Severe storms overnight in Georgia caused significant power outages and tree damage, particularly in metro Atlanta. Crews are working to restore power, with over 10,000 homes in North Georgia still without electricity early Wednesday morning. A massive tree blocked Briar Vista Terrace, taking down power lines and damaging vehicles. Gilmer County Schools canceled classes due to the disruptions. A High Wind Warning was issued for several counties, forecasting winds at 15-25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, contributing to travel hazards and potential damage. Residents are advised to secure loose objects and exercise caution while driving.
ATLANTA – The overnight severe storms have resulted in significant power outages and downed trees across parts of Georgia early Wednesday morning.
Crews are diligently working to restore power and manage the aftermath of high winds for those impacted in metro Atlanta.
Georgia Power Outages
What we know:
In the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, FOX 5’s Brooke Zauner discovered a large tree obstructing Briar Vista Terrace, which also brought down nearby power lines.
Some branches of the fallen tree appeared to have struck vehicles parked nearby.
This tree was just one of many reported incidents in the area, creating disruptions for commuters and leaving residents without power.
Additional reports include incidents on Shady Valley Drive, Ormewood Avenue, and Oak Drive.
As of 6 a.m., Georgia Power’s outage map indicated that over 10,000 residences in North Georgia were still without power.
Gilmer County Schools Canceled
Local perspective:
Gilmer County Schools have declared that all schools will be closed on Wednesday due to ongoing power outages and closed roads.
The county is asking that all 12-month employees and administrators still report to their respective schools.
High Wind Warning in North Georgia
Timeline:
A High Wind Warning has been issued for Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union, Towns, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, and White counties until 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
Winds are shifting southward at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts expected to reach up to 55 mph.
Winds have decreased somewhat compared to Tuesday, with southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph anticipated and gusts of 35 to 45 mph.
Further south, a Wind Advisory will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
This Wind Advisory will cover multiple counties including Chattooga, Floyd, Bartow, Cherokee, Forsyth, Hall, Banks, Jackson, Madison, Polk, Paulding, Cobb, North Fulton, Gwinnett, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Haralson, Carroll, Douglas, South Fulton, DeKalb, Rockdale, Walton, Newton, Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Heard, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Spalding, Henry, Butts, Jasper, Putnam, Hancock, Warren, Troup, Meriwether, Pike, Upson, Lamar, Monroe, Jones, Baldwin, Washington, Glascock, Jefferson, Harris, Talbot, Taylor, Crawford, Bibb, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Johnson, Emanuel, Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley, Macon, Peach, Houston, Bleckley, Laurens, Treutlen, Stewart, Webster, Sumter, Dooly, Crisp, Pulaski, Wilcox, Dodge, Telfair, Wheeler, Montgomery, and Toombs counties until 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Winds are predicted to come from the south at speeds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 35 to 45 mph.
These damaging winds may result in fallen trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages and creating difficult travel conditions for high-profile vehicles. Additionally, these gusty winds may shift unsecured objects around. Residents are urged to secure any loose items that might be blown away or damaged. Driving under such conditions can be particularly challenging, especially for taller vehicles.