Chatter

By Daniel

March 14, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

We were in the middle of Centennial Park looking at the Illumination photography exhibit and all of sudden it started hailing and the winds picked up. About 30 of us fled for shelter in the temporary tent for the exhibit when all of a sudden the winds picked up and the tent was shaking and we all got out as it was collapsing. Then big objects started flying past us like we were in Cloverfield. I’ve never ran for my life but me and my sister ran for our parking structure. We were holding onto steel benches to keep from flying away and large pieces of metal were flying by us. By the time it was over there were live power lines on the ground and sparks flying and chunks of buildings where they shouldn’t be. It was BAD. We saw huge structures which shouldn’t have fallen like a two different billboards that had come down and smashed into building. We saw one brick building partially collapses and the bricks had damaged about five cars. We’ve seen at least 20 totaled on the way back to our car. We got out before the fans left the basketball games.

By Mel

March 14, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

We’re located here in downtown Atlanta at Georgia State below street level on Decatur Street. We experienced a lot of high winds and lots of debris blown around as it went through. Winds blew around a bunch of newspaper boxes and rain was going horizontally. The Student Center at GSU lost power. We’re holding still for the second line to go through.

By Titus Perry

March 14, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

We were on Memorial in the A&P lofts. The lights started flickering. We looked out through the window, and actually SAW THE FUNNEL!!! Debris was everywhere and we ran into the hallway just as the window shattered in the loft. We were safe, but there was severe damage to the Memorial Drive area.

By Bus Driver

March 14, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

I’m across the street from Kennedy middle school in Vine City, not far from Downtown when it ripped through here. It’s down trees and power lines. It flipped several cars. It pulled the roof off of the apartment building across the street. The playground that was at Kennedy is GONE!!! It shook my house twice!!! God just stomped through my neighborhood.

By Lets Do It Again

March 14, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Nothing like being out in the middle of Grant Park and hear that coming at you….so much for a nice relaxing walk.

By Kevin

March 14, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Why is the story about Barack’s minister on every news website (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, Fox), but AJC hasn’t mentioned the story once? Un-freakin-believable.

By Ben

March 15, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

First let me say I hope everyone is okay. I was at the Dome for the UGA game. This may be petty at a time like this but if the NCAA makes either UK or UGA play 2 games tomorrow (IF the Dome can even host a game) then the NCAA is a completely soul-less entity that only cares about TV and money and NOT the student athlete. The rest of the world will have to wait for Selection Sunday……..on Monday night.

By a.t.ist UGA

March 15, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Sonny’s prayers have been answered.

By Eric

March 15, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

I was in my office on the 12th floor of the Equitable Building downtown. I heard the wind and then the building shook. I think it was some of the windows breaking, but I was too busy running down 12 flights of stairs!

By Anna Burke

March 15, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

We’re in Ormewood. We saw no funnel, but we heard a roar — we’re from “Tornado Alley” in Southwest Georgia so it was familiar. My friend went outside to look for a funnel (a Kansas boy obviously looking for a cheap ride home) saw nothing, but definitely saw the power of the wind as it moved overhead. We feel very lucky.

By patrick

March 15, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

I live at Centennial Park West, which is next to Centennial Olympic Park and connected to the Embassy Suites. I have not heard of any damage to the building. Does anyone have information? Thanks

By Anna Burke

March 15, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

LOL. We thought the same thing. This is all Sonny’s fault. Even a.t.ists know!

By DesrtDrmr

March 15, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

How about the suburbs? We have a daughter who lives NW of Atlanta, up near Kennesaw………..does anyone know how that area fared? Thanks.

By Sherry

March 15, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Any news about the SunTrust building? I heard on the news that the windows were blown out, but I am looking for a first hand witness account. Thanks!

By Sherry

March 15, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

Any news about the SunTrust building? I heard on the news about the windows being blown out, but I am looking for a first hand account. Thanks

By Art

March 15, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

I was in the GA Dome - at first it sounded like fans stomping their feet but then it sounded like a train crossing the roof. Everything hanging from the roof structure was swaying and fans began fleeing the arena.

I am the director of facilities for Spelman College a few blocks from the dorm. The north half of our campus is without power.

By DesrtDrmr

March 15, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

How about the suburbs? We have a daughter who lives NW of Atlanta, up near Kennesaw………..does anyone know how that area fared? Thanks.

By Cassie

March 15, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

I was standing under the big screen in the Georgia Dome watching it SWAY before I realized I needed to turn around and run.

By Jen

March 15, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

I live in Candler Park, which is about 2 miles east of downtown.

It started out as rain that got heavier and heavier and then it started hailing. That is not all that unusual, especially this time of year.

But then VERY quickly the wind picked up and became as fierce as hurricane winds! In fact, it was so strong that it came in around our front door and made the door WHINE and whistle! Just like during a hurricane! We looked out our front windows and couldn’t even see the houses across the street because the wind and rain was so thick and fast. One neighbor’s motion sensor light flicked on and off like crazy!

Then, it stopped as fast as it started, unlike a hurricane which lasts for hours.

And ever since we’ve heard nothing but siren…

Supposed to be worse tomorrow…

By Garett Brackett

March 15, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

The Kennesaw area is fine. It passed mostly to the South of us today. No damage in the local area that I am aware of. Tomorrow should be another lovely day. I swear y’all never had this weather before us Yankees moved down here from New York three months ago!

By Kat

March 15, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

I would think anyone in Kennesaw would be fine, DesrtDrmr.

By Jen

March 15, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

Oops, I mean Candler Park is about 3 miles from downtown…

By Jon Kincaid

March 15, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

Co-workers and I were on 27th floor of One Centennial Place at intersection of Spring and Marietta. We learned of the tornado warning and shortly after that I saw a large section of lights go out, including much of the illumination at the Dome. We were looking outside when the hail started pelting the windows with such ferocity that they were shaking. Knowing how thick those windows were, I yelled to everyone we needed to go. When we finished the 27 flights of steps, we found that one of the revolving doors facing Marietta had been blown out. A co-worker saw a glass window from the 33rd floor come crashing onto the sidewalk. A recently installed awning at the Around The Corner street eatery ended up in our parking deck. Right now I can walk around the floor and see mucho damage around Spring, Marietta, near the Tabernacle. I sit at “lunch” waiting to finish work hoping that traffic will have alleviated and I’ll be able to more easily get home…

By mike

March 15, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

We are out of town. Does any know if there is damage in Historic College Park?

