Severe Storms Impact North Georgia, Bring Damaging Winds and Flood Risks

ATLANTA, Ga. — A powerful line of storms swept through North Georgia Tuesday evening and continued into early Wednesday morning, bringing damaging winds, brief tornadoes, and intense lightning. Currently, a Flash Flood Warning is in effect for most metro Atlanta until 7:45 a.m.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple trees down, including one blocking Reinhardt College Parkway near Land Road shortly after midnight.

At 1:48 a.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout central Cobb County, northwestern DeKalb County, and surrounding areas, with rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches already recorded. Further rainfall of up to 1 inch is expected.

Power outages were widespread, with Georgia Power reporting over 20,000 outages across the state at 1:45 a.m. Fulton County alone saw more than 7,000 customers without electricity.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings continued for various counties, including southern Carroll County until 2:15 a.m. and southern Paulding County until 1:45 a.m. Winds gusting up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail were reported.

As the storm system moved through, meteorologist Chandley noted the extreme conditions: “Pretty potent line coming our way, capable of damaging winds. Perhaps a quick spin-up tornado, so make sure you can get weather warnings.”

The most severe weather activity occurred shortly after midnight, accompanied by a significant temperature drop from the 70s into the 60s. Chandley indicated that by early Wednesday morning, conditions would improve, with the potential for more spotty thunderstorms on Memorial Day.

Local officials urged residents to stay alert and ensure devices were charged as storms passed through, warning of ongoing flash flooding, especially in poor drainage areas. The overall severe weather threat was expected to diminish heading into the weekend.