February 15-16, 2015 Ice Storm

The February 15–16, 2015 North Georgia Winter Storm (part of the broader February 2015 Southeastern U.S. Winter Storm and often referred to as the Valentine's Day Ice Storm or 2015 North Georgia Ice Event) was a significant ice storm that brought freezing rain and glaze to much of north Georgia, with the heaviest impacts occurring overnight February 15 into early February 16, 2015. The storm produced 0.25–0.75 inches of ice accumulation across the north Georgia mountains and foothills, with lighter glaze (0.10–0.40 inches) in the north Atlanta metro fringe and lower elevations. Snow and sleet were minimal (trace to 1–2 inches in higher areas), but the ice was the primary hazard, causing widespread tree damage, power outages, and treacherous travel. For north Georgia (including areas like Nelson, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Blairsville, and the north suburbs), it ranks as one of the more disruptive ice events of the 2010s.

Meteorological Setup

A strong cold front pushed deep Arctic air into the Southeast, with surface temperatures dropping into the 20s°F across north Georgia. A surface low developed over the Gulf of Mexico and tracked northeastward, drawing abundant Gulf moisture over the cold dome in a classic overrunning pattern. The low intensified off the Southeast coast, producing prolonged freezing rain as warm air aloft melted precip before it refroze on sub-freezing surfaces. Ice accretion rates were moderate (0.05–0.15 inches per hour in the core band) on February 15 evening into February 16 morning. The event was ice-dominant in lower north Georgia, with light snow/sleet more prevalent in the mountains/foothills due to colder temperatures.

Impacts

Moderate to heavy ice + cold caused significant disruptions in north Georgia:

Snowfall Amounts and Distribution

Ice accumulation peaked February 15 night into February 16 morning, with heaviest in north and north-central Georgia:

North Georgia Mountains/Foothills (e.g., Blairsville, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Jasper, Blue Ridge): 0.50–0.75 inches ice common; higher elevations (e.g., near Blood Mountain) up to 0.75–1.0 inch in spots.
Union, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Lumpkin, Dawson Counties: Widespread 0.40–0.70 inches ice; some isolated higher totals.
Dawson, Forsyth, Cherokee, Hall Counties: 0.25–0.50 inches ice.
North Atlanta Metro / Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Canton, Nelson, GA): 0.10–0.40 inches ice; Cobb/Cherokee/Forsyth counties: 0.20–0.50 inches common.
Snow/Sleet: Trace to 1–2 inches in higher elevations; mostly light sleet mix with ice.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Trace to 0.10 inches (mostly sleet/ice mix); north metro/foothills: significantly more.

Liquid equivalent was low (~0.20–0.50 inches), but marginal temperatures caused significant glaze.

Temperature Records

The event occurred amid a cold pattern:

North Georgia: Lows 20-28F; highs only in the 30s on February 15-16.
Atlanta Metro: Lows 22-26F; highs ~32-35F.
No all-time February lows set, but the cold was sufficient for prolonged glaze and icy roads; wind chills in the teens.

Impacts

Transportation: Roads became extremely hazardous from ice glaze; major accidents and slowdowns on highways (e.g., GA 400, I-575); schools/businesses closed; travel advisories widespread.
Utilities and Infrastructure: Widespread power outages (tens of thousands affected in north Georgia from ice weight on lines/trees); tree damage; some prolonged outages (days).
Human Toll: No major fatalities directly tied in north Georgia reports, but accident/exposure risks elevated.
Economic: Commerce/agriculture disrupted; property damage from fallen trees/lines.
Other Disruptions: Daily life halted; north Georgia residents dealt with slick roads and outages; emergency services strained.

Notes of Interest

Rarity and Legacy: One of the more significant ice events of the 2010s in north Georgia; less famous than 2014 Snowmageddon but notable for ice damage in lower areas.
Unusual Phenomena: Moderate to heavy freezing rain accumulation; light sleet/snow mix in higher elevations; part of 2014–2015 winter pattern.
Cultural Impact: Added to the "icy winter" lore; photos of glazed trees/power lines circulated.
Comparison to Recent Events: More ice-focused than 1989 Christmas (heavy snow) or 2014 Snowmageddon (snow + black ice); similar to 1994 Ice Storm but smaller scale.

Bottom line:This was a disruptive ice event for north Georgia