Severe storms have caused significant destruction across northern Georgia, with fallen trees and extensive damage reported.
Severe storms have swept through northern Georgia, leaving one person dead and causing extensive property damage. About 107,000 customers are without power, while various counties report downed trees and closed roads. A state of emergency has been declared as efforts continue to manage storm impacts and prevent further damage. Forecasts predict continued severe weather, increasing risks for hail and wind gusts across the region.
Atlanta, Georgia – Severe storms have devastated northern Georgia, resulting in one reported fatality and significant property damage as of Saturday night. Heavy winds, hail, and isolated storm threats have left approximately 107,000 Georgia Power customers without electricity, with the majority of outages concentrated in North Georgia and metro Atlanta.
According to reports, many counties are experiencing extensive damage. In Waleska, Cherokee County, a viewer documented numerous downed trees, including a large weeping willow, contributing to local power outages. Fayette County has reported road closures, particularly on Highway 279 at Imperial Way and Old Ford Road due to fallen trees and power lines. In Forsyth County, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed multiple trees down across various areas, creating additional hazards for drivers.
In Smyrna, Fire officials noted that a tree crashed into a house on Reed Road, highlighting the danger posed by falling debris. Carroll County is also facing challenges, with downed trees causing impassable roads, specifically on North Prospect, Earnest, and Bowdon Junction roads, where large, century-old oak trees have fallen. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office has reported several road blockages due to fallen trees on Sandhill Hickory Level Road, Oak Mountain Road at Old Newnan Road, and Meadowbrook Road at Bowdon Junction.
Douglas County Environmental Management Agency issued a warning regarding a potential house fire that may have been ignited by a lightning strike. Trees are down on multiple roadways in the area, including Post Road and Highway 166, impeding travel for residents. In Whitfield County, a tree fell on a vehicle at the Central Church of Christ on Tibbs Road; fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Polk County emergency responders have indicated widespread tree damage across the area, affecting places such as Cedartown and Rockmart. As the storm progresses, there have been warnings of damaging wind gusts ranging from 50 to 70 miles per hour, with the potential for hail and brief tornadoes.
Tragically, a 56-year-old man named Jason Keith Payne lost his life when a tree fell on his car on State Route 51 in Banks County. The incident, confirmed by Governor Brian Kemp, marks the singular fatality attributed to these severe storms as of 10:10 p.m. Saturday, with an investigation into the matter underway.
Earlier on Saturday, around 120,000 utility customers were reported to be without power statewide, highlighting the widespread impact of the storms. Severe thunderstorm warnings had been issued for numerous counties, including Banks, Dawson, Hall, Gwinnett, and Walton, further enhancing public awareness of the storm’s ferocity.
A ground stop was initiated at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport until 6:15 p.m., an effort to regulate aviation operations amid severe weather conditions. In Hall County, over 20 roads are blocked due to downed trees and power lines, causing significant disruptions for local residents.
Current forecasts indicate that severe weather conditions may persist into Sunday and Monday, with additional isolated showers and storms predicted. The National Weather Service has issued an ongoing watch for further severe weather, maintaining a Level 2 out of 5 risk status for North Georgia as the situation remains dynamic.
The combination of heavy downpours and associated risks is anticipated to affect various regions in Georgia over the weekend, particularly as the effects of the previous storms continue to be felt across communities.
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
Water Outage Affects Residents in Atlanta’s Paces Neighborhood
Johns Creek, Georgia, Named Best Place to Live in the U.S.
Severe Storms Hit Atlanta and North Georgia
Severe Storms Expected to Impact Atlanta Area Overnight
News Summary Health officials in Fulton County have confirmed that mosquitoes have tested positive for…
News Summary An 83-year-old woman in Forest Park, Georgia, was left without air conditioning for…
News Summary At the SEC Media Days, Alabama's head coach Kalen DeBoer and standout players…
News Summary Atlanta is remembering its first Black fire chief, William H. Hamer, who passed…
News Summary A significant theft occurred in Atlanta when unreleased music from superstar Beyoncé was…
News Summary Atlanta is hosting the SEC College Football Media Days, where key teams like…