SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Tuesday brought a rare sight of snow for many people in the Coastal Empire, and an unexpected night for some residents stuck on the other side of the Thunderbolt Bridge.
Freezing temperatures have gripped the region and this historic storm is already making waves here on Georgia's coast. The snow and ice not only caused road hazards, but also forced the closure of some bridges, stranding residents overnight.
One resident shared his frustration after being stuck on the other side of the Thunderbolt Bridge overnight, saying it disrupted his plans and left him without critical supplies.
Chatham County bridges closed due to ice
"But I don't understand. I mean, the bridge is not that steep. They (officials) said we couldn't even walk across the bridge a while ago. They had firefighters just came down off the bridge. I mean, so if we can't walk on it, why should they?" said Jeff Stephens, a local resident unable to reach the Whitemarsh Island side.
The Thunderbolt Bridge closed around midnight and reopened about eight hours later. City officials shared with WSAV that whether the bridge recloses Wednesday night remains uncertain.
Another resident who braved the icy roads Wednesday emphasized the importance of prioritizing road safety during these extreme conditions.
Weather Alert: Wintry weather affects roads this morning
"Well, obviously, please to be safe out there. I think CEMA (the Chatham Emergency Managment Agency) and other agencies are reminding us all to be very, very safe, if we if we have to travel," said Bill Kelso, a Savannah resident. Kelso shared that he originally is from Duluth, Minnesota, and that the storm reminded him of being up north.
For the most up to date information about road and bridge closures, check out CEMA's website and sign up for their text alerts.