January 22–23, 2016 North Georgia Snow Event
The January 22–23, 2016 North Georgia Snow Event (also called the 2016 North Georgia Snowstorm or part of the broader Southeastern U.S. winter storm) was a significant late-January snowfall that brought moderate to heavy snow to much of north Georgia, particularly the mountains, foothills, and northern suburbs of Atlanta. Snow fell primarily on January 22 evening into January 23 morning, 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 but was notable for its accumulation rather than extreme ice or black ice, making it one of the better snow events of the decade for north Georgia.
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 22 evening into January 23 morning. 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
Moderate to heavy snow + cold caused significant disruptions in north Georgia:
Snowfall Amounts and Distribution
Snow fell primarily on January 22 evening into January 23 morning, with heaviest in the mountains and foothills:
- North Georgia Mountains/Foothills (e.g., Blairsville, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Jasper, Blue Ridge): 6-12+ inches common; higher elevations (e.g., near Blood Mountain or Brasstown Bald) up to 12-16 inches in upslope areas.
- Union, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Lumpkin, White Counties: Widespread 6–10 inches; some isolated higher totals.
- Dawson, Forsyth, Cherokee, Hall Counties: 4-8 inches; some isolated higher totals.
- North Atlanta Metro / Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Canton, Nelson, GA): 2-6 inches; Cobb/Cherokee/Forsyth counties: 3–6 inches common.
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Trace to 2 inches (mostly light snow/sleet mix); north metro fringe: significantly higher.
Liquid equivalent was moderate (~0.3–0.6 inches), but high ratios and cold preserved snow cover for days in higher elevations.
Temperature Records
The event occurred amid a cold pattern:
- North Georgia: Lows 10–20F (e.g., Dahlonega 12F, Ellijay 10F); highs only in the 20s–low 30'sF on January 22–23.
- Atlanta Metro: Lows 15–20F; highs ~28–32F.
- Broader: No all-time January records set, but the cold was sufficient for prolonged snow cover; wind chills in the single digits to teens.
The entrenched cold preserved accumulations and caused icy roads after initial melting.
Impacts
Light snow/sleet + extreme cold added to ongoing winter disruptions in north Georgia:
- Transportation: Hazardous roads and ice on highways (e.g., GA 400, I-575); accidents and slowdowns; schools/businesses closed; travel advisories widespread.
- Utilities and Infrastructure: Power outages from snow/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 halted; north Georgia residents dealt with snow-covered roads and outages; emergency services strained.
Notes of Interest
- Rarity and Legacy: One of the heavier single-event snowfalls in north Georgia during the 2010s; less famous than 2014 Snowmageddon but notable for accumulation in the mountains/foothills.
- Environmental Oddities: High snow ratios (12:1 to 18:1+) from cold air; mountain enhancement boosted totals in Fannin/Union counties; part of 2015–2016 winter pattern.
- Cultural Impact: Added to the "snowy winter" lore; photos of snow-covered north Georgia mountains circulated.
- Comparison to Recent Events: Heavier than 2010 Valentine’s Day snow (2–6 inches) but less chaotic than 2014 Snowmageddon (urban focus); more snow-focused than 2015 February ice storm (ice-dominant).
This was a solid late-winter snow event for north Georgia
January 22-23 Snow
January 22-23 Ice
