highs ~32–35°F.
- Broader: No all-time January lows set, but the cold was sufficient for prolonged glaze and icy roads; wind chills in the teens.
The cold preserved snow in higher elevations but caused rapid icing on roads in lower areas.
Impacts
Wintry mix + cold caused notable disruptions in north Georgia:
- Transportation: Hazardous roads from ice glaze/snow; accidents and slowdowns on highways (e.g., GA 400, I-575); schools/businesses closed or delayed; travel advisories widespread.
- Utilities and Infrastructure: Power outages from ice weight on lines/trees (thousands affected in north Georgia); tree damage.
- Human Toll: No major fatalities directly tied in north Georgia reports, but accident/exposure risks elevated.
- Economic: Commerce/agriculture disrupted; property damage from fallen trees/lines.
- Other Disruptions: Daily life impacted briefly; north Georgia residents dealt with slick roads and outages; emergency services responded to reports.
Notes of Interest
- Rarity and Legacy: OA typical mid-winter wintry mix event for north Georgia; less famous than 2014 Snowmageddon or 1989 Christmas but notable for early-year timing and ice impacts in lower areas.
- Environmental Oddities: Moderate ice accumulation in foothills; light snow in higher elevations; part of 2016–2017 winter pattern.
- Cultural Impact: Added to the "icy winter" lore; photos of glazed trees/power lines circulated locally.
- Comparison to Recent Events: More ice-focused than 1989 Christmas (heavy snow) or 2014 Snowmageddon (snow + black ice); smaller scale than 2001 or 2000 ice storms.
This was a disruptive wintry mix event for north Georgia
January 6-7 Snow
January 6-7 Ice
