Severe storms swept through southeast Atlanta Saturday, knocking down trees and branches, disrupting power and leaving some homeowners dealing with damage around their properties.
The storms moved through the Atlanta area on September 19 as the National Weather Service issued several severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of the metro area. The warnings included the possibility of wind gusts reaching 60 mph, along with hail and damage to trees, roofs and siding.
On Browns Mill Road, residents saw the effects firsthand as large branches came down into yards and crews worked to clear the debris. Chainsaws could be heard as damaged limbs were removed from areas around homes.
For Caroline Wener, who has lived along Browns Mill Road for years, the storm brought a familiar concern close to home. A large section of a dead tree in her front yard broke loose and crashed down near the house.
Wener said the deteriorating tree has been a concern because it stands close to power lines along the busy road. Strong weather has caused damage from the tree before, making Saturday’s storm another reminder of the risks posed by weakened trees during severe weather.
The damage was not limited to Browns Mill Road. A tree also fell through the roof of a home on McWilliams Road near Redford Drive as the storms moved through southeast Atlanta. Crews were also dealing with fallen trees and storm debris in other parts of the area.
The National Weather Service had warned ahead of the storms that Saturday’s thunderstorms could produce damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning. Its severe thunderstorm warnings later identified Atlanta and surrounding communities among the areas at risk from the storms.
Power interruptions added to the disruption for residents. However, a complete count of customers who lost electricity during Saturday’s storm and a final estimate of property damage were not immediately available.
The condition of the remaining dead tree on Browns Mill Road is also still a concern for residents. It was not immediately clear whether the remaining portion would be removed before another round of severe weather affects the area.
For residents dealing with fallen trees or damaged property, the storm’s aftermath also serves as a reminder to stay away from downed power lines and damaged trees until the area has been cleared and declared safe.
As cleanup continues, residents in southeast Atlanta are left assessing the damage while keeping an eye on the possibility of additional storms in the days ahead.