By Rachelle

March 15, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

Currently, no reported damage in College Park.

By msims

March 15, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Thanks…on radar it looked like College Park and Airport hit hard.

By patrick

March 15, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

Centennial Park West Condos and Embassy Suites are ok. Just spoke to the concierge. Thank God.

By BigB

March 15, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

I was at Philips watching the Hawks blow out the Clippers. The storm hit while I was in the Club Level and I was looking out of the glass doors. Philips didn’t budge, it was obvious all hell was breaking loose outside but you could feel no affects from it in Philips.

I got dropped off at my car on Peters Street and the M Bar, Slice and the entire street was blacked out. The first responders seemed to be up to the task. For it to be SEC, the Hawks playing and regular Friday party-goers, the cops got people around the debris. City workers were already re-installing downed power lines and traffic lights at 11:00pm. I was hoping that the doors of Best Buy would have flown off — I was in the market for a couple of plasmas :-)

By Jerome

March 15, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

The tornado apparently formed suddenly. I saw the storm near Rome GA about 7pm but as it got closer to Atlanta, it grew stronger. There was a severe weather warning issued at around 9:15pm for Cobb and Fulton counties but the tornado formed out of nowhere after it crossed 285 on the west side of town. Weather is so unpredictable no matter how power =ful our computers are. More bad weather expected Sat. so all be vigilant to the weather.

By Ted

March 15, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

I was leaving the Dome area and was on Marietta/Howell Mill when I ran into the storm. I was at the light and the winds practically moved my truck 360 degrees. I ended up going back down there to get my friends that I had dropped off for the Georgia game. What a nightmare, just glad that we got out ok. Can’t believe that there were no casualities.

By Geri

March 15, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

Was there any damage at GCDC ?? And was there any damage in Loganville?? If so please let us know, we hav family in both places. Thank you, & God Bless

By Geri

March 15, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

Was there any damage at GCDC ?? And was there any damage in Loganville?? If so please let us know, we hav family in both places. Thank you, & God Bless

By B

March 15, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

There has been no reported damage in Loganville. The severe weather damage is concentrated in downtown Atlanta, Cabbagetown, and East Atlanta (Boulevard and Edgewood Ave)

By Disgusted

March 15, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

“in the market for a couple of plasmas”

Is that supposed to be funny?

I hope the APD shoots looters first, then asks questions.

By Cam

March 15, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

Any damage to the King Center or Ebenezer Baptist Church? The news keeps meentioning the area but not telling us how severe the damage!?

By E

March 15, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

I am out of town and was just wondering if there was any damage in near the Atlanta Medical Center/Freedom Parkway area. Thanks.

By Denny

March 15, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

I was on the 5th floor of the Centennial building on Marietta Street. We didn’t have a TV or anything on, so we didn’t know about the weather until it hit. The building started shaking a bit and there was a howling sound; I thought it was something from the floor above us or the HVAC system until I looked over and saw all of the windows on our floor rattling and flexing. We headed for the center of the building to get away from the windows. About the time the wind stopped, they finally sounded the evacuation alarm, but turned it off shortly afterwards. We didn’t see any damage on the 5th or 4th floors, but there were some broken windows and debris scattered around the lobby. The damage to the Arena parking garage was visible from our parking deck, and there was quite a bit of debris all over Marietta Street and some of the back streets behind our building. One small tree had been broken and was lying across a couple of cars in the parking lot across Walton. An ambulance crew was attending to someone in the parking lot/deck across Spring Street. The traffic lights and streetlamps at Spring and Walton were all torn up, which caused quite a traffic jam until the police got there to direct traffic. There were dozens of emergency vehicles on Marietta towards the Arena, CNN Center, and the Dome, and fire trucks and ambulances all over the place elsewhere. Pretty wild stuff. It sounds like there weren’t many people hurt, though, thank goodness.

By Jones

March 15, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

Why didn’t they move the SEC tournament to Morehouse? Their gym is bigger and better than GT’s, their by two train stations, and have some parking.

By Stephen

March 15, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

My wife and I were at the Hawks game and left just after Zaza Pachulia sank a pair of free throws and put the Hawks up by 31 in the 4th. It was right around 9:35 PM, I suppose. We casually walked through the Hawk Walk, took a picture, decided against going into the gift shop, then out of the front doors of the arena and crossed the street to the CNN parking deck. No sooner than we had reached the top of the deck, where we had parked, the storm hit! Huge drops of rain began pelting us as we ran towards our car. One drop that felt like a water balloon hit me on the nose and another hit my wife below the eye. I attempted to take off my blazer to lay it on the back seat when a blast of wind and rain hit me in the face. I realized that I didn’t have time to take my blazer off, and I subsequently jumped into the front seat. My wife was already in the car, freaking out, and I shut the door and held on. We sat there for several seconds in what felt like a space shuttle launch! Our Honda Accord shook and rattled while the rain and wind battered it. About two minutes after that episode, we determined that we were safe. We exited the parking deck and drove east on Marietta, surveying the damage. We turned on AM 750 and were listening to Jeff Dantzler and Scott Howard describe the events at the Georgia Dome. Obviously, we concluded, a tornado had hit the area. We had ridden out a tornado on Christmas day in Daytona Beach in 2006, in the same car I might add, and the sensation had been exactly the same; so we are experienced in this form of trauma. We then travelled to I-20 east-bound and started back to Athens. The lightning in the sky perfectly illuminated the remnants of a funnel cloud, probably 10 miles ahead of us. I drove relatively slowly (50 mph, tops) on I-20 as I didn’t want to catch up with the front, but the reporters on AM 750 were saying that another front was rapidly approaching from the west. so, we limped backed to Athens, fully cognizant of the fact that we were the meat in a storm sandwich.

