The February 25, 2015 North Georgia Heavy Snow Event (also referred to as the February 2015 North Georgia Snowstorm or part of the broader Southeastern U.S. winter storm sequence) was a significant late-winter snowfall event that brought heavy snow to much of north Georgia, particularly the mountains, foothills, and northern suburbs of Atlanta. The storm peaked on February 25, 2015, with snow falling steadily through the day and tapering off overnight into February 26. It produced 6–12+ inches across the north Georgia mountains and foothills, with 4–8 inches in the north Atlanta metro fringe, making it one of the heavier single-event snowfalls in the region during the 2010s. The event occurred amid a cold pattern but was notable for its accumulation rather than extreme ice or black ice like some other storms.
Meteorological Setup
A strong upper-level trough dug into the eastern U.S., supporting a surface low that developed over the Gulf of Mexico and tracked northeastward. Deep Arctic air was entrenched across the Southeast, with surface temperatures in the teens to 20s°F across north Georgia. Gulf moisture overran this cold dome in a classic overrunning pattern, producing heavy snow rather than rain or ice in north Georgia. The low intensified off the Southeast coast, creating a focused band of heavy snowfall across the southern Appalachians and north Georgia, with snowfall rates of 1–2+ inches per hour in the core band on February 25. The deep, dry cold air supported high snow ratios (12:1 to 18:1), allowing moderate liquid equivalent to produce significant accumulations. The event was snow-dominant in north Georgia, with minimal sleet or ice.
Impacts
Moderate to heavy snow + cold caused significant disruptions in north Georgia:
Snowfall Amounts and Distribution
Snow fell primarily on February 25 (some lingering into February 26), with heaviest in the mountains and foothills:
- North Georgia Mountains/Foothills (e.g., Blairsville, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Jasper, Blue Ridge): 8–12+ inches common; higher elevations (e.g., near Blood Mountain or Brasstown Bald) up to 12–16 inches in upslope areas.
- Union, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Lumpkin, Dawson Counties: Widespread 8–12 inches; some isolated higher totals.
- North Atlanta Metro / Suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Canton, Nelson, GA): 4–8 inches; Cobb/Cherokee/Forsyth counties: 5–8 inches common.
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Trace to 2 inches (mostly light snow/sleet mix); north metro fringe: significantly higher.
Liquid equivalent was moderate (~0.3–0.6 inches), but high ratios and cold preserved snow cover for days in higher elevations.
Temperature Records
The event occurred amid a cold pattern:
- North Georgia: Lows 10–20F (e.g., Dahlonega 12F, Ellijay 10F); highs only in the 20s–low 30'sF on February 25.
- Atlanta Metro: Lows 22–26F; highs 32–35F.
- Broader: No all-time February lows set, but the cold was sufficient for prolonged glaze accumulation; wind chills in the teens.
The entrenched cold preserved ice and caused persistent hazardous conditions.
Impacts
Light snow/sleet + extreme cold added to ongoing winter disruptions in north Georgia:
- Transportation: Hazardous roads and ice on highways (e.g., GA 400, I-575); accidents and slowdowns; schools/businesses closed; travel advisories widespread.
- Utilities and Infrastructure: Power outages from snow/ice weight on lines/trees (thousands affected in north Georgia); tree damage.
- 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 heavier single-event snowfalls in north Georgia during the 2010's; less famous than 2014 Snowmageddon but notable for accumulation in the mountains/foothills.
- Environmental Oddities: High snow ratios (12:1 to 18:1+) from cold air; mountain enhancement boosted totals in Fannin/Union counties; part of 2014–2015 winter pattern.
- Cultural Impact: Added to the "snowy winter" lore; photos of snow-covered north Georgia mountains circulated.
- Comparison to Recent Events: Heavier than 2010 Valentine’s Day snow (2–6 inches) but less chaotic than 2014 Snowmageddon (urban focus); more snow-focused than 2015 February ice storm (ice-dominant).
This was a solid late-winter snow event for north Georgia.
February 25 Snow
