Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Atlanta Area Through 2:30 PM
A nearly stationary severe thunderstorm near Atlanta is threatening 60 mph wind gusts and structural damage across dozens of metro communities through 2:30 p.m. today.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning Thursday afternoon for parts of the Atlanta metro area, alerting residents to wind gusts up to 60 mph and potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
The warning, issued at 1:48 p.m. EDT, is in effect until 2:30 p.m. EDT and covers Northwestern DeKalb County, Southeastern Cobb County, and Central Fulton County in north central Georgia.
Storm Location and Hazards
At 1:48 p.m. EDT, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm over La Vista, near Atlanta. The storm was nearly stationary at the time of the warning, raising concern that affected areas could face prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions.
The primary hazard associated with the storm is wind gusts reaching 60 mph, which forecasters say can cause damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Residents in the warning zone are advised to take shelter immediately.
Communities Under Warning
The National Weather Service identified the following locations as being within the warning area: Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville, North Atlanta, North Druid Hills, Midtown, Druid Hills, North Decatur, Vinings, Sweet Auburn, Piedmont Park, Brookhaven, Little Five Points, Atlantic Station, and Chastain Memorial Park.
Residents in these communities should move indoors, away from windows, and avoid travel until the warning expires at 2:30 p.m. EDT, according to the National Weather Service.
Earlier Storm Activity in North Georgia
Prior to the Atlanta-area warning, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a Special Weather Statement at 1:40 p.m. EDT for a separate storm system in Gilmer County, located in the north Georgia mountains.
That storm was near Roy, close to Ellijay, and was also nearly stationary at the time of the statement. Forecasters said it posed hazards including wind gusts up to 40 mph, pea-sized hail, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
Communities in the path of that storm included Ellijay, East Ellijay, Cherry Log, Pisgah, and Roy. The National Weather Service noted that minor damage to tree limbs and movement of light, unsecured objects was expected.