By the way, we hardly got a drop of rain in Athens.

By DryerBuzz

March 15, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this

With all the cameras in downtown Atlanta, especially around the cnn center, where is the actual video footage of the storm rolling through? Surveillance video? Only thing I can find is the skyline archive taken by EarthCam.com. Of course when the storm took place the camera is blurred badly.

By Frank

March 15, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

The Suntrust Building at 25 Park Place and 55 Park Place across the stree sustained HEAVY damage. Was there working when the storm went through.

By Tom

March 15, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this

My 11yo son and I decided to go down to the Dome to see if we could scalp some tickets for the UGA-Ky game. We got there around 9:00 and were watching the lightning as we parked outside on the East side of Centennial park and walked across the park, and in between the Omni and CNN buildings up to Jocks n Jills.

There were about 150-200 people out and about around that area, mostly KY fans, and a bunch from some conference party in suits and nice dresses. About 9:30, the prices were just coming down on tickets when the first huge rain drops hit. We got under one of the decorative awnings that street has and we were between Jocks n Jills and that awning but out of the rain. My ex-wife called panicked and said that there was a tornado “near Piedmont Park and Turner Field” which confused me…later we figured that it was a triangle that was in the path on Weather.com. But at the same time, the storm changed and we heard the low rumble people say is a freight train sound. It was definately different and the trash was blowing everywhere and people started running. I grabbed my son and we made our way to the CNN building entrance outisde Jocks n Jills and got blasted by trash, cups and beer bottles that were just flying around. There is scaffolding and plywood around this entrance and we ran in there. It was already damaged, but we made our way through.

Right as we rounded the corner to get to the doors of the building, the scaffolding right outside the building just started blowing apart and I saw someone get just blasted by the wind, but get through into the building. We couldn’t go that way, so I just grabbed my son’s head and ran him beneath a large steel support beam for the building where several people were already standing. I covered my son up as best I could and we just waited for it to pass. As soon as the first blast seemed to pass (don’t know if it was seconds or a minute) we went back to the CNN doors and found them knocked off their hinges and blown in. There was all kinds of dust and debris blowing in the CNN food court and we quickly found a doorway to get under where several people already were. A fire extinquisher had fallen and ruptured, adding even more dust/smoke to the scene and I wondered if we were worse off inside. People had all kinds of dust on them, in their hair and all over their clothes. That’s when someone told me I was all covered in dust and asked me what hit me.

One UK fan said he was sitting in the food court and saw “a piece of rock” land in between he and some UT fans. He started to say that someone was rude throwing rocks at rival fans when he noticed things were falling from the ceiling.

You may have seen the destruction around that area. Walking through all that glass (yes, I let my son wear flip flops!…never again!) all through that area was just a mess. Centennial park was a huge mess but I can’t believe I saw two tables with big umbrellas still standing. CRazy. My son was very shaken up, but I thank all the people who asked if we were ok. It surely is something we will never forget.

By BushSucks

March 15, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

This is Bush’s fault. If it wasn’t for global warming we would not have tornadoes. Impeach Bush!

By Karl

March 15, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

My Daughter and I made the decision to bolt the Hawks game a little early. We noticed the wild lighting and called my wife to see if she knew of any weather in the area. She suggested we stay put in the parking deck and wait it out. We didnt :-) We got on Northside drive rigt next to the dome and it went right over us! The two cars in front of us stopped - we did too. They then starting hoovering about 6 inches off the ground and slowly lifted and spun up onto the curb! I was in a heavier truck and had my daughter get down on the floor. Metal barricades were flying by the car and the transformers were exploding by the marta station.

when it past we were lucky - no damage to us and only the side view mirror was sheered off it’s post by the wind. SCARY!!!!

By Traveler

March 15, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

We are out of town. Was there any damage in the Sringvale Park area on Euclid Avenue?

By saywhat

March 15, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Can someone please posts whether the Winterjam concert that is supposed to be at Phillips tonight has been canceled? I can’t seem to find it anywhere and - of course - with it being a christian concert - the ajc does not even list the event much less mention if it is canceled. But all they seem to talk about is the Georgia game being moved, the home and garden show being canceled, and the parade being canceled. But what about the concert at Phillips tonight?

By Jon

March 15, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Everyone owes a HUGE thank you to the Alabama shooter who hit a 3-pointer to send the game to overtime. There would have been another 300-400 people walking to the Dome, but instead, many gathered to watch the end of the Miss State-Alabama game, as we said “we now have time for another beer.” Could have been much worse.

By d.baldwin

March 15, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I live in midtown and was about to walk my dog at about 930. Then a sudden downpour came so I turned back. Next there was major thunder and then an undefinable whoosh and my building shook. The lights went out and all I could hear was car alarms and sirens. I had no idea of the magnitude. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected, particularly Cabbagetown, which is one of the most lovely and unique neighborhoods in the city.

By d.baldwin

March 15, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

I have heard that the marta station that serves the King center was damaged but no word on the center it self (which must mean it is OK)

By southside girl

March 15, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Purdue and Oxendine were both out of town when this happened last night. Oxendine took the 7am flight back to GA to attend to business. No one has heard from Purdue. Hmm…..

