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It’s been 10 years since ‘Snowmageddon’ paralyzed metro Atlanta. Here are the lessons learned

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It’s been 10 years since ‘Snowmageddon’ paralyzed metro Atlanta. Here are the lessons learned


ATLANTA — It’s been 10 years since a winter storm dubbed “Snowmageddon” hit metro Atlanta.

For those Georgians stuck in the mess, it may feel like yesterday. But Channel 2 Chief Meteorologist Emeritus Glenn Burns learned that when it comes to winter storms, Georgia is now in a much better place because of that storm.

But we are in a much better place because of it.

The storm brought just three inches of snow to the metro. But the mess that ensued after that snow fell will be something most people across the metro will never forget.

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Channel 2′s Richard Elliot was out reporting live as the temperature got colder and colder.

“As the sun has gone down as the temperature drops, it is getting more and more icy out here,” Elliot said.

“It’s impossible to drive right now. The roads are full of ice,” a driver told Channel 2 Action News at the time.

There were crashes all over the place. Some drivers slept in their cars, others ran out of gas and many abandoned their cars and walked.

There was also a major impact on schools and children as some bus trips were delayed for hours.

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“I was super scared. I was like, ‘If I don’t get home to my parents, like, I’m going to freak out,’” a student told us.

Other buses were flat-out stranded.

Metro Atlanta was paralyzed for days.

In the aftermath, this headline appeared on the front page of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:  “How did this happen?”

“Within a very short window of time, many more motorists got on the roadways and during that same timeframe is when the amount of snow continued to come,” former Gov. Nathan Deal said during a news conference after the storm.

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In the last 10 years, state and local leaders have made major changes. That includes the creation of a state meteorologist position.

State meteorologist Will Lanxton said not only does he monitor the forecast, but he also works with the agencies in charge of leading us all through future snowstorms.

“We’ve had events where we have had more snowfall than in 2014 and because GDOT and some of the other agencies supporting them have gone out and pre-treated the roads and done the leg work beforehand, it has kept lanes opened when it’s below freezing,” Lanxton said.

Another big change that came after that particular snowstorm, was Georgia added a network of road sensors.

They provide information like road temperature that can be used to monitor when treatment may be needed.

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta sisters win big on Family Feud — and say the real prize was being together

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Atlanta sisters win big on Family Feud — and say the real prize was being together


The Norman sisters definitely have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: they just won big on Family Feud.

The five sisters — four living in metro Atlanta and one in California — brought their energy, humor, and unmistakable charisma to the popular Steve Harvey-hosted game show. Their episodes, filmed back in March, finally aired this month.

As soon as they hit the stage, their enthusiasm was impossible to miss.

“We’re the Normans! Wooooo!” they cheered in their opening moment on screen.

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Even Steve Harvey couldn’t help hyping them up: “From Atlanta, Georgia… It’s the Norman Family!”

The Norman sisters compete on Family Feud.

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A dream come true for a lifelong Family Feud fan

For sister Liz Knipe, who lives in Atlanta, appearing on the show was a bucket-list moment more than a decade in the making.

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“I’ve wanted to be on Family Feud forever. My first audition was in 2014,” she said.

The sisters say their chemistry — and very different personalities — helped them stand out during the audition process.

“Seeing us all together, I think it just resonated with people,” said Ericka Grant, who lives in Buford.

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The Norman sisters compete on Family Fued.

Paramount

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Their big win: $60,000 and a luxury Las Vegas trip

And their on-screen charm paid off.

The Norman sisters walked away with $60,000 and a trip for all of them — plus a guest each — to the Bellagio in Las Vegas for a six-day, five-night getaway.

“Bam,” Liz said with a laugh. “Not just a vacation for us but a plus-one for each of us.”

Each sister has her own plan for how to spend her share of the prize money:

  • Liz Knipe (Atlanta): “Praise the Lord, I’m going to be able to pay all my bills.”
  • Ericka Grant (Buford): “I’m going to use it to have some fun with my boys and my husband.”
  • Michelle Norman (Atlanta): “A nice down payment.”
  • Alex Norman (Marietta): “I’m going to spend a little on myself. And my kids. And then some bills. But I’m paying myself first.”

Winning together meant more than the money

Despite the big payout, the sisters say the real reward was the time spent with each other.

“It’s a great bonding moment,” said Alex Norman. “We don’t always get a chance to do stuff together — all five of us.”

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They say family and friends were thrilled to see them on national TV, laughing and playing as a team.

“It was nice for our family to see us together on TV, winning and having fun,” said Ericka.

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The Norman sisters do their makeup in preparation for their episode of Family Feud. 

Paramount


Could the Norman sisters return to CBS on another show?

The sisters aren’t ruling out more TV in their future. In fact, they already have their eyes on other CBS competition shows.

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“I’m trying to get my sister on The Amazing Race with me,” said Michelle. “But the goal is Survivor! That’s the goal.”

Where to watch their episode

The Norman sisters’ Family Feud episodes are now streaming.

You can catch them on Paramount+.



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Christmas tree sales fund student scholarships across metro Atlanta

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Christmas tree sales fund student scholarships across metro Atlanta


A holiday tradition that began as a small side project for two Atlanta teenagers a decade ago has grown into a major scholarship program helping local students pursue college dreams — all through the sale and delivery of Christmas trees.

What we know:

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The effort, called Trees for Tuition, started in 2015 when founders Jack and Will decided to use a pickup truck to deliver a few Fraser firs to neighbors. That first year, they sold about 30 trees. Last season, the business expanded dramatically, with nearly 4,000 trees delivered across metro Atlanta and more than $50,000 donated to support scholarships and local nonprofits.

Trees for Tuition now operates seven locations across the metro area. Customers can visit in person to select a tree or schedule a delivery online as early as the next day. The group sources most of its Fraser firs from North Carolina, with additional Noble firs shipped in from Oregon.

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The founders say their goal is simple: make buying a Christmas tree easier for families while giving Atlanta teens and young adults a financial boost toward their education. 

What you can do:

Tree lots are open from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, including Friday. More information is available at treesfortuition.com.

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Atlanta, GA

Update on travel conditions at Hartsfield-Jackson airport

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Update on travel conditions at Hartsfield-Jackson airport


It’s a busy day of travel at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. And although there are a few delays, there have not been any cancelations as of noon. We also now have more info about what happened to the flight to Amsterdam that was canceled on Tuesday night.



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