Days after a historic winter storm brought ice and record-breaking snowfall to the southern United States, major cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, are working to clear the snow and ice. Cleanup crews are using innovative methods, including repurposing Mardi Gras cleanup equipment, to speed up recovery. Meanwhile, temperatures are rising, offering hope that nature will help melt away the remaining snow and ice.
New Orleans Uses Mardi Gras Cleanup Equipment for Snow Removal
In New Orleans, where snowfall is rare, the cleanup efforts have been unconventional. A private waste management company, IV Waste, has adapted its equipment—normally used for post-Mardi Gras cleanup—to remove snow and ice from the streets.
Sidney Torres, the company’s president, stated that a 15,000-liter (4,000-gallon) “flusher” truck is being used to spray water to soften ice for easier removal in the historic French Quarter.
Typically, this truck is used to wash away the remnants of Mardi Gras celebrations, including liquor, urine, and vomit smells. Torres emphasized that his team is finding new techniques to tackle the unusual weather conditions.
Louisiana Faces Road Closures and Salt Shortages
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that up to 320 kilometers (200 miles) of interstate highways are expected to remain closed until Friday due to hazardous black ice. The state has also nearly exhausted its salt supply after treating roads.
“We’re from Louisiana. We know crawfish and football, but we don’t really know snow and ice,” said Daniel Gitlin, a transportation department spokesperson. He added that warmer temperatures would naturally take care of the remaining ice.
To assist Louisiana, the state of Arkansas has sent snowplows, dump trucks, and salt spreaders to aid in the cleanup.
Record-Breaking Snowfall Across the South
The storm shattered snowfall records in multiple southern states:
- Florida: A preliminary report suggests that one town received 25 cm (10 inches) of snow, which would be a state record if confirmed.
- Georgia: Savannah recorded 8 cm (3 inches) of snow, the highest since December 1989.
- Atlanta: Southern suburbs saw more snow and ice than areas north of the city.
In Covington, Georgia, a resident used a flame thrower to melt ice in his neighborhood—a method normally used for clearing brush.
South Carolina Reports Storm-Related Death
South Carolina faced dangerous icy conditions, leading to at least one reported death. A 71-year-old man died from a medical condition while shoveling snow in Berkeley County. Between 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) of snow fell in the area, making roads hazardous.
Charleston, South Carolina, saw significant road issues, including the closure of the James Island Connector due to ice refreezing overnight. Officials warned that reopening the bridge might take longer than expected.
Schools and Government Offices Remain Closed in Multiple States
Across the South, schools and government offices were affected by lingering icy conditions:
- North Carolina: Schools in Fayetteville’s Cumberland County switched to online learning due to icy roads. Many other districts had a two-hour delay to ensure safety.
- Alabama: Schools in central and southern parts of the state remained closed due to freezing pipes and icy roads. Interstate 65 and 10 were also shut down.
- South Carolina: Schools and county offices remained closed in areas east and south of Columbia.
Airports Recover from Weather Disruptions
The storm caused major flight cancellations, but conditions improved by Thursday. According to FlightAware.com, about 600 flights were canceled nationwide—a significant drop from previous days.
Northeast Still Battling Freezing Temperatures
While the South is seeing some relief, the northeastern U.S. remains in the grip of extreme cold.
- New York: Temperatures dropped below zero degrees Celsius (around 20°F) and are expected to remain frigid through the weekend.
- Hudson River: Parts of the river froze over, creating chunks of floating ice against the city’s skyline.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning for the eastern U.S., cautioning residents to prepare for dangerously low temperatures.
The South continues to recover from an unprecedented winter storm, with record snowfall, road closures, and school disruptions affecting millions. While temperatures are slowly rising, some areas remain dangerously icy, particularly in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama.
Meanwhile, air travel and transportation are improving, offering a glimpse of normalcy returning. As cleanup efforts continue, officials urge residents to remain cautious until conditions fully stabilize.