By d.baldwin

March 15, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

I have heard that the concert is still happening that is why they did not have the sec game there

By C Harris

March 15, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

My wife and 2 kids were at the Hawks game, we were in the underground parking deck on the ground level. The RR tracks are beside the deck, and my oldest son loves trains, there was one stopped and I heard the roar of what I though was another, unknown to us it was the Tornado passing overhead. When we left the deck, I noticed all the police barriers along dome drive down, when we turned out and turned to GWCC we saw about 500 kids screaming and running from the ROTC ball. There were debris and damage visible. We stopped and I got out to see if anyone was hurt, and I looked up and saw pieces of the Ga Dome missing. The one thing that I did see was the very quick and professional response of the Atlanta FD, Atlanta PD, Sheriffs Office, and Georgia State Patrol and EMS responders. Heros All

By L. Andrews

March 15, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

was nowhere near this disaster but my 15yo niece was attending a Military Ball at the GA World Congress Center and I’m particularly upset by the fact that there was nearly no mention of the GWCC and the fact that there were children stuck inside the building at first and then outside and rushed back inside…my niece stated that windows were blown out and from what i understand, a water main/line broke and water was shown flowing down some steps but hmmm still no mention of children in the building…(TONS of mention of ball games and fans in other buildings) thanks to MetroPCS we were able to stay in contact with her until her mother was able to make her way thru the traffic and debris to get her…my niece was hysterical b/c at least 10 years ago she had a bad experience with tornado in Ft. Smith Arkansas (were from the Okla/Ark area..very used to this) so you can imagine she was scared and anxious to get away from there…at one point she said some of the kids were running back into the building and on my end it sounded like there was a stampede and i was afraid they knocked her over…when we called channel 2 to inquire about the GWCC building and the children inside, no information could be given and as i’ve said most of the focus was on the stupid game at the Dome, they mentioned a dental conference, CNN building and game at Phillips or something but no information about GWCC and how parents were supposed to be able to get to their kids…so very sad…amazingly there was very little/no damage here at AJC.

By JJ

March 15, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

To Ben..It’s not the NCAA’s call on the SEC tournament. It is the SEC’s call. Also, the show must go on! Plus, the NCAA can seed teams for their tournament without complete results of conference tournaments. You are overreacting!

By Marta is a joke

March 15, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

The news last night said that Marta was closed at the time of the storm. We are supposed to be a major city and our mass transit system shuts down that early? What a joke.

By DryerBuzz

March 15, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Where’s the video. Somebody has to have video Atlanta. What about people at Atlantic station on a Friday night? Did they see anything. I know somebody had to film something. You telling me, a possible tornado hits CNN center and there is no video? What about the tower cam at the local “not” news station. Youtubers come to the rescue.

By tom

March 15, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

I hear this morning that they will make either Ken or GA play two games in one day. Obviously unfair. From what I have seen from officiating in the SEC and now their decision on the tournament, the SEC is obviously the most incompetent basketball conference from a leadership and sportsmanship approach. As to the Georgia Dome, from what I could obtain for data on the storm’s strength, there is a problem with the engineering or the construction if the roof failed in such conditions. I shudder to think what would have happened if a real tornado made a direct hit. Lastly, looks like another total government failure at every level for a natural event such as storms. Most all reports I have seen say the storm warning was never taken into account during the game. Guess the feds, state and local officials as well as the NCAA would rather take a chance on the dollars at the expense of public safety.

By nathan stacks

March 15, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I flew up to Philadlephia yesterday for my sisters wedding ceremony, got up and was told about the tornado. Does anyone know of any damage up around the Druid Hills area or the Clairmont/Shallowford area?

By Jan Heeps

March 15, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Is there any damage to douglasville east of Six Flags on Jayma lane 30135 we haven’t been able to get in touch with our relatives can any one give us info in the area please. Alanta seems to be the only thing they are covering. Thankyou Jan

By DKNATL

March 15, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

No damage in Druid Hills/Emory/Clairmont area.

All damage concentrated in a virtual straight line from CNN Center, out DeKalb Avenue, through Cabbagetown.

By J

March 15, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

I work for the Hawks and left the Arena about 8PM last night. I live up farther North and didn’t realy take notice when i went through a huge blast of wind and heavy rain on my way home about 8:45PM. It almost knocked my car off the road but only lasted about 45 seconds. I’m assuming thats what hit the Atlanta area. When i got home around 9:15, I turned on ESPN to check the Hawks game score and already saw that the storm had hit the Ga Dome … INsane! Glad nobody was really hurt!

By Jen

March 15, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

MARTA was not shut down. Probably some trains were delayed but it did not shut down.

I live in front of the Candler Park station and I heard trains coming into and out of the station all night…or all night that I was awake…

By Gary M.

March 15, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

We were at the Dme for the games at really had no idea what was happening outside. When we finally started getting a glimpse of the damage from TVs inside the Dmoe, we were truly amazaed. The only move that I question is the Dome’s decision to give everyone 15 minutes to vacate right after they told everyone to stay inside…. I know you wanted to get home, but come on !

By Nathan

March 15, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the info. I saw another line of significant storms set to move through ATL again today. I hope that’s the worst of it.

By GeorgiaYankeesFan

March 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

3 things worry me about what happened last night: 1. Lack of Information: The storm hit at about 10pm, by the time I went to bed last night at 1am, I’d heard really nothing formal, official from City of Atlanta on situation. This is horrible, you need someone to give people peace of mind and tell people what to do, and to stay calm, this lack of response was not acceptable. 2. Lack of Control - I was very surprised at the lack of command and control around GA dome police had. You had debris strewn streets, windows blown out yet people were allowed to congregate and take photos in unstable and unsafe setting. This too is unacceptable. Police presence should have been upped and no one should have been allowed out in streets near unstable buildings. 3. This Website: I checked this website several times Friday and was very upset at lack of information posted throughout the night. Today is slightly better but still how can the AJC not have better photos, info, stories when last I checked the AJC is across the street from CNN Plaza. There also should have been a live video feed from some of the TV stations. People who are out of town, and checking in needed more from AJC and sad to day looks like they weren’t up to the task. And for those who say it was a tornado, just look at the tremendous work the papers down on the Gulf Coast after hurricane Katrina when their newsroom was flooded yet kept people informed via their website. This website should have as much if not better info than the TV and Weather Channel websites during emergencies otherwise what is the point.

