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Severe Storms Cause Power Outages in North Georgia

Damage caused by severe storms in North Georgia with fallen trees and emergency response teams.

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.