News Summary
Atlanta faced a severe thunderstorm that caused significant disruption at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday evening. The storm brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, resulting in the diversion of 90 Delta Airlines flights and a ground stop at the airport. Delta grounded 100 planes for inspections, leading to over 380 cancellations the next day. The severe weather also delayed the Atlanta Braves game against the Philadelphia Phillies, who look to bounce back this season amidst ongoing challenges.
Atlanta experienced a severe thunderstorm on Friday evening that led to considerable disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and affected the Atlanta Braves baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The storm, which brought heavy rain, quarter-inch hail, and strong microburst winds, struck just before 8 p.m. As a result, Delta Airlines reported the diversion of 90 flights from the airport, prompting the issuance of a ground stop between 7:11 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. During the ground stop, only two air traffic controllers remained in the airport control tower to maintain communication due to the evacuation of most personnel in response to the high winds.
As part of the airline’s precautionary measures, Delta temporarily grounded 100 of its planes for hail damage inspections. Technicians worked throughout the night to conduct the evaluations, and by Saturday morning, nearly all inspected aircraft were cleared to return to service. Nevertheless, the storm’s repercussions were significant, with Delta facing over 380 system cancellations the following day, as operations gradually resumed.
Hartsfield-Jackson recorded nearly an inch of rainfall within just one hour, creating flash flood conditions in and around the airport. The northbound lanes of Interstate 75 were shut down due to standing water just east of the airport, highlighting the storm’s intensity and the challenges it posed for local traffic.
In addition to the flight disruptions, the severe weather also impacted the Atlanta Braves game. The matchup against the Phillies was delayed for hours due to the storm. Despite the challenging start of the 2025 MLB season for the Braves, who began the season at 0-5 with key players sidelined, they plan to welcome fans back with a special appearance by their mascot, BLOOPER, alongside free giveaways including Cracker Jacks, caps, and koozies once normal operations resume.
The storm on Friday serves as a reminder of the volatile weather conditions that can affect urban centers like Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, located at 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320, is a major hub, and such weather events can have cascading effects on travel and local activities.
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau has long worked to promote tourism and convention activities in Atlanta, which significantly contributes to the city’s economy. Events like baseball games and conventions rely on stable weather conditions for success, highlighting the need for robust systems to manage unexpected weather disruptions.
With the storm now passed, the airport and Delta Airlines continue to work on restoring normal operations, while the Braves prepare for their next home game amidst lingering impacts from Friday’s severe weather.
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Additional Resources
- Discover Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson MLB Activation
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Fox Weather: Delta Airlines Inspects Planes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Near-Record Temps Continue
- Google News: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Sports Illustrated: Braves Brutal Start
- Google Search: Atlanta Braves
- Atlanta News First: Security Company Expands
- Google Scholar: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF 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.
