Atlanta, Georgia, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Severe thunderstorms swept through Georgia, leaving roughly 28,000 residents without power and causing significant travel disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Over 830 flights were delayed and numerous cancellations occurred across the United States due to the storm. Major regional airports reported severe delays, with officials advising residents in the Northeast to avoid unnecessary travel due to flash flooding. Delta Air Lines is working to restore operations as impacts are expected to ripple into the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.
Atlanta, Georgia – Severe thunderstorms swept across Georgia on Thursday evening, severely disrupting travel and leaving approximately 28,000 residents without power. The storm’s impact was felt most acutely at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is recognized as the world’s busiest airport, where a ground delay was enforced until 11 p.m.
By 8 p.m. on Thursday, over 830 flights had been delayed due to the weather conditions, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting average departure delays from Atlanta had reached 30 minutes, and delays were expected to worsen should the storms continue.
In addition to travel disruptions in Atlanta, the storm’s effects rippled nationwide, with more than 28,000 flights delayed and 1,803 flights canceled across the United States, including 1,448 cancellations domestically. At Atlanta airport alone, 424 flights were delayed and 53 canceled as of Thursday evening. Delta Air Lines, which operates its hub at Hartsfield-Jackson, reported 274 delayed flights and 18 cancellations, while Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines also saw significant operational impacts.
Major regional airports experienced severe delays as well. Philadelphia International Airport reported average delays reaching up to 135 minutes, and New York City airports faced delays ranging from 90 to 120 minutes. Ground stops also occurred at airports in Newark, Philadelphia, Reagan National in Washington, and Baltimore-Washington International as storms affected air travel.
As the system moved north, the storms brought flash flooding to the Northeast, prompting emergency responders to rescue individuals from submerged vehicles in areas such as Baltimore. In light of the dangerous conditions, officials in the Northeast advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Delta Air Lines is working to restore its flight operations at its Atlanta hub after being significantly disrupted by the severe weather. By Saturday afternoon, the airline had canceled 478 flights in and out of Atlanta and reported that 617 flights experienced delays. The storms caused heavy rainfall and flash flooding, necessitating the evacuation of air traffic controllers from Atlanta’s control tower to ensure safety.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that thunderstorms may persist into the weekend, with specifically elevated risks forecasted for the afternoons and evenings. Additionally, the upcoming Fourth of July travel period is expected to exacerbate travel woes, with almost 400,000 passengers anticipated at Hartsfield-Jackson on Friday and over 4 million expected during the entire holiday period.
Delta Airlines has publicly stated that its teams are actively working to reset operations and manage the backlog of delayed and canceled flights that resulted from the severe weather conditions. Travelers are encouraged to check their flight statuses frequently to remain informed on any changes caused by the ongoing storm impacts.
FAQ
- What caused the travel disruptions in Georgia?
Severe thunderstorms impacted travel and resulted in power outages throughout the state. - How many flights were affected at Atlanta airport?
As of Thursday evening, 424 flights were delayed and 53 canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. - Which airlines experienced delays and cancellations?
Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines all reported significant delays and cancellations. - What advice did officials give regarding travel in the Northeast?
Officials urged residents to refrain from unnecessary travel due to flash flooding and other hazardous conditions.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Outages | Approximately 28,000 customers without power in Georgia. |
| Flight Delays | Over 830 flights delayed at Atlanta airport by Thursday evening. |
| Cancelled Flights | 1,803 flights canceled nationwide, including 1,448 in the United States. |
| Ground Stop | In effect at Atlanta airport until 11 p.m. on Thursday. |
| Northeast Flash Flooding | Emergency responders rescuing individuals from flooded vehicles. |
| Upcoming Travel Period | Anticipating almost 400,000 travelers at Atlanta airport for Fourth of July weekend. |
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Atlanta News First
- Google Search: Severe Weather Atlanta
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Flight Cancellations
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Travel Disruptions
- Fox Weather
- Google News: Atlanta Airport Delays
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
