News Summary
North Georgia experienced severe storms resulting in over 150,000 power outages in the metro Atlanta region. Significant damage was reported, particularly in Fulton and DeKalb counties. Emergency services have been activated to address fallen trees and infrastructure disruptions, while additional storms are predicted for the weekend. Residents are advised to document storm damage and approach affected areas with caution.
Atlanta, Georgia – Severe storms battered north Georgia on Saturday, leaving over 150,000 customers without power in the metro Atlanta region and causing widespread damage and disruptions. As of 6:45 p.m. Saturday, a significant proportion of residents were grappling with power outages due to the severe weather, with Georgia Power reporting over 6,000 outages specifically in Fulton County and more than 5,000 outages in DeKalb County. Additionally, Cherokee County reported numerous power outages alongside reports of downed trees impacting local infrastructure.
The storms prompted the issuance of a severe thunderstorm warning that was in effect for several counties, including Banks, Barrow, Cherokee, Dawson, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Pickens, and White, until 7:15 p.m. Multiple reports indicated a large tree downed on power lines in Buckhead at West Wesley and Margaret Mitchell, contributing to the power outages in that area.
Jackson EMC reported around 240 outages affecting over 14,600 members, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the storm. The E-911 Center in Carroll County was also struck by lightning, temporarily disrupting its systems and rerouting calls to Haralson County dispatch. Local county officials have been working to address road blockages caused by fallen trees, with specific closures noted on West Wyle Bridge Road at Old Hickory Road, and Hickory Flat Highway in Cherokee County, where a tree became entangled in power lines.
In Coweta County, damage reports included trees falling onto homes, necessitating emergency responses to assess and mitigate the impact. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily lifted a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, although delays remained prevalent, averaging approximately 76 minutes due to weather-related complications.
As the situation unfolded, emergency managers noted multiple street closures caused by fallen trees and power lines across various counties, including Coweta, Polk, Pickens, and Gilmer. Residents have been advised to take photographs of any storm damage and seek repair quotes without any upfront payments, following guidelines from advisory sources.
Forecasters warn that additional storms are expected to roll through the region over the weekend, with Sunday and Monday designated as First Alert Weather Days due to potential continued severe weather. The severe conditions that affected north Georgia serve as a reminder for residents to remain cautious. With numerous major roads experiencing closures due to debris and damage, authorities are warning drivers to approach affected areas with care.
Overall, the impact of the storms extends beyond just power outages, contributing to disruptions in daily life across the impacted regions. As recovery efforts and clean-up operations begin, local officials and utility companies are mobilizing resources to restore power and address safety concerns in the wake of the severe weather.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Storms Cause Fatality and Power Outages in Georgia
Severe Storms in Georgia Leave One Dead and Thousands Without Power
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
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Hit Georgia
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- 11 Alive News
- Google Search: Georgia Power outages
- MSN News
- Google Scholar: Storm Impact on Power Outages
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WSB TV
- Google News: Atlanta Storm Updates
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.