By Roswell Dad

March 15, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

This is Atlanta’s punishment for bleeding us dry. If the Georgia Dome wasn’t run by those crooks in Atlanta, there wouldn’t have been a problem. There needs to be a full investigation into why the roof was made out of cheap fabric instead of something solid that can stand up to harsh weather. When Milton County finally breaks away from these criminals, all of the businesses and sports teams will move here just to get away from them.

Powerful forces were at work last night Atlanta, this was your warning! Stop sinning! Stop stealing money from the good folks in North Fulton and stop pandering to the sodomites.

By M.

March 15, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Wrote a small blurb about it at blog here

By TB

March 15, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

I was at the GWCC in the Georgia Ballroom for the JROTC Ball.It was CRAZY. It was very nice when I left home at 6, so when I heard people saying it was a tornado, I didn’t believe it at all. Well, when it happened, the two most noticeable things were 1) the rumble of the storm OVER THE MUSIC and 2) the drastic change in pressure in the room. It was like climbing 50k feet in an airplane… in about 5 seconds.The curtain on the stage blew out about 20 feet, flags were knocked off of the stage, insulation started raining down… There was a cannon or something on the balcony behind us. With the pressure, it went off. Funny thing about it is that I was not afraid at all. My heartbeat didn’t increase or anything! So the JROTC cadre was very efficient in getting everyone settled. There were only two injuries I know of. GWCC security was…. They could’ve been better. They held us in the ballroom for maybe 40 minutes before letting us walk into the main hallway. There was glass EVERYWHERE. I saw a crack in the ceiling and plaster on the floor. I thought they were letting us go, so I made my way down the escalators towards the exit when I see 30 kids running like hell back towards the ballroom. I didn’t know what was going on so I ran right back up as well. 30 more minutes passed before we were let go. Finally. We walked north on Northside Dr. Trees snapped. Metal signs snapped. The GWCC Building C sign was leaning 60 degrees. The fence at Bethune Elem. was almost laying flat on the ground. Never thought my first tornado would’ve been like this, lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZnlpbpVs5Y

By DryerBuzz

March 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

@Jan

The news never covers douglasville. Not even the weather. We have to read the doppler radar ourselves. They didn’t cover the storm until it hit Atlanta. Our signals went off while they were talking about the storm heading to Atlanta. Right now we are bracing for the next one headed from Atlanta.

By DryerBuzz

March 15, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

alabama not atlanta

By sarah

March 15, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I live in cabbagetown, and the tornado skipped over my building. I agree that there was no siren or early warning for residents.This is another example of broken government. the city should have sirens. even little ole Albany ga has early warning sirens, but then they have had white mayors for a while, now. My weather cat warned me. The residential areas around I20 and East atlanta Village are devastated.

By Bizezgrrl

March 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

I work in the Inforum Building on Williams. Does anyone know how that fared?

By Bizezgrrl

March 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

I work in the Inforum Building on Williams. Does anyone know how that fared?

By Ryan

March 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I was driving down Memorial from a friends house. As I passed the milk plant, I saw a flash of light from the sky, and everything went dark. After that, I started to see bigger and bigger peices of metal and other objects fly across Memorial. I pulled over to the side of the road, and got below my dashboard of my car. At that point, large objects began to slam into my car. The objects shattered my windshield, removed my side view mirror, and put numerous large dents into my car. Once it cleared up, I sped down the road to head to my apartments. I got t the cotton mill lofts, and noticed that the power was out. I got out of my car to investigate the damage. It wasn’t until about 10 minutes later that I started to notice the damage to the Lofts. I went inside, and into my apartment. I live on the 1st floor of the C building, and when I entered my apartment, it was a wreck. My far left was was bulging about 5 feet out from its regular location. All of my possessions on that wall were scattered around my entire apartment. It was a wreck. I searched for my cat for a moment, but could not find her. I figured she had died from falling objects, and was under something. I then left and went to help other people around the complex. The security did a great job of protecting the residence, and ordered everyone into the basement for the fear of a 2nd one coming. Once the warning passed, everyone exited the complex. I then found a flashlight and a couple residents helped me search my apartment for my cat. I found her behind the toilet, scared out of her mind. We left the complex and went to a friends house. My car is totaled, my apartment will most likely be destroyed along with everything in it. But I thought I was going to die in my car, and I survived, along with me cat. I feel that although I may lose everything, I really gained everything at the same time. A second chance at life.

By Jennifer

March 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I live outside of Covington (Rocky Plains, Newton County). We heard the sirens going off in Porterdale, which is about 5 - 6 miles to the north. We had a lot of rain with the first storm that came through. The second storm that came through around 12:15 had alot of lightning and thunder. The storm this morning was the worst of all, tons of lightning and loud cracks of thunder. We had the power flicker for a moment, as of now I do not see any damage to our home or surrounding area.

By Jen

March 15, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

You know, I am not surprised to see the racist comments from people who don’t live in the city, but Sarah, how can you say something so blatantly racist when you live in Cabbagetown? That’s shameful that kind of bigotry, no matter whose mouth it comes out of…as though there’s some inherent difference between human beings because of race…

By Ringo

March 15, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

We live in Fulton near the Cobb line. All it did here was rain like heck and had alot of lightning. We saw an awesome lightning display around 9:45 pm to our south. That must have been when this tornado hit ATL. No damage that we are aware of in the Alpharetta/Roswell area. Our power never went off either. Glad to hear no fatalities downtown.

By Sherry

March 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

For the person asking about the Christian concert at Philips Arena I found this: “Damage in downtown Atlanta is so severe that the remaining games in the SEC tournament will be played at Georgia Tech and numerous events including the Home Show at the Georgia World Congress Center, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Winter Jam Concert at Philips Arena have been cancelled.” at: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/15602360/detail.html

By Erin

March 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I definitely FELT the impact of the tornado. I was on a flight from Washington, D.C. into Atlanta. On our descent into Atlanta just before 10 p.m. the pilot instructed everyone to sit down because it was going to be a ‘pretty bumpy’ landing. Indeed it was. Little did I know what was really going on outside. Then, on the drive home it was raining cats and dogs. People were driving 30 mph on the highway. It was a mess.

