News Summary
Severe thunderstorms hit metro Atlanta, bringing hail, power outages, and destruction in areas like Dunwoody and Roswell. With 25,000 customers affected by power outages, warnings were issued by the National Weather Service, including flash flood concerns. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport faced disruptions due to storm activity. Community reports describe hail accumulation and fallen trees, particularly in Decatur. Meteorologists expect additional storms, urging caution among residents as conditions could worsen. An Air Quality Alert has also been released as high temperatures pose risks to sensitive groups.
Atlanta – Severe thunderstorms swept across metro Atlanta on Thursday afternoon, producing hail, power outages, and significant damage in various regions. Affected areas included parts of Dunwoody, Milton, and Roswell, where residents reported hail resembling the size of quarters. Approximately 25,000 customers experienced power outages across north Georgia, along with over 4,000 Georgia EMC customers in metro Atlanta due to the storm’s intensity.
The National Weather Service (NWS) categorized the severe weather threat with a Level 1 alert, prompting a series of warnings throughout the afternoon and evening. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued for multiple counties, including Coweta, Fayette, Fulton, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Hall. Additionally, Flash Flood Warnings were activated for Hall County until 8:30 p.m. due to the heavy rainfall associated with the storms.
Storm activity caused significant disruptions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, leading to a ground stop that was enforced until 7:30 p.m. That interruption highlighted the storms’ impact on travel and the local economy, underscoring the severity of the situation.
In terms of physical damage reported, Decatur saw downed trees, with one large tree falling on a pickup truck, although fortunately, all occupants remained unharmed. Reports of hail accumulation also included a porch covered in hail in Roswell, showcasing the storm’s localized intensity. The storms that began on Wednesday night continued to wreak havoc, leaving behind downed trees and flickering lights across various neighborhoods.
The NWS forecast indicated that additional thunderstorms were expected to develop later on Thursday, particularly after 2 p.m. Observers were advised to remain cautious as isolated severe storms could produce heavy rain, frequent lightning, and damaging winds throughout the evening. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect for numerous counties across North Georgia until midnight or early Friday, raising concerns about further severe weather conditions.
Along with the thunderstorms, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert was declared for Atlanta, signaling that air conditions could be unhealthy for sensitive groups. This alert, combined with high temperatures forecasted to reach near 94 degrees, placed vulnerable populations at further risk, with the heat index values expected to range between 99 and 104 degrees.
Looking ahead, meteorologists predict a slight cooldown over the weekend, with temperatures likely to dip into the upper 80s next week. However, the immediate concern remains the possibility of more storms, which could continue to affect the area in the coming hours and days.
The effects of the thunderstorms are already evident in community reports and social media updates, as residents share experiences of hail accumulation and the aftermath of the storm’s damage. As recovery efforts begin, authorities are urging residents to stay informed through weather alerts and to exercise caution during further storm activity.
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Additional Resources
- 11Alive
- WSBTV
- Fox5 Atlanta
- Atlanta News First
- Patch
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Google Search: Atlanta Severe Weather
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Atlanta Storms
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.
