Winds have died down and the rain is gone, but severe storms, possible tornadoes and knocked down power lines throughout North Georgia left thousands without electricity and sent trees into cars and homes Monday.
By 10 p.m., Georgia Power said more than 13,000 customers were without power, down from an earlier peak of nearly 50,000 customers. Georgia EMC had more than 800 metro Atlanta customers — and more than 15,000 statewide — without power.
The Griffin Police Department, in fact, was without power for more than two hours.
It was all the result of a storm system that moved at about 60 mph, according to Channel 2 Action News.
Though the National Weather Service has not confirmed any tornadoes, warnings were issued in counties including Fulton, Henry, Butts, Jasper, Baldwin, Jones, Putnam, Spalding, Monroe and Lamar.
RELATED: Tornadoes in Georgia since 1950
By 2:15 p.m., most of the tornado warnings in and near metro Atlanta had expired.
Much of the damage was outside the Atlanta area. People were reported trapped in a Griffin home, and the roof of a fire house was torn off in Carrollton, according to Channel 2. The downtown area of Mansfield in Newton County also had wind damage.
University of West Georgia student Kelly Quillain captured the winds ripping through the fire house before dropping her phone and taking cover.
“I couldn't believe it,” she told Channel 2. “I got it just at the right time. It was terrifying.”
A student housing complex was also damaged in the storms.
Carroll County fire Deputy Chief Tad Richardson said there were no injuries or damage to equipment, only the roof damage to fire house No. 22 on Brumbelow Road.
The storm system sparked a ground stoppage at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, preventing flights from coming in or going out of the airport for about an hour.
Downed trees and power lines were reported throughout North Georgia.
One tree fell in downtown Atlanta at Peachtree and 3rd streets.
Strong winds left a gaping hole in Anthem Automobile near the intersection of Piedmont Road and Lakeshore Drive, Channel 2 reported. The auto shop is expected to remain closed for a few days.
Henry Taylor
Henry Taylor
Disaster victims aren’t without help.
“Red Cross disaster action team volunteers responded throughout the day, particularly in west central counties of the state where more than 30 families have requested help with emergency needs,” regional communications director Sherry Nicholson said. “Widespread power outages continue for hundreds in metro Atlanta and other hard-hit areas, and many people are facing debris clean-up in the days ahead.”
Nicholson said The Red Cross will respond to victims throughout the night. Storm victims were urged to call their local Red Cross chapter for help.
Storms are expected to subside Tuesday, but don’t get too comfortable.
Wednesday’s weather calls for thunderstorms and strong winds, Channel 2 reported. A cold front is expected to come through metro Atlanta late Tuesday evening, bringing cooler temperatures and more severe weather.
There is a high threat of lightning and hail, Channel 2 Chief meteorologist Glenn Burns said. Power outages are also likely late Wednesday.
Nicholson said the Red Cross is monitoring the second round of storms.
Current temps are 65 degrees in Atlanta, 59 in Blairsville and 65 in Griffin.
ATLANTA FORECAST
Today: Strong storms likely. High: 75
Tonight: Chance of showers. Low: 62
Tomorrow: Partly cloudy. High: 80
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
About the Author
