Atlanta saw a rare and brief winter wonderland this January as snow blanketed the city, causing both excitement and disruption on two separate occasions. The snowfall, which accumulated between one to three inches in some areas, led to icy roads, flight delays and widespread school closures—including The Paideia School, which was forced to shut down on Jan 10. and 22.
Students and teachers at Paideia had to quickly adjust as the snowfall disrupted planned lessons and presentations. This leave was especially rare for Paideia, as the school is known for being reluctant to close due to weather events. Despite the inconveniences, the snowfall brought a sense of seasonal excitement to the Paideia community. Families headed outdoors to enjoy sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen in their neighborhoods.
While snowfall is uncommon in Atlanta due to its typically mild winters, the city occasionally experiences winter storms that can cause significant disruptions. Many residents took to social media to share photos of snow-covered yards, while others recalled past snow events like the infamous “Snowmageddon” of 2014. Some Atlantans, particularly those who had moved from colder regions, found the city’s reaction amusing, as a few inches of snow led to nearly empty grocery stores and widespread closures.
The following days saw temperatures rise and most of the snow melt, allowing school to reopen. Though brief, the snowfall was a reminder of how even a small amount of winter weather can bring both chaos and excitement to a city unaccustomed to wintery conditions.