By Bob

March 15, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Strong winds blew the Mayor and the Police Commissioner out of town. They were no where to be seen during the three hours of non-stop news coverage following the storm. I hope they are safe.

By nathan

March 15, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe some of the comments. I thank and commend the people who post pertinent information without the racist, political, or moral views. I have real concern for and pray for the people that have sustained injuries and/ or had significant property damage regardless of race or background.

By Jen

March 15, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Bob, I don’t know where you were or what station you were watching but Shirley was on Channel 2 a few times. Other than that she was busy at the command center on Edgewood Ave, along with the City Council President and the emergency crews.

Get a life all you Atlanta haters!

By D

March 15, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Strong winds blew the Mayor and the Police Commissioner out of town. They were no where to be seen during the three hours of non-stop news coverage following the storm. I hope they are safe. Bob you are funny.

I do hope that there are no serious injuries or worse. I pray God will be merciful during the next round of storms because the damage I’ve seen is major!

By SAVMOM

March 15, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

My daughter & her boyfriend were at STATS restaurant on Marietta @ Baker Street, sitting at a wall of windows and they saw the darn thing - lots of debris swirling in a circular direction; rain, lightning, etc. Everyone in the restaurant moved away from the windows to until it passed by. They were in town for the Hinman Dental Meeting at the GWCC which they say is also cancelled for Saturday - haven’t seen that info on any media outlets.

By kevin Martinez

March 15, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I live in Cabbage town and am in Seattle for work. The media are unbelievable calling this a sever storm vs a tornado. Wake - this isn’t about tourism - this is about peoples lives and property and the insurance companies now. I had called to stations news desks to find out more (within 15 minutes of the touch down in Cabbagetown) an CBS news desk (couldn’t find the NBC newsdesk number on their website) was telling all about the GA Dome and I kept kept telling her about Cabbagetown and that it was a tornado - she kept saying they were following the storm and the destruction on the dome . I finally yelled at her and said I don’t care about he dome I care about people and neighborhoods- ESPN has a live fee, I;m watching it - what are you doing to see the path and specially Cabbagetown. Talk about unprepared and poor response. I ended up calling the NBC affiliate in Seattle and they read wire for me and talk me about Cabbage town and that it was a tornado because people saw the funnel cloud. I apologize for the rant but - how disappointing and how underprepared can you be.

By Jason

March 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Bob, maybe the Mayor and Police Chief were too busy working with emergency services to get on tv and wave at you through the camera. It’s a shame that so many people in this country can only relate to the rest of the world through the lens of a tv camera.

By BigDaveDawwg

March 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

My kids and I were just getting off an elevator at the Dome when it all broke loose….

I have to applaud the Dome staff…they quickly moved everyone off of the elevator and then to the interior walls of the Dome. We could see the debris flying around outside…ears were popping…it seemed like someone was pounding on the outside wall trying to get in…we looked in to the Dome and saw the scoreboard, banners and scaffold swinging…

It was over very quickly…then we saw the damage inside…

I would like to say that all of the fans and Dome staff were very calm…and once the MSU/Alabama game got re-started, everything seemed fine. The scene was far from chaotic…in fact, I found it somewhat humorous that most fans booed at 1130pm when they announced the UGA/Kentucky game was cancelled…

On the drive home, we saw all of the damage…but once you got a couple of blocks away from the Dome, all was normal…

It was truely amazing…

Thanks again to the Dome staff for keeping order…

By Pete

March 15, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Kevin, SHUT UP. Leave!

By Kevin

March 15, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Was having drinks at the Sundial Restaurant on the 73rd floor in the Westin last night when the storm hit. The funnel cloud passed between the Westin and the GP building. Saw lots of very large metal panels spinning past the windows on the 73rd floor. Contact was made and several holes punch through the windows of the restaurant. Lasted about 45 seconds and then all was calm. Was able to take internal elevators down after about 1/2 hour.

By Amanda

March 15, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I live on Wylie St. in Cabbagetown/ Reynoldstown. I was watching all the lightning and saw big black smudges up in the sky. At this same time there was a loud growling sound coming from outside. The power had already gone out at this point, so I had no idea there were tornado warnings. I believe that what I saw was what was left of the tornado disappearing back up into the sky after it hit the Cotton Mill. Scary stuff to have happen right in your own backyard. I hope everyone is able to get their lives back to normal soon.

By JohnM

March 15, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Roswell Dad - This sodomite says shove it, you b*******.

By lt

March 15, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I pray that G-d watches over all/

By lt

March 15, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I pray that God watches over all/

By All Atlanta Residents

March 15, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

We are all glad that those scumbag Kentucky fans will be leaving the city soon as they got beat by UGA fans. KY fans have no class and are embarassment to the human race.

By CindyMSM

March 15, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

I live on Monroe Drive and saw huge trees outside my window sway in a way I’ve never seen. My power went out at the exact time the hail started pounding against my window. I was heading down to the bottom floor of my building when it stopped as quickly as it started.

By Mominga

March 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Anyone know whether 2 Peachtree (Dept. Human Resources and other state offices) was hit?

By Katie

March 15, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I think that all the Kentucky fans that are complaining and saying they want to sue and the Georgia Dome should pay for their trip, need to SHUT UP! Us Atlantans have lost homes, lives, sustained millions of dollars in losses…and you want us to pay you because you couldn’t watch a basketball game? Wow, Kentucky sure has some selfish, heartless people.

By Rob

March 15, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Biggest BJ this side of NYC

By Mikey

March 15, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

I know one way to make your day go better - Hit a Kentucky fan in the face. Trust me, it’ll feel great. That is all.

By Jim Cantore

March 15, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Who would win in a Steel Cage Match: Glenn Burns, Paul Ossman or Ken Cook?

