6 reasons Atlanta hates winter weather

ATLANTA — The metro Atlanta area, like much of Georgia, has a temperate climate. But there are the occasional bouts of occasionally disastrous snow and ice, if not near-zero temperatures.

With those come a small slew of familiar reactions.

The schools that close early, the roads that clog with drivers, the grocery store shelves that empty.

So while the winter weather in Atlanta has its charms, it is also terrible.

Here are six reasons why:

Metro Atlanta's famously congested commutes are compounded in any kind of precipitation, and double that if it's ice, sleet or snow. That, plus the Georgia Department of Transportation's response to widespread winter weather has faced criticism in the past as inadequate and ill-prepared, though officials have promised vigilance going forward. (John Spink/AJC)

Dropping temperatures plus precipitation often means icy and undriveable roads — which means no school for kids. Sometimes, such "snow days" can go on for days, leaving a house full of stir-crazy parents and children (and pets). If that sounds like you, we have a handy guide for how to entertain yourself and your kids. (Shalom Ormsby/Blend Images/MCT)

Just because it gets cold enough to ice doesn't mean it will stay that way. Metro weather can see a 20-degree swing in a five-day period, from the low to the high. How can anyone dress appropriately? (John Spink/AJC)

A high level of preparedness means empty shelves, which is too bad for those people who happened to run out of milk and bread on the wrong day. (Erik S. Lesser/European Pressphoto Agency)

The winter storm that struck in January 2014 has had a lasting effect — not just in how the state has reviewed its approach to winter weather, but in how many metro Atlantans are still quick to prepare for the worst, lest they be stuck in their cars for another 13-hour commute. (John Spink/AJC)