Historic snowfall blankets Savannah for second time in a century

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - It doesn’t get more iconic than falling snow at the Forsyth Park Fountain.

Savannah residents and visitors gathered at the city’s most recognizable landmark as a rare winter storm blanketed the area, creating a scene many hadn’t witnessed before. The snowfall is especially notable because Savannah has not seen back-to-back snow events since 1917 and 1918.

For some visitors, the snow was an unexpected bonus.

Julie Mason, visiting from New Hampshire, said she and her group were hoping to escape colder temperatures back home. “We were hoping to escape the cold, but we’re having a good time,” she said. “It’s beautiful here.”

Savannah resident Eva Arevalo was already enjoying a staycation downtown when the snow began to fall. “We were already down here, a little staycation, and so we thought we’d come check out the snow,” she said. “I love the snow—hopefully it’s gone by the morning.”

The winter weather also provided a memorable backdrop for a major life moment. Kate Smith and Frank Hagat, who got engaged at Forsyth Park during the snowfall, said the setting made the occasion even more special. “I was excited to see the snow—and I asked her to marry me,” Hagat said, pointing to the fountain and adding that he knew “she’s the one.”

Despite concerns about the freezing temperatures, the recently refurbished Forsyth Park Fountain is not expected to be damaged.

The water continues to flow, which helps prevent freezing—similar to advice often given to homeowners to keep pipes dripping during cold snaps. The fountain remained intact during previous freezes and is expected to be just fine this time as well.

The rare snowfall turned an already historic landmark into a once-in-a-generation winter scene, one many in Savannah won’t soon forget.