Atlanta weather: Strong winds, trees, power lines down as storm moves across Georgia
ATLANTA - Atlanta braced for a round of severe weather and damaging wind gusts on Wednesday.
Several metro Atlanta counties were placed under a severe thunderstorm warning as a powerful cold front moved eastward.
NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) placed areas of northern Alabama and North Georgia, including Atlanta, northward through western New England in a Level 1 out of 5 risk on its 5-point severe thunderstorm risk scale.
Those who fell in the storm's path were warned they could see showers, gusty winds and even hail.
By 6 p.m., the worst of the thunderstorms had passed over much of Georgia.
The following counties are still under a wind advisory until 12 a.m. on Thursday: Dade County, Walker County, Catoosa County, Whitfield County, Murray County, Fannin County, Gilmer County, Union County, Towns County, Chattooga County, Gordon County, Pickens County, Dawson County, Lumpkin County, White County, Floyd County, Bartow County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, Hall County, Banks County, Jackson County, Madison County, Polk County, Paulding County, Cobb County, North Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Barrow County, Clarke County, Oconee County, Oglethorpe County, Haralson County, Carroll County, Douglas County, South Fulton County, DeKalb County, Rockdale County, Walton County, Newton County, Morgan County, Greene County, Heard County, Coweta County, Fayette County, Clayton County, Spalding County, Henry County, Butts County, Jasper County, Putnam County, Troup County, Meriwether County, Pike County, Upson County and Lamar County.
FOX 5 Atlanta is reporting the latest weather alerts here.
After the storm passed, the FOX 5 Storm Team advised the rest of the evening would be fairly dry.
Georgians can expect to wake up on Thursday morning to much cooler temperatures than we've been experiencing the last few days.
Severe weather damage across Georgia
CHEROKEE COUNTY STORM DAMAGE
Cherokee County deputies reported fallen trees from Lake Arrowhead Drive to Ruff White Road.
The sheriff warned drivers to avoid the area if possible. The road could be closed until at least 10 p.m., or even midnight.
(Credit: Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)
Holly Springs police have shutdown Marble Quarry at Crestmont Lane where trees and power lines have fallen.
Georgia Power was made aware of the conditions, but there's currently no word on when the road will be cleared.
Police recommended taking Cove Road to Mountain Brook Road and Misty Trace as a detour.
The department said they would keep drivers updated on the latest here.
(Credit: Holly Springs Police Department)
COBB COUNTY STORM DAMAGE
Cobb County police announced the closure of Mabry Road at Stonechat Court in Roswell due to downed trees and wires.
Officials said they would announce when the road reopens here. Until then, drivers have been encouraged to look for alternate routes of travel.
(Credit: Cobb County Police Department)
DEKALB COUNTY STORM DAMAGE
Power lines have fallen on Memorial Drive around I-285. Georgia Power, DeKalb County police, Fire Rescue and Traffic Engineering all have teams on site trying to make repairs.
Drivers were encouraged to look for alternative routes.
FAYETTE COUNTY STORM DAMAGE
Highway 92 South at Peeples Road was closed due to a fallen tree taking down power lines and blocking the road.
It's not clear when the area will be cleared. Drivers should avoid the area as crews continue working.
NORTHERN FULTON COUNTY STORM DAMAGE
Mountain Park Volunteer Fire and Rescue reported fallen power lines at Spruce and Poplar Streets. They warned there could be more around the area, and urged people to call 911 if they see any.
"Please assume all wires are live," a spokesperson for the team posted to Facebook.
Cobb EMC reported to the scene to deenergize the lines and begin repairs.
GORDON COUNTY STORM DAMAGE
Calhoun police warned drivers to avoid the area of Alton Drive near Peters Street, Reeves Street at Victory Drive and East Line Street by Fain Cemetery where trees are down.
"We would like to take this time to remind the public to please drive slower than the posted speed limit when raining and to turn on your headlights," a spokesperson for the department warned. "Do not rely on your automatic headlights."
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This is a developing weather system. Check back for updates and changes to the forecast as they become available.