Metro Atlanta's towing companies are busy in the aftermath of the ice storm, but not as busy as you might think.

"Emergency service has replaced our usual commercial business," such as towing cars for auto dealerships or outstanding traffic tickets, said Page Porter, CEO of A Tow in Atlanta. "Right now 100 percent of our business is emergency-related."

Porter said A Tow has towed 320 cars since Sunday night and currently has roughly 20 trucks on the road, focusing on the mess around the I-285 loop, which in some spots has resembled a parking lot.

"We're dealing with cars that are obstructing traffic right now," Porter said. Vehicles that aren't blocking the road will remain, for now.

Getting to those vehicles is a challenge, of course. "It's a slow process," said Greg Greeson, vice president of South Metro Towing. Like most other towing companies, they are handling emergency situations only.

Porter said two of her drivers have been involved in accidents caused by the ice.

At least one company has decided to take advantage of the snow days. Northside Towing is "closed due to severe winter weather, " according to a voicemail message.

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The Thanksgiving air travel period is on as passengers made their way through the airport Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport during the holidays can be an ordeal. Parking shortages could disrupt your plans and security waits can be long during busy periods, causing bottlenecks. Hartsfield-Jackson is advising travelers to get to the airport at least 2½ hours before their domestic flight and at least 3 hours before their international flight. (John Spink/AJC)

Credit: John Spink