An Atlanta television journalist's well-intentioned live demonstration of how to de-ice a car during a severe winter storm turned into a comedic spectacle that captivated millions of viewers online. The incident unfolded as Storm Fern battered North America, prompting state of emergency declarations across nearly half of US states, including Georgia.
Live Broadcast Mishap Goes Viral
Atlanta News First investigative reporter Andy Pierrotti was dispatched Sunday morning to show viewers proper de-icing techniques during the unprecedented winter weather event. With Atlanta and broader Georgia residents unaccustomed to such severe winter conditions, the segment was intended to provide practical guidance.
The storm has already claimed at least 16 lives nationwide and caused estimated damages exceeding $100 billion. In Atlanta specifically, freezing rain triggered thousands of power outages and widespread flight cancellations, while vehicles became completely encased in ice.
The Failed Demonstration
During the live news segment, Pierrotti stood before his ice-covered vehicle holding a can of Prestone ice fighter spray. "I'm gonna show you what you could do if you happen to have the right equipment," he announced to viewers, before confessing, "I've never used this. We're going to try it out. According to the directions, all you have to do is spray."
The reporter sprayed his windshield as directed and explained the instructions called for a fifteen-second wait. Although Pierrotti claimed he could "already" hear the product working, his subsequent attempt to use the scraper attached to the can proved humorously ineffective against the thick ice layer.
"Well, clearly I need a little bit more time," he conceded after the scraper made minimal impact. Pierrotti also noted his car's windshield wipers were frozen in place, admitting he and his photographer hadn't realized they should have been stood up before the storm arrived.
Social Media Sensation
The viral clip of the segment amassed nearly five million views and ten thousand likes on X within just one day, sparking widespread amusement and commentary about regional differences in winter weather experience.
Many social media users pointed out fundamental errors in Pierrotti's approach. "Start the car, it has this thing called a defroster," one user wrote, while another posted pictures of defrost buttons with the caption, "Defrost. It's a little button that looks like this."
A third commenter offered more detailed advice: "Good grief, that's not how it's done. Put score lines in the ice then scrape from the score line up. The defroster is also your friend. Soften that up a little."
Proper Technique Revealed
According to the Prestone ice fighter spray instructions Pierrotti referenced, users should first start their vehicles and activate the defroster before applying the spray. After spraying, they should indeed wait fifteen seconds as the reporter correctly noted.
However, the instructions crucially stipulate that for heavy ice accumulation - exactly the situation Pierrotti faced - users should first score the ice with the scraper before using the spray, a step the reporter omitted during his initial attempt.
Redemption Arc
Despite the embarrassing live mishap early Sunday morning, Pierrotti apparently learned from his mistakes. A subsequent segment from later that morning showed the reporter successfully removing ice from his vehicle.
In this follow-up broadcast, the windshield was already cleared, but Pierrotti could be seen effectively using the scraper on his car's hood. "Take a look at this. Lots of ice finally coming off our vehicle," he announced triumphantly.
The incident highlights how unusual severe winter weather remains for southern US regions, where infrastructure and personal preparedness for such conditions often lag behind northern states more accustomed to freezing temperatures and ice storms.
