Heavy rain washed away part of a major Gwinnett County roadway early Friday morning, and authorities plan to keep it closed through the weekend.
A sinkhole developed on Scenic Highway, forcing the closure of a northbound right turn lane onto Henry Clower Boulevard, the Georgia Department of Transportation said in a news release.
The lane has been blocked all day.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
“Georgia DOT maintenance forces are on scene to evaluate the situation, take necessary safety actions, and monitor throughout the weekend,” the agency said in the release. “Repairs will be made next week as Georgia DOT will coordinate with utility companies in order to safely repair the roadway.”
Gwinnett firefighters responded to numerous storm-related emergencies Friday, department spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge said.
LIVE UPDATES: Storm damage reported across metro Atlanta
Just after 5 a.m., a tree came down on a building at the Columns at Peachtree Corners apartments in the 900 block of Concepts 21 Drive near Peachtree Corners.
Crews found a large pine tree that snapped in half and fell on part of the building and in the parking lot. Limbs from the tree penetrated the roof and wall of one apartment unit, Rutledge said.
People were inside the apartment at the time. One person, an adult, was evaluated and released at the scene by paramedics for a minor injury complaint, according to officials. There were no other injuries reported.
RELATED: Large tree snaps in half, falls on Gwinnett apartment building
Firefighters also battled a small house fire in the 160 block of Lake Run near Lawrenceville, Rutledge said. He said lightning was believed to have “affected electrical components.”
Wires came down at Pleasant Hill Road and Summit Ridge Parkway near Duluth, fire officials said.
MORE: Flooding, downed trees and wires reported in Gwinnett
And multiple roads were closed. Flooding shut down Brannan Road as well as New Hope Road at the Alcovy River. Thompson Mill Road, from North Bogan Road to Blake Towerns Lane, was closed due to a sinkhole in the area.
Similar issues were reported across North Georgia as heavy rain and severe thunderstorms knocked down trees, left thousands in the dark and flooded streets.
In Peachtree City, a sinkhole formed on the southeast corner of the intersection of Ga. 54 and Ga. 74. One right turn lane was shut down, but authorities said they may have to shut down additional lanes if the hole gets bigger.
RELATED: Sinkhole shuts down one lane at Peachtree City intersection
Southwest of Atlanta, Bill Taylor Road and part of Wright Road in Troup County were washed out due to floodwaters. Bill Taylor Road was closed, and barricades were put in place.
A large portion of Wright Road collapsed.
The worst of the storms moved out of metro Atlanta, but Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said there is still a chance for scattered showers and an isolated storm later.
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