Blizzard of 2002

The so-called Blizzard of 2002 was not actually a blizzard, but an ice storm followed by a snow storm. The storm took place from February 28 until March 2, 2002, and dropped three inches of ice and eight inches of snow on Nashville, Tennessee.
The storm paralyzed the city. During the initial ice storm, schools (except for boarding schools) were closed and children sent home on buses that had difficulty navigating the icy roads. Workers attempted to rush home to beat the storm, only to be stuck in eight-hour traffic jams on the Interstates and major arteries. When the snow began around 3 p.m., it fell on already icy and dangerous roads, causing further accidents and delays. The winds picked up when the snow began to fall, and trees and power lines already weighed down with ice broke under the force of the wind. Seven-eighths of the city lost electric power.
Electric power remained out for days, and, in some parts of the city, for weeks. Roads remained impassable, as the temperatures reached only just above freezing, and what snow melted merely added to the ice overnight. Many people had to relocate to shelters for the duration because of the lack of heat and electricity, but found it difficult to leave their homes. Those who could reach shelters found them overcrowded. Life did not return to normal for nearly two weeks; schools did not meet for three. Local businesses were not able to operate or operated on a limited basis; other businesses could not be staffed because of travel and childcare issues. The local economy was hard hit, and not only by the business closures. Nashville has a strong tourism and entertainment industries, which could not function under the circumstances.
Talented Nashville fared better than the mundane parts of the city. The Department of Integrated Services called the 88 Special Buses into service, and with the buses' safety enhancements (and its ability to circumvent traffic jams) were able to ferry Department personnel home. Those with The Talent were able to heat their homes with magic, clear ice and debris from their property, and generally weather the storm more comfortably. The Department itself was able to function for the most part, with the 88 Special Buses bringing workers to and from their homes. St. Augustine's School for the Talented, as it is a boarding school and relatively self-contained, went on as normal and did not miss any school days, though some outdoor classes and activities were canceled.
Mages and other Talented individuals were instrumental in getting Nashville running again, often surreptitiously aiding road and electric crews and aiding stranded neighbors.

Localization

Nashville, Tennessee.

Type

Natural