Appearing in his first solo press conference Wednesday, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed implored citizens to remain hunkered down amid a storm he says is only halfway through wreaking havoc across the Southeast.
“If you view this weather event as a boxing match, last night was the early rounds and we’re in the middle of it,” Reed said, describing a pending front of sleet and snow that could undermine efforts to clear roadways, down more trees and worsen power outages region-wide.
“Please, please, please don’t believe that this is a light incident because of the way it appears,”said the mayor, noting he worries Atlantans are catching a case of cabin fever. “Don’t test the news reports to see if the weather is as bad as we’re saying it is. It is.”
Atlanta government offices, including the court house, will remain closed Thursday as the city, region and state continue to battle an epic snow and ice storm.
After doubling the city’s snow equipment to about 120 plows and spreaders, road crews have already treated more than 100 priority bridges and 83 of the city’s main thoroughfares, totaling 105 miles of roadways, Reed said. City workers have also cleared entrances to fire stations and hospitals throughout Atlanta.
By Wednesday afternoon, the city used about 3,800 tons of salt mix treating roadways — more than its original stockpile of 3,000 tons — and had 1,500 tons still to use. Despite a national shortage of salt materials, officials said the city is well-stocked for the remaining days of the snowy sludge that is turning roadways into skating rinks.
No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported within city limits, Reed said, and about 90 Atlantans have taken shelter in the city’s warming centers.
Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran said city officials are focused on keeping critical transportation routes clear, providing support to first responders and making sure residents in need of medical attention receive it.
Officials remain most concerned about ice taking down trees and power throughout the city. Emergency officials have received reports of about 30 fallen trees and 20 power lines, he said.
“Let me be very clear, last night and today was the opening act of what’s getting ready to occur,” he said.
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