The unprecedented winter storm that hit metro Atlanta has left numerous drivers stranded, with many forced to spend the night in their vehicles. The situation remains critical as icy roads and hazardous conditions continue to plague the region. Over 100 cars were abandoned across various locations, including gas stations that turned into makeshift shelters for stranded residents. County officials have declared a state of emergency and are urging residents to stay off the roads until conditions improve.

Stranded Vehicles Turn Gas Stations into Temporary Shelters

As freezing temperatures and icy roads made travel impossible, gas stations became unexpected refuges for many drivers unable to reach home. In DeKalb County, several parking lots filled with abandoned vehicles, with some residents spending over 12 hours in their cars waiting for help. County leaders have deployed salt and brine trucks to combat the treacherous road conditions, but progress has been slow due to the severity of the ice.

Gas stations such as one near Rock Chapel Road and Pleasant Hill Road provided a lifeline for stranded individuals. Drivers used their car heaters to stay warm while hoping for better weather. Some, like Mike Williams, had no choice but to walk for hours after running out of fuel. Others, like Darryl Jamar, a truck driver on Lithonia Industrial Boulevard, spent the night in his vehicle alongside about ten other tractor-trailer drivers. "It’s frustrating, man, because they should have salted down," Jamar expressed his frustration at the lack of immediate assistance.

Hazardous Conditions Force Residents to Seek Shelter Elsewhere

The winter storm's aftermath forced many residents to seek shelter in unconventional places, highlighting the severity of the situation. With dozens of vehicles abandoned along Young Road and even a MARTA bus stuck on Redan Road, the county faced an overwhelming challenge. Local officials received over 100 calls for service as conditions worsened. Despite efforts to spread salt and brine, icy hills continued to pose significant challenges, causing vehicles to spin out or become stuck.

One resident described the scene at a gas station where 20 to 30 cars were abandoned: “Straight ice. Cars were spinning all over the place. Everything was sheets of ice out here.” Another resident, Alcia Pie, compared the storm's aftermath unfavorably to her experiences in New York. "This is worse than New York. In New York, we have manholes in the street, and it starts melting. So, yeah, this is worse." As the roads gradually improve, more residents are returning to retrieve their abandoned vehicles. County officials stress caution, reminding the public to avoid travel if possible until conditions fully stabilize.