So I'm reading that Atlanta had a similiar storm like this in 2011

[LynneSin]

Didn't they learn anything from it?

Ok I respect the argument that no southern state is going to waste tax-dollars on things like salt trucks, snow plows and salt stockpiles since these occurances are pretty rare.

But didn't something in a high-up government authority think ahead that all this snow would cause a serious impact on the city and perhaps it's best that the kids are given a snow day. I'm still shocked that those kids were sent to school.

But I accept the fact that there is alot I don't know so help fill me in.

[Glitterati]

1. PLEASE understand

where the weather forecast was for snow and ice, the schools were closed.

The schools where a "dusting" of snow did NOT close.

According to the forecast, the schools acted appropriately.

The forecast was WRONG.

[RebelOne]

7. Yes, the forecast was definitely wrong.

I live in a county just northwest of Atlanta, and our forecast was for just a dusting of snow. That was bullshit. You should see the snow-covered landscape outside my house.

[elleng]

2. They bought equipment, after 2011, they're using now.

Mayor said big problem with this one was lack of coordination among all entities re: releasing people early: Schools, businesses, etc not coordinated, each works on their own.

Mayor not a king, so couldn't 'order' everyone what to do/when. (Heard on CNN interview. 'King' my word.)

[Brainstormy]

3. snow day in 2011

was not this bad and this one has about run its course. Most streets clear and by tomorrow we'll be back to normal and no longer a national laughingstock. This one hit us a bit by surprise, mostly from inadequate or poor forecasting, and too late to call a snow day. but trust me, snow days are called here for heavy dew. Many more than when I was a kid and not because there's more snow--there's not--but because we're a much more litigious society now. We get ice storms every every few years, but spending a lot preparing for them is about as practical as having hurricane drills. For most of us, most of the time, it's just fun.

[LynneSin]

6. Never said they were a laughingstock

I was just curious as to the logic.

[Brainstormy]

9. I didn't mean you

but we are. Been reading the posts all day. Its OK, we can handle it.

[lapfog_1]

4. They could have paid attention to the storm watches

(over the weekend) and the storm warning on Monday... and canceled school on Tuesday and told everyone to stay home.

Instead, they ignored the warning from the national weather service and said they would wait until tuesday to see if the storm moved south of them or not. By the time they canceled school, it was freezing rain and none of these people know how to drive on ice... and they have no equipment.

I lived in Colorado for years (and Kansas before that)... but I live in California now. Recently I traveled back to Colorado and found myself in very similar conditions to Atlanta (freezing hard snow / rain with black ice)... and despite the fact that I grew up driving in such conditions... I haven't done it in years and I almost had at least 2 accidents because my muscle memory of driving on ice was gone. If you don't do it frequently, you forget how.

And all it takes is a few thousand such drivers and it doesn't matter if YOU know how to drive in the stuff... you can't avoid the others and you can't go anywhere when they simply turn off their cars and walk someplace.

[Baclava]

5. The SUN will be out tomorrow and all the ice will be melted ...so

...any "fixes" will be put on the back burner for 1000 days till the next ice storm

that's my prediction

[Swede Atlanta]

8. But...but SnowGhazi!!!!! (sarcasm)

What did Reed know and when did he know it?

Why does he show such indifference to the suffering of the people of Atlanta?

The Georgia Assembly must immediately have hearings on SnowGhazi and grill Mayor Reed (Governor "real" Deal doesn't need to appear because he is a Republican and Jesus loves him).....

[Brainstormy]

10. Funny! nt