Midtown Atlanta, January 28, 2026
Midtown Atlanta faced widespread power outages due to an underground electrical fire caused by equipment failure. More than 4,000 customers were initially affected. Fire and utility crews promptly responded, restoring power by the following morning with minimal remaining outages. No injuries were reported.
Atlanta, Georgia – Power has been largely restored to residents and businesses in Midtown Atlanta following an underground electrical fire that caused widespread outages and prompted reports of explosions earlier this week. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, January 26, 2026, around 7:21 p.m., initially left more than 4,000 customers without electricity. By Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, the vast majority of affected customers had their power back, with fewer than five remaining without service.
Details of the Outage and Response
The disruption was concentrated in the area from 11th Street and Crescent Avenue down to 13th Street and Piedmont Road. Witnesses in Midtown reported hearing explosions and observing a manhole cover being dislodged before the outages commenced. Atlanta Fire Rescue crews swiftly responded to the scene at 11th Street and Crescent Avenue, locating and extinguishing a small underground fire. While the flames were put out, the underground power infrastructure remained live, necessitating careful intervention from Georgia Power crews.
The initial count of affected customers stood at over 4,000, which later stabilized to roughly 2,700 to 2,800 individuals without power. Georgia Power technicians worked diligently to address the issue, attributing the outage to an equipment failure that caused a transformer to blow. Although the specific type of equipment and the precise manner of its failure were not immediately detailed, the response efforts were focused on restoring service efficiently. Estimated restoration times initially ranged from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday night for some, and between 10 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. for all residents in the affected zones.
Impact and Broader Context
The sudden loss of power occurred as temperatures dipped into the low 20s with wind chills in the single digits, adding an element of urgency and discomfort for those affected. Atlanta Police Department (APD) and fire crews blocked roads around 11th Street and Crescent Avenue as a safety precaution, requesting the public to avoid the area while repairs were underway. No injuries were reported as a direct result of the incident.
This event, while localized, serves as a quiet reminder of the complex, unseen networks that sustain modern urban life. The prompt and coordinated efforts of emergency services and utility workers underscore the persistent commitment required to maintain the fabric of urban existence, often out of public view. By Tuesday morning, the Georgia Power outage map reflected the success of these restoration efforts, showing minimal remaining outages. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the underground fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused the power outage in Midtown Atlanta?
- The power outage in Midtown Atlanta was caused by an underground electrical fire resulting from equipment failure that caused a transformer to blow.
- When did the power outage in Midtown Atlanta occur?
- The power outage in Midtown Atlanta occurred on Monday night, January 26, 2026, around 7:21 p.m.
- Where was the specific location of the incident?
- The incident occurred near 11th Street and Crescent Avenue in Midtown Atlanta, with outages running down to 13th Street and Piedmont Road.
- How many customers were affected by the outage?
- Initially, more than 4,000 customers were affected, then roughly 2,700 to 2,800 customers were without power.
- Has power been restored?
- Yes, by Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, it appeared that power had been restored to all affected customers, with fewer than five remaining without service.
- Are investigators still looking into the cause?
- Yes, investigators are still working to determine the precise cause of the underground fire.
Key Features of the Midtown Atlanta Power Outage
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | Monday, January 26, 2026, around 7:21 p.m. |
| Cause | Underground electrical fire due to equipment failure causing a transformer to blow |
| Primary Location | Near 11th Street and Crescent Avenue in Midtown Atlanta |
| Affected Area | From 11th Street and Crescent Avenue down to 13th Street and Piedmont Road |
| Initial Customers Affected | More than 4,000 |
| Stabilized Customers Affected | Roughly 2,700 to 2,800 |
| Power Restoration Status | Largely restored by Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, with fewer than five customers remaining without service |
| Injuries Reported | None |
| Ongoing Status | Investigations are still working to determine the precise cause of the underground fire |
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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.
