News Summary
Severe thunderstorms overnight have left over 23,000 residents without power in metro Atlanta, with significant damage reported in several counties. Georgia Power crews are working to restore electricity, while local residents assess the aftermath of storm-related hazards, including fallen trees and power lines. The National Weather Service is monitoring further storm developments, as residents face an air quality alert due to high ozone levels. Cleanup efforts are ongoing as the community prepares for potential further storms this weekend.
Severe Thunderstorms Leave Over 23,000 Without Power in Metro Atlanta
Atlanta, GA – Overnight storms have left more than 23,000 residents without power across metro Atlanta. The severe weather, which struck the region late Wednesday night, caused widespread damage, particularly in DeKalb, Fayette, Henry, and Clayton counties.
As of 7 a.m. Thursday, approximately 25,000 Georgia Power customers across north Georgia were without electricity. This number is expected to rise as more residents assess damages and report outages. Additionally, over 4,000 Georgia EMC customers in the metro Atlanta area also faced power loss.
Georgia Power crews are on-site and actively working to restore electricity as swiftly and safely as possible. Issues reported in Clayton County included downed trees and a transformer, which created significant hazards for local residents. In a notable incident, a tree fell on a family’s pickup truck in Decatur; fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Weather and Damage Assessment
The storms produced heavy rain and lightning, leading to debris scattered throughout southwest Atlanta. Cleanup crews are busy clearing fallen trees from roads in the affected neighborhoods. A major incident involved a substantial tree that fell onto a house in DeKalb County, causing additional disruptions.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, as the National Weather Service (NWS) is currently assessing the overall storm damage. Experts also expect more storms to form Thursday afternoon, especially after 2 p.m., raising further concerns for residents already dealing with the aftermath of the overnight weather.
Forecast and Air Quality Warning
The forecast for Thursday predicts a high near 95 degrees, with a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. For Thursday night, there is anticipated precipitation at a 40 percent chance, with temperatures dropping to around 70 degrees.
Residents should also be aware that a Code Orange Air Quality Alert is now in effect for Atlanta and surrounding counties. This level indicates that the air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including individuals with respiratory issues. To mitigate health risks, those in sensitive categories are advised to limit outdoor activities later in the afternoon and early evening due to heightened ozone concentrations.
Outlook for the Weekend
Looking ahead, the chances of additional showers and thunderstorms are projected for Friday and extending into the weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions as conditions continue to evolve.
As the community works to recover from the storms, Georgia Power and local officials are emphasizing the importance of safety and preparedness. The impact of the storms underscores the necessity of being vigilant during severe weather events.
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Additional Resources
- 11Alive
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Atlanta News First
- Google Search: Storm Damage Atlanta
- Times Now News
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Storms
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorms
- WSB TV
- Google News: Georgia Power Outages
