Strong storms and heavy rain are currently affecting metro Atlanta and north Georgia, as reported on Tuesday afternoon. While the majority of the storms are bringing heavy rainfall and lightning, an isolated strong storm could lead to gusty winds in certain areas. The Atlanta region and areas northwest are under a Level 1 risk of severe weather.
The coverage of showers and thunderstorms is expected to increase this evening across north Georgia. In recent updates, emergency management has reported several incidents due to the weather. For instance, power lines have fallen on Lower Road, potentially trapping a vehicle, and Cartersville is facing multiple power outages with the Electric Department actively working to assess and restore power.
There have been reports of downed tree limbs obstructing lanes on I-20 east near Fulton Industrial Boulevard, and a lightning strike has caused a small fire on Parker Roberts Road. Other locations experiencing fallen trees include Cedartown and areas along Wheeler Ford Road and Clarkwood Road.
The FAA has issued a ground stop for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, affecting departures until 6:45 p.m., with a medium likelihood of extension. Moreover, Polk and Haralson counties were under a severe thunderstorm warning that expired at 5:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to stay informed about the weather, emphasizing the importance of having alerts enabled on weather apps to ensure timely updates during severe weather events.
Local communities are rallying together as they face these challenging weather conditions, demonstrating resilience and the importance of preparation in severe weather.