Strong Storms Cause Significant Disruptions Across Metro Atlanta
ATLANTA, Ga. — Scattered strong storms hit north Georgia on Friday afternoon, leading to extensive disruptions in the metro Atlanta area. Numerous trees and power lines were brought down, and even major events like the TOUR Championship were interrupted by the inclement weather conditions.
Power Outages Across Multiple Counties
As of 6:18 p.m., reports indicate that over 8,000 people are currently without power in DeKalb County alone. Fulton County is also experiencing significant outages, affecting more than 5,000 residents. Additionally, Walton Electric reports around 3,000 outages in Gwinnett, Rockdale, DeKalb, and Walton counties.
Residents in Cherokee County have also witnessed several trees falling, exacerbating the power outage issues and blocking roadways.
Significant Disruptions to the TOUR Championship
The adverse weather has also impacted major events in the area. The TOUR Championship was temporarily suspended due to lightning concerns at approximately 5:37 p.m. This unforeseen halt affected numerous attendees and personnel involved in the event.
Highway Closure in Bartow County
The severe weather also caused significant disruptions on the highways. At 5:12 p.m., a portion of I-75 Northbound in Bartow County was shut down after lightning struck a tractor-trailer, leading the vehicle to lose its load on the highway. An additional report from Bartow County Fire Emergency Services noted that a car had fallen onto a tree in Adairsville. However, it remains unclear if anyone sustained injuries from the incident.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Throughout the afternoon, various counties in north Georgia were placed under severe thunderstorm warnings. At 4:51 p.m., a warning was issued for Gordon and Bartow counties, set to last until 5:30 p.m. Earlier, at 3:20 p.m., similar warnings were announced for Lumpkin, White, Cherokee, Dawson, and Pickens counties, specifying that these conditions could persist until 4 p.m. in some areas.
These severe thunderstorm warnings highlighted the risk of encountering 60 mph winds and penny-sized hail, posing potential hazards for the communities within the warned regions.
Ongoing Updates and Monitoring
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and updated as more storms are anticipated into the evening. The forecast indicates continued risk of scattered showers and storms, which could persist into the night, necessitating prolonged preparedness and caution.
For those in the affected regions, it’s advisable to remain indoors during the storm, ensure all loose objects outside are secured, and stay informed through reliable weather updates.
Overall, the strong storms have had a significant impact across north Georgia, causing widespread power outages, road closures, and event suspensions. The community is urged to prioritize safety and follow recommended guidelines until conditions improve.
