Atlanta, August 12, 2025
News Summary
On Valentine’s Day, a severe storm impacted southwest Atlanta, severely damaging Salathia Powell’s home as a tree crashed through the roof. The incident resulted in an estimated $225,000 in damages, displacing the Powell family temporarily. As Powell navigates the slow reconstruction process, she faces various challenges, including contractor delays and missing essential features in repairs. Despite these obstacles, she remains resilient, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and professional verification for homeowners in similar situations.
Atlanta – A severe storm on Valentine’s Day resulted in significant damage to Salathia Powell’s home in southwest Atlanta, as a tree fell through her roof, causing an estimated $225,000 in damages. The incident forced Powell and her family into temporary housing, as they face a challenging year-long process of reconstruction.
When the tree crashed, Powell was on her loveseat, sustaining a bruised head, while her granddaughter required hospitalization. Fortunately, both have since made full recoveries. Following the incident, the tree was promptly removed by May, allowing Powell’s family to move into a rental home as they awaited the necessary repairs to their residence.
Powell’s insurance company is currently covering their temporary housing costs, a provision that will remain in effect until early 2026. Despite this assistance, the reconstruction process has been slow and fraught with challenges.
Initially, Powell learned the importance of verifying contractor licenses through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website, which proved to be a crucial step as she sought help with her home repairs. After hiring a contractor, she paid $75,000 upfront—a significant amount that was $30,000 over the standard 20% deposit that is typically recommended. However, the expectations for timely progress soon began to wane.
By June, major renovations had begun, with the kitchen completely gutted and debris filling multiple dumpsters. Unfortunately, progress stalled for months due to delays in acquiring a city construction permit. After persistent waiting, the permit was finally approved in early August, enabling work to continue. A key milestone was reached when a new roof was installed; however, it was missing a ridge vent, which is a standard feature essential for proper attic ventilation. The contractor assured Powell’s husband that the vent installation would follow.
As Memorial Day approaches, Powell has expressed a newfound sense of calm and confidence, despite the ongoing challenges. The kitchen and basement remain incomplete, as the family continues to live in limbo during the drawn-out remodeling process.
Experts recommend that homeowners involved in similar situations, like Powell, hire certified professionals such as home inspectors, plumbers, or electricians to ensure the quality and safety of any ongoing work. This step is particularly important given the complexities that can arise from natural disasters and subsequent reconstruction efforts.
As Powell navigates her reconstruction journey, her resilience and proactive approach to ensuring her home’s restoration stand out. The challenges she faces underscore the importance of preparation, verification, and patience in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
FAQ
What caused the damage to Salathia Powell’s home?
A tree crashed through the roof of her home during a storm on Valentine’s Day, causing significant damage.
How much damage was incurred?
The damages are estimated to total $225,000.
What support is the insurance company providing?
The insurance company is covering the costs of temporary housing until early 2026.
What challenges has Powell faced during the reconstruction?
Challenges include slow progress from contractors, permit delays, and missing features such as a ridge vent for the new roof.
Key Features of the Reconstruction Journey
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Tree fell on home during storm, causing extensive damage. |
| Damage Cost | Estimated at $225,000. |
| Temporary Housing | Insurance covers costs until early 2026. |
| Contractor Paid | Powell paid $75,000 upfront for repairs. |
| Progress | Slow; delays caused by permits and missing features. |
| Current Status | Kitchen and basement remain gutted; ongoing work advised by experts. |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Homeowner Rebuilds After Valentine’s Day Storm Damage
- Wikipedia: Storm Damage
- Atlanta Magazine: Is Atlanta a Climate Haven?
- Google Search: Atlanta Climate Haven
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Hurricane Helene Georgia Power Response
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Blue Ridge Parkway Repairs Progressing After Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Georgia
- PR Newswire: Georgia Power Releases Hurricane Helene Damage Statistics
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene Georgia
- MSN: Atlanta News First: Heat Indexes Back Near Triple Digits
- Simple Flying: Storm Causes Evacuation of Atlanta Airport ATC Tower
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.