By the way, these storms have really given me bad gas today. Just sayin’

By HS Teacher

March 15, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t have TV, but must say CNN and AJC web sites kept me updated. I saw John Oxendine, Insurance Com live at The Weather Channel—said he was at the WCC when it happened last night. Said he walked for two hours and saw damage the whole time. $150 mil or more in damage. I live 15 miles south of the dome and I had hail, rain, and wind. No damage outside the perimeter. Hail at 5pm Sat in my yard the size of gum balls.

I am glad no one lost their life in ATL, although that is not true in other parts of the state. People it is best to have a plan on what you would do. I teach my students at school to have an evacuation plan. That is why things went so well at the Dome, Phillips, and WCC—they have a plan and followed it. Thank you to all the Police, Fire, and Rescue. ATL is a GREAT place.

By Janet

March 15, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Does anybody know whether #2 Peachtree Street(State Government Offices)was damaged?

By Trameka Veal-Walker

March 15, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

It started to hail really bad and it was hitting our house like big rocks then the light pole across the street caught on fire then it went out in about 7 seconds.We have holes all around our house from the hail.And our back yard flooded like a swimming pool. Now we have to await the daunting task of getting in contact with our home owners insurance.

By Liz

March 15, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

I’m a supporter of Zoo Atlanta and watch the panda cam from afar. Any info on how the zoo is doing would be greatly appreciated, as I can’t find any online.

By Michael

March 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Janet, stop asking about #2 Peachtree and go down there and see for yourself. You are annoying. By the way, there is no way that Trameka Veal-Walker is a real name. That has got to be some kind of joke.

By Eric G

March 15, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know about any reports of damage in the 300 block of Peachtree St. This is the block that has the tallest SunTrust tower. I saw some posting about the Suntrust building but there was nothing to indicate if they were talking about the building on Peachtree or one of the ones closer to Courtland. Any info anyone has would be appreciated.

By pat

March 15, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

When I saw the path of the tornado on the news, I was concerned about all of the residents of Vine City, just West of the Dome. All of the news coverage states that the tornado’s damage began when it touched down on the Dome. This could not be true when you consider that there were one or two pictures of destroyed homes in Vine City posted by readers. In the list of roads closed, Joseph Lowery (formerly Ashby Street) was listed. This is almost 1 mile West of the Dome. This is a very large area of neighborhoods where many people live, including many older residents, poor residents, College students, etc. It is very important not to contribute to the invisibility of people who may not be receiving services or needed help after such devastation. I pray that everyone survived and I pray for the recovery of every individual and business that suffered loss and/or injury in this storm.

By JJ

March 15, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Michael, don’t be so hard on Janet. If all the Reporters would report on the entire area, Janet, myself and others would not be asking as you would say “annoying” questions. This is for all the reporters out there: PLEASE..PLEASE GIVE US A REPORT ON THE MARIETTA STREET AREA GOING EAST BETWEEN SPRING AND PRYOR STREETS. THERE ARE DOWNTOWN OFFICE WORKERS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR BUIDLINGS AS WELL.

Plus Michael…The Mayor said not to come downtown ok, therefore someone need to tell us something.

By CJ

March 15, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

OK, ROSWELL DADDY..SO NOW YOU WANT MILTON COUNTY TO DRAIN YOU DRY..THATS COOL.

By altomama

March 15, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

I was at a friends house in Cabbagetown when the storm hit. We turned on the tv just in time to hear “tornado warning= piedmont park and headed towards Turner field. We promptly went downstairs and I thought should check out how windy it was(stupid,stupid, stupid). The tree on Gaskell and Estoria was sway ready hard and the wind was starting to whistle. The lights went out as i was running back to the kitchen. It was over in a minute, then all I could hear was sirens. that tree was splited and blocking Estoria, my friends Awning that ran the whole front of his building was totally ripped off and scattered everwhere. The roof over his loft and shop took a beating and was leaking bad.Reports that we heard was tha the Tornado went right down Memorial, then over to pearl st. North Ormwood got hit too, just like the tornado skipped over I 20. Considering all the damage, it’s a blessing no one was killed.

By Joyce

March 15, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Michael you are acting real dumb people are concerned and you worried about someones name get a life do you think that maybe sure has family in building or has ties to building. Bob and Michael you both are so dumb Shirley was on the tv And the lady in Cabbagetown worrying about what color the mayor need to be thankful she made it due to fact cabbagetown was the hardest hit the news talked about how the residents were helping each other and you sitting somewhere complaining when your area is being raved about being so destoyed get a life.thumbs up Jen

By Joyce

March 15, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Michael you are acting real dumb people are concerned and you worried about someones name get a life do you think that maybe sure has family in building or has ties to building. Bob and Michael you both are so dumb Shirley was on the tv And the lady in Cabbagetown worrying about what color the mayor need to be thankful she made it due to fact cabbagetown was the hardest hit the news talked about how the residents were helping each other and you sitting somewhere complaining when your area is being raved about being so destoyed get a life.thumbs up Jen

By Joyce

March 15, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Michael you are acting real dumb people are concerned and you worried about someones name get a life do you think that maybe sure has family in building or has ties to building. Bob and Michael you both are so dumb Shirley was on the tv And the lady in Cabbagetown worrying about what color the mayor need to be thankful she made it due to fact cabbagetown was the hardest hit the news talked about how the residents were helping each other and you sitting somewhere complaining when your area is being raved about being so destoyed get a life.thumbs up Jen

By Bill Jones

March 15, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

To anyone who is able to help the residents of Cabbagetown, please help! I cannot believe that people would loot the homes that were impacted by this storm. My good friend Rebecca Blouins’ home was destroyed. Please help in any way friends! God Bless…Stay strong! Cabbagetown will overcome!!!

By coco

March 16, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this

I work on John Wesley dobbs…our building lost windows and our roof was heavily damaged. WE have glass from both the Equitable building and WEstin hotel in our roof and parking lot. Nobody immediately surrounding us seemed to have any damage though.

By Voldemort

March 16, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

Power finally restored in East Atlanta after over 24 hours. area east of Flat Shoals Ave and south of Glenwood severely hit with downed trees.

