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Severe Weather Strikes Atlanta Metro Area

Dramatic storm clouds above Atlanta skyline

News Summary

Atlanta faced a night of severe weather, with multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued across the metro area. The Storm Prediction Center classified the region under a marginal risk for severe weather, prompting a ground stop at Atlanta Airport. Tornado warnings affected several counties, while reports of debris and fallen trees emerged. Local events, including a Braves game and the Beltline Lantern Parade, were delayed or canceled due to the hazardous conditions. Clearer weather is expected for the following day, but residents are advised to stay informed.

Atlanta faced a night of severe weather as multiple tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued across the metro area on Saturday. The warnings emerged as storms developed ahead of an incoming cold front, impacting numerous counties until late in the evening.

The Storm Prediction Center classified the entire region under a level 1 (marginal) risk for severe weather, which included gusty, damaging winds and hail in parts of north Georgia and metro Atlanta. A ground stop was implemented at Atlanta Airport until 9 p.m. due to the hazardous conditions affecting air traffic.

By 10:30 p.m., all tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm watches for the viewing area were canceled, signifying a tapering of the immediate threats. The issued tornado warnings specifically affected several counties throughout the evening, including:

Upson and Lamar counties until 10:30 p.m.
Morgan, Jasper, and Newton counties until 10:15 p.m.
Jasper County until 10 p.m.
Newton and Rockdale counties until 9:45 p.m.

Severe thunderstorm warnings persisted in various counties including Henry, Newton, Rockdale, Butts, and Clayton, set to remain in effect until 9:30 p.m. Moreover, counties like Pickens, Gilmer, and Dawson had warnings in place until 7:30 p.m., while Polk, Chattooga, Gordon, and Floyd counties had warnings expire earlier at 6:45 p.m.

Storm reports included instances of debris and fallen trees, particularly noted in Summerville, Chattooga County. Additionally, meteorological conditions gave rise to a possible waterspout over Lake Lanier, further emphasizing the severity of the weather situation.

The Atlanta Braves encountered delays for their scheduled game, originally set to begin at 10:15 p.m., due to the deteriorating weather conditions. In light of the severe weather forecast, the Beltline Lantern Parade was also canceled, impacting local festivities.

As severe weather encompassed the area, residents were cautioned to prepare for damaging winds, small hail, and frequent lightning. The situation warranted vigilant monitoring and readiness among the community.

As the storms progressed and conditions lightened, forecasts indicated that the weather would clear overnight, leading to expected sunny conditions on Sunday. Daytime temperatures were projected to reach the lower 70s, although early morning fog might reduce visibility for commuters.

Looking ahead, the weather forecast suggests mostly sunny skies on Monday, transitioning to partly cloudy on Tuesday. Rain chances are anticipated to rise as the week progresses, signaling a return to unstable weather patterns.

This sequence of events underscores the impact of severe weather on the Atlanta metro area, with residents advised to stay informed of any further updates as conditions continue to evolve.