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American Morning

Columbia Paralyzed by Snowstorm

Aired January 03, 2002 - 09:10   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: We turn now to that snowstorm that is paralyzing parts of the South today. North Carolina could get some snowfall in the double digits by day's end. The winter storm has made some roads slippery and dangerous across much of the state's midsection. State police there urging those who don't have to, to stay off the roads. If you don't have any place to go, don't try to go there. How's that?

Well, the preparations went on overnight in parts of Virginia. That state's transportation officials say it was tough for the crews to keep the roads clean because snow was falling so quickly, and even more snow is expected to come today. Some areas of that state could get as much as 6 inches by day's end.

And, in Columbia, South Carolina, winter storm watches and storm advisories cover the entire state. Earlier, transportation officials said the state's interstates were open, but they were coated in snow and slush as you see there, and there's are some reports of widespread power outages as well.

Well, with the latest look at how things are shaping up right now in South Carolina's capital city, let's go check in with our Sean Callebs who is in Columbia, and he was showing us some ice there on the ground last hour -- Sean.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Leon, you are exactly right, and there's actually snowfall, and the wind has picked up here somewhat significantly in the past hour or so, so the real wildcard: Just how much will it snow here today? Perhaps the worst is not over.

But this is pretty much what people throughout the South woke up to today. Streets that are covered with ice and snow and really -- we may look like quite an idyllic setting with the State House and the holiday decorations behind me, but the bottom line: If you don't get out and drive in this kind of weather very often, when you do, to call it difficult is a tremendous understatement.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS (voice-over): Commuters carefully navigated their way through the early winter blast in the heart of South Carolina. From Norfolk, Virginia to Louisiana, the snow just kept falling.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is the biggest snowball I've ever seen.

CALLEBS: The South has a limited arsenal to combat snow and ice, and all too often the inexperience of driving on frozen roads prove to be a glaring problem. Fearing the worst, there was also a run on milk, bread and other staples throughout the region.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm already -- there's really no milk in there, no bread, you know, and I have a grandson that they just put on whole milk so we're trying to help him get to the other stores right now so I can find some milk.

CALLEBS: The haze of snow and ice also put a bite on airlines at Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport. Scores of flights were canceled as passengers just waited for the worst to pass.

But so many didn't find discomfort, more like disbelief.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm going to go home and build a snowman, my very first.

CALLEBS: For them, the geographical oddity was heaven sent and a way to ring in the new year in memorable fashion.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CALLEBS: Now, the bottom line is that South Carolina does have some snowplows, some salt trucks. They are out doing what they can, Leon, as you mentioned to keep the interstates clean, but it's really somewhat of a losing battle at this point, and right now the snow is starting to cover this ice that's on the road, so getting it clean, getting it safe is going to be very difficult. We're on one of the main roads here in Columbia, and basically it is a ghost town. Only a handful of cars going up and down this area.

Also, a big concern: Traveling via airlines today. They're already backing up at Hartsfield in Atlanta and to the north in the North Carolina area, very difficult there as well. So if you are going to travel, make sure you check ahead.

Live in Colombia, I'm Sean Callebs -- Leon, back to you.

HARRIS: All right. No cars, no planes. Sean, that means you will be there for a while, so stay warm, buddy. We'll see you later on.

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