February 11-13, 2014 Southeastern Winter Storm

The February 11-13, 2014 winter storm (often called the Valentine's Day Snowstorm or February 2014 North Georgia Snow Event) was a significant but relatively light snow event for Atlanta, occurring as part of a broader Arctic outbreak and multiple winter storms during the extremely cold winter of 2013-2014. Snow and sleet fell primarily on February 12 into early February 13, 2014, producing 2-6 inches across much of north Georgia, with higher amounts in the mountains and foothills. While totals were modest compared to the January 28 Snowmageddon, the storm added to the season's cumulative snow and icy conditions, contributing to ongoing travel issues, power outages, and cold-related disruptions. It is remembered as one of several wintry events that made the winter memorable for north Georgia residents.

Meteorological Setup

A deep Arctic air mass (polar vortex influence) remained entrenched across the eastern U.S., with surface temperatures in the teens to low 20's in north Georgia. A weak surface low developed over the Gulf of Mexico and tracked northeastward, drawing modest Gulf moisture over the cold dome in an overrunning pattern. The low intensified off the Southeast coast, producing a band of snow/sleet focused across north and central Georgia, the Upstate of South Carolina, and western North Carolina. Snowfall rates were light to moderate (0.5-1.5 inches per hour in the core band) on February 12 afternoon/evening into early February 13. The deep, dry cold air supported high snow ratios (15:1 to 20:1+), allowing modest liquid equivalent to produce noticeable accumulations. Black ice and refreezing were significant concerns on roads.

Impacts

Light snow/sleet + extreme cold added to ongoing winter disruptions in north Georgia:

Snowfall Amounts and Distribution

Snow/sleet fell mainly February 12 into early February 13, with accumulations tapering from the mountains southward:

North Georgia Mountains/Foothills (e.g., Blairsville, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Jasper, Blue Ridge): 3–6 inches common; higher elevations (e.g., near Blood Mountain) up to 6–8 inches in upslope areas.
Union, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Lumpkin, Dawson Counties: Widespread 3–5 inches; some isolated higher totals.
North Atlanta Metro / Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Canton, Nelson, GA): Trace to 2–4 inches; Cobb/Cherokee/Forsyth counties: 2–4 inches common.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Trace to 1 inch (mostly sleet mix); north metro fringe: higher.

Liquid equivalent was very low (~0.10–0.25 inches), but high ratios and cold preserved snow cover briefly.

Temperature Records

The event occurred amid one of the coldest winters on record:

North Georgia Mountains/Foothills (e.g., Blairsville, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Jasper, Blue Ridge): Lows 5–15°F (e.g., Dahlonega 10°F, Ellijay 8°F); highs only in the teens to 20s°F on February 12–13.
Atlanta Metro: Lows 10–14°F (Feb 12–13); highs ~20–25°F during active precip.
Broader: No all-time records set, but February 2014 was among the coldest in decades (10–15°F below normal); wind chills -10°F to -25°F.

The entrenched cold preserved snow and caused persistent icy roads.

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); additional accidents and slowdowns; schools/businesses closed or delayed; rural mountain roads remained slick.
Utilities and Infrastructure: Minor additional power outages from ice/snow weight; frozen pipes continued to be an issue.
Human Toll: No major new fatalities directly tied to this event; exposure/accident risks remained elevated.
Economic: Cumulative commerce/agriculture disruptions from the winter; school closures extended.
Other Disruptions: Added to seasonal fatigue; north Georgia residents dealt with prolonged cold and icy conditions.

Notes of Interest

Rarity and Legacy: Part of the 2013-2014 winter's multiple snow events; less famous than January 28 Snowmageddon but contributed to the season's snowy reputation.
Environmental Oddities: High snow ratios (15:1 to 20:1+) from deep cold; light precip produced decent accumulations in mountains; part of the polar vortex pattern.
Cultural Impact: Added to the "snowy winter" lore; photos of north Georgia snow scenes circulated.
Comparison to Recent Events: Much lighter than 1989 Christmas (coastal heavy) or 2011 (north GA 6–10 inches); similar to 2010 Valentine’s Day snow but colder.

This was a secondary but notable wintry event in a snowy north Georgia winter.