Severe Storms and Tornado Warnings Hit Metro Atlanta

ATLANTA, Georgia — Metro Atlanta is bracing for severe weather as a tornado warning was issued early Monday for several counties south of the city. The warning, effective until 8 a.m., affects Spalding, Fayette, Henry, Clayton, and Butts counties.

Brian Monahan, a meteorologist with Channel 2 Action News, confirmed the presence of a radar-confirmed tornado, stating, “We’re seeing the signs of the debris and evidence of lofted debris on the radar.” Around 7:35 a.m., the debris signature appeared to track towards Birdie Road, Manlet Road, and Vineyard Road in Spalding County.

“We’ve been monitoring lofted debris for over 15 minutes, suggesting a potentially significant tornado touchdown in North Spalding County,” Monahan added at 7:45 a.m.

This outbreak follows severe storms that hit the area on Sunday, claiming the lives of a father and son at a golf course in Muscogee County. On this rainy Monday, forecasts predict an additional one to two inches of rain, with temperatures dropping significantly compared to the previous days.

“Keep your umbrella handy throughout the afternoon and into the early evening,” cautioned meteorologist Eboni Deon of Channel 2 Action News.

In central Georgia, meteorologists have categorized the risk for severe storms as a Level 1 out of 5. Meanwhile, southeastern Georgia and the coast face a Level 2 out of 5 risk.

By nightfall, some areas in northwest Georgia may experience up to five inches of rain since Sunday, prompting a flood watch in effect for much of North and Middle Georgia until 8 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service warns of excessive runoff that could lead to flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas.

Monday’s high is expected to reach the mid-60s, a stark contrast to the mid-70s on Sunday and upper 80s the previous week. Overnight lows may drop to the 30s and 40s, which might prompt frost advisories across North Georgia.

Forecasts indicate Tuesday will be cooler, with a high of only 61 degrees but clear skies. A few clouds may set in on Wednesday, but conditions will remain dry and sunny.

Sunday’s severe weather had already caused significant disruptions, resulting in the postponement of the Braves game against the Miami Marlins to August 9. It also delayed departures at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and led to power outages across the region.

As of 7 a.m. Monday, Georgia Power reported scattered outages affecting nearly 2,400 customers near Columbus and 1,300 near Macon, while electric cooperatives noted nearly 2,000 statewide outages.