News Summary
Severe storms hitting Georgia recently resulted in one fatality and widespread power outages. The storm caused significant damage and triggered emergency responses. Jason Keith Payne, 56, perished when a tree fell on his vehicle. While power outages affected nearly 120,000 customers initially, recovery efforts are underway as the storm system dissipates. Meteorological warnings remain in effect for scattered thunderstorms, contributing to ongoing hazardous conditions.
Atlanta, Georgia – Severe storms that swept through Georgia over the weekend have left at least one person dead and thousands without power. The storm system moved in from Alabama and reached West Georgia around 4 p.m. on Saturday, causing significant damage and prompting emergency responses across various counties.
The tragic incident occurred when 56-year-old Jason Keith Payne lost his life after a tree fell on his vehicle around 6:45 p.m. on Ga. 51 in Banks County. He was driving a 2000 Nissan Altima at the time of the accident, marking a somber moment in the wake of the severe weather.
By 8 p.m. on Saturday, nearly 120,000 customers were reported without power by Georgia Power, with the majority of outages concentrated in North Georgia. As of Sunday evening, that number significantly reduced with approximately 18,000 customers still facing outages. Georgia EMC added to the data, reporting around 18,500 customers without power by 2 p.m. on Sunday, primarily affecting the metro area.
Impact and Recovery Efforts
The storms prompted severe weather warnings across several counties, including areas in metro Atlanta. The storm caused extensive tree damage and additional power outages, particularly affecting communities in North Georgia, LaGrange, and Griffin. Notably, West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead was left completely blocked due to a fallen tree.
The National Weather Service had previously categorized most of North Georgia under a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather on Saturday, with Middle and South Georgia facing a Level 2 threat. As the weather conditions evolved, the risk of severe weather diminished in North and parts of Middle Georgia on Sunday. However, central Georgia continued to be at risk, mainly due to damaging wind gusts.
While the immediate threat level decreased, the National Weather Service warned that scattered thunderstorms and showers were still expected on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m., with a possibility of experiencing brief tornado conditions.
Tornadoes This Year
This year’s severe weather has already been significant for Georgia, with officials reporting 36 tornadoes, including 21 classified as EF0 and one as EF2, which caused notable damage throughout the state. These statistics underline the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events in the region.
Ongoing Weather Forecast
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates that Georgia will likely continue to experience scattered thunderstorms, with temperatures remaining in the low to mid-80s throughout the week. Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this time and prepare for additional weather disturbances.
Safety Advisory
Georgia Power has advised all customers to stay away from downed power lines and to adhere to local emergency guidelines due to the hazardous conditions that may remain after the storm. Safety precautions are critical as recovery efforts proceed across the affected areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Storms Cause Fatality and Power Outages in Atlanta
Fatalities Reported as Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage Across Georgia
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Widespread Damage in Georgia
Severe Storms Lead to Fatalities and Destruction in Georgia
Severe Storms in Atlanta Result in Fatalities and Power Outages
Severe Storms Threaten Metro Atlanta This Weekend
Severe Weather Alert as Atlanta Prepares for Stormy Week
Georgia’s Preparedness for the Upcoming Hurricane Season
Tornado Devastates Locust Grove, Georgia
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Hit Georgia
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Severe Thunderstorms in Atlanta
- Google Search: Severe Weather Georgia
- Atlanta News First: Severe Storms in North Georgia
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- AJC: Strong Windy Storms Expected across Metro Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm
- Access WDUN: Thousands Without Power in Northeast Georgia
- Google News: Thunderstorms Atlanta
- WSB TV: Be Weather Aware for Strong Storms
- Google Scholar: Weather Patterns Georgia
