Atlanta’s expecting snow, so let’s look back on Snowpocalypse 2014

In Atlanta, “snow” is a four letter word.

Even the mention of Connecticut Confetti sends many in the metro into panic and empties store shelves.

Just a few days into 2017, and after a relatively mild start to winter, the “S” word is already being thrown around. In fact, forecasters are predicting up to three inches of snow in metro Atlanta between late Friday and Saturday.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is literally advising people to prepare to shelter in place for three days. Meanwhile, travel experts at Thrillist this week gave Georgia a favorable Top 8 ranking for states with mildest winters — but they nonetheless poked fun at Atlanta’s legendary unpreparedness when faced with Devil’s Dandruff. So maybe the extra caution makes sense.

Back in January 2014, the city descended into complete chaos after snow and ice hit in the middle of a Tuesday. Students were stranded at schools, thousands of Atlantans became trapped on area interstates overnight, and the city became a national laughingstock.

The event became known simply as “Snowpocalypse” despite the fact that it didn’t come close to the amount of snow of any of Atlanta’s largest storms. It just came at the wrong time.

Of course, longtime residents know the forecast of snow is no guarantee it will actually happen. So, while it’s not time to panic — yet — here are some photos from three years ago to remind us all of how Atlanta handles chaos ...

Grid View

• Snow appeared in the forecast, sending shoppers to the stores to buy practically everything. It’s amazing how the threat of a day or two at home makes people stockpile loaves of bread. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• The snow started innocently around lunchtime on a Tuesday. Here, the wintry scene begins in downtown Norcross. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• As the snow continued to fall in the afternoon, everyone forgot how to drive. Peachtree Road in Buckhead turned into complete gridlock. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Around Lenox Square, cars sat. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Same at the Buckhead MARTA Station. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Peachtree Road near Piedmont Road was at a complete standstill. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Atlantans, already notorious for blocking intersections, went all in. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Buckhead Triangle descended into complete chaos as night fell. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• A good Samaritan put out a sign in Buckhead to warn of treacherous conditions. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• But that didn’t stop this motorist from plowing into a Buckhead apartment building. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• The next morning, Lenox Square was a complete ghost town. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Peachtree Road, the morning after pandemonium, became eerily quiet. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Same with Piedmont Road. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• The residential streets of Buckhead were downright serene. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• How quaint! Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Some motorists tried their hand at a largely abandoned Ga. Highway 400. This is a Wednesday, keep in mind. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• East Paces Ferry near the Lenox MARTA Station was a sheet of ice. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• So was Lenox Road. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• In Midtown, the Connector was as empty as ever. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• The intersection of West Peachtree and 14th streets was largely deserted as a second snow-packed night descended on the city. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• West Peachtree Street became a pedestrian paradise. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• The 15th Street hill near Arts Center MARTA Station wasn’t ideal for driving on. Michael Kahn, Curbed
• Arts Center MARTA Station was veiled in white. Michael Kahn, Curbed

Maybe it’s time to bum-rush to the supermarket after all.

• Tracking the Catastrophic Micro Blizzards of Atlanta Past [Curbed]