Atlanta, Georgia, December 24, 2025
News Summary
A severe winter storm has caused significant disruptions across multiple southern states, including record low temperatures and hazardous travel conditions. More than 90,000 energy customers are without power, and fatalities have been reported in Alabama and Texas due to weather-related incidents. Local authorities have declared states of emergency, issued curfews, and provided safety warnings as icy roads complicate the situation. Traffic safety is a major concern with multiple closures reported, and disruptions continue at airports throughout the region.
Atlanta, Georgia – A severe winter storm has hit multiple southern states, leading to significant disruptions, hazardous travel conditions, and multiple fatalities. The storm has resulted in record low temperatures, hitting 20 to 30 degrees below average, and has left more than 90,000 energy customers without power across the affected regions, including Florida and Georgia.
Tragically, weather-related incidents have resulted in two deaths in Dale County, Alabama. A man perished in a house fire after using a stove for heat, while a woman died from hydroplaning on icy roads. Additionally, a Texas man died in a weather-related crash caused by icy conditions. The storm has also impacted traffic safety, with two people injured in a crash involving two tractor-trailers in DeKalb County, Georgia, early Tuesday.
In DeKalb County, officials have declared a state of emergency amid ongoing icy conditions, receiving hundreds of 911 calls for assistance. Local law enforcement and U.S. Marshals were also involved in the search for three inmates who escaped from the local jail; however, they have since been captured and are back in custody.
Road safety remains a concern, particularly in Gwinnett County, Georgia, where vehicles abandoned overnight are blocking roads. Residents have been urged to safely remove their vehicles. Additionally, multiple bridges in Jacksonville, Florida, are closed due to icy roads and car accidents, compounding travel difficulties. Louisiana officials have issued curfews in three parishes to ensure public safety amid hazardous travel conditions caused by snow and ice, with snow accumulation reported between 6 to 10 inches exceeding initial forecasts.
As the storm progresses, many airports are experiencing disruptions. Mobile Regional and Mobile International airports in Alabama remain closed due to weather conditions, while Jacksonville International Airport has reopened after a brief closure. Weather forecasts indicate that the city of Atlanta broke the temperature record for Christmas Eve and may match or exceed it again on Christmas Day.
In other news related to the storm’s impact, a woman died after a vehicle rear-ended a stopped MARTA bus in DeKalb County early Wednesday. The crash occurred near a traffic light close to Memorial Drive and Carter Road at around 2 a.m. Additionally, a disturbing find was made in Gwinnett County, where investigators discovered 13 plastic bags with dead dogs in refrigerators at a residence, leading to the arrests of two women.
Meanwhile, in lottery news, a Georgia lottery player scored big in Monday’s drawing, providing a rare piece of good news amid the storm’s chaos. Although there is excitement around local lottery winnings, the ongoing severe weather continues to disrupt daily life across multiple states.
Background Context
The winter storm is unprecedented for this time of year, resulting in conditions that have seriously impacted travel, power supply, and overall public safety. Local authorities continue to warn residents about the dangers of black ice caused by melting snow followed by refreezing temperatures. This situation has prompted officials across various regions to respond with curfews, emergency declarations, and safety warnings, making it crucial for residents to remain vigilant during this challenging weather event.
FAQ Section
What caused the severe winter storm in the southern states?
A severe winter storm has hit multiple southern states, leading to significant disruptions, hazardous travel conditions, and multiple fatalities.
How many fatalities have resulted from the storm?
Weather-related incidents have resulted in two deaths in Dale County, Alabama; a man died in a house fire using a stove for heat, and a woman died from hydroplaning.
What measures have been taken in response to the storm?
Local authorities have warned of the dangers of black ice, declared a state of emergency, and issued curfews in certain parishes to ensure public safety amid hazardous travel conditions caused by snow and ice.
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Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash in Jackson County
Additional Resources
- AJC: 1 Killed After Vehicle Rear-ends MARTA Bus in DeKalb
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- WSBTV: Near Record Temperatures Could Bring Scattered Showers
- Google Search: Winter Weather Impact on Safety
- ABC7: At Least 10 Dead in Record-Breaking Snowstorm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