They always say it sounds like a freight train. This bogey sounded more like a C5A clipping the treetops. Fast, loud, and over in 15 seconds.

Hit a line from Vine City to Centennial Park, lifted at Cortland, then drilled-down at Decatur St and Boulevard. Scoured southeast through Cabbagetown, crossing Memorial Drive at Pearl Street, then backed-off the tree-tops until East Atlanta (near Faith and Moreland). Then drilled-down on tree-tops from Glenwood at Haas Ave, in a straight line between Glenwood and Braeburn, finally letting-up near Clifton. Looks like a giant lawn-mower with an off-balanced blade sheared a 6 mile path through some of ATL’s older hardwoods.

By glma

March 16, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this

I used to live in Atlanta - I am shocked by what has happened. Hope all is ok. My sister lives by Emory her house is safe but she was at a friends house in the hit area when it happened and they all hid a bathroom….Be happy you are all safe and don’t bicker - Help each otehr out!!! Even with what happened - I am still a girl missing Atlanta..

By Gradygram

March 16, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Grady ER had doors and windows blown out as well as in; debris scattered all over, trees down, power outages, lost communications antenna from roof, went into disaster mode, but all are grateful that the huge numbers of badly injured were not forthcoming. Those of us who were there did what we always do…..we took care of our patients…..and each other. Nurses, CAs, clerks, housekeeping, security, EMS, and doctors. We shared the experience and did our jobs. We share with the best of Atlantans the relief that stuff can be replaced, buildings repaired, and that life was spared. And a few of us shed tears over the loss of trees and wonder where the cats went. And as one who used to feed the pigeons, I wonder where they all disappeared to……haven’t seen one at all since last year.

By Mary Pierce Zirkle

March 16, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

My boyfriend, friends and 3 month old puppy Jackson were on the top floor of the Cotton Mill Lofts in Cabbagetown when the storm hit. The roof ripped off the building, the walls collapsed, and the floor gave in. While my boyfriend and friends miraculously made it through falling debris, live wire and flying bricks out of the building alive, Jackson is still unaccounted for and chances of his survival are slim say the firefighters. I am offering a $500 reward to anyone that can help in his recovery. He’s a German Shepherd mix and wasn’t wearing tags at the time of the incident but he is microchipped. He means the world to me and I appreciate any and all help anyone could provide. Thank you so very much for reading my post.

By Bubba

March 16, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

K.Martinez, why were you so worried about the media not initially calling it a tornado but a severe storm and going to all this effort to correct them? They were actualy doing what they should do until they get confirmation from the National Weather service. Would the response be any differant if they said it was a storm? Channel 11’s website has an actual picture of the tornado. Those of you who say you say “a funnel” need to stop exagerating. Because the tornado was embedded in a thunderstorm it was a mass of debris that looked nothing like a funnel. The picture is quite impressive.

By Paul

March 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe the black thugs downtown have not claimed racism yet. You people are so good at that! Just like the whole Katrina thing. Do you want to know why help was so bad and slow? Two reasons. One, because that had never happened anymore and two, because most of you don’t work, have lots of kids so that you can get extra money from the government, and are just violent people overall.

By Mark

March 16, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Mary Pierce Zirkle

I hope Jackson is found unharmed. I can’t imagine what you are going thru, and you are in my thoughts….

By Sandi

March 16, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

In case anyone knows Gwen who works at the Civic Center, she was very brave and helpful giving us a ride back downtown when we were unable to get a ride via cab back to our hotel. We were in town for the Hinman dental convention and went to see the Passion Play for the evening. She was willing to give us a ride back without knowing what she was getting into. With all the debris, brocken glass and roadblocks it was amazing that she didn’t quit but continued until we arrived safely. The window at our hotel was blown in but luckily we were able to get moved to another room for the night. Marriott took very good care of us in the midst of a terrible situation. So, thanks to Gwen we were able to get back downtown in spite of the storm. It was like being in a movie after a disaster. I pray that I never have to experience anything like that again.

By Lady DU

March 16, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I was at work at Tech when I got the warning at 10:40pm. For some reason “Tornado Warning” wasn’t resonating with me because I stayed at my desk with is adjacent to my floor to ceiling window.

When I left at 11:00, I first got on the connector south from GT and saw that a cop was blocking onramp to the GA dome/downtown area. When I saw all that traffic on the Connector, I exit on to Freedom Parkway and made my way to Moreland, which that area was dark.

I didn’t realize the enormity of everyhting until I got home and my mother told me to check out Channel 2. I was like Whoa!

By Shannon

March 16, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

I think the reason they had the SEC tournament at Georgia Tech and not at Morehouse or somewhere else, was because GT was the first to step up and offer their facility and given that the SEC had less than 12 hours until the game was supposed to start and to find a place to have it, I imagine they felt like they had to take the first available place.

By BillyRip

March 16, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Concerned Taxpayers,

Please remove Cherry Spinks and Karen Anderson from any and all bid/solicitation processes that will provide the state agency to move to recover from this tragedy. These two people are crooks; they are nowhere close to being fair and impartial in the bidding/contract award process. It is documented!!!! People around the nation with a vested interest be aware, “Contractors/ Vendors” “Beware Aware”. Cherry Spinks and Karen Anderson will not even evaluate your solicitations objectively, nor will your solicitation be considered. Please shine light on these two people so the population of Georgia can see them. This is 2008 and you can’t see Blatant “Jim Crow Cronyism. Good God Bless America. Thanks!!!

By Lindsay

March 16, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know the state of the Tabernacle? And if it is going to be OK by the 29th? I saw some pictures and it looked pretty brutal.

By joann

March 17, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

my friend and i was leaving the omni hotel and noticed it was windy. we were not certain if it had been raining already or not but it wasnt as we left the building. we started walking toward our parking space which was off of andrew young and right infront of the park when it started raining i took off my heels and began running. we were laughing because we were not in fear of anything because it was not hailing just lightning and rain. all the sudden it stopped raining and i continued to run because we heard something we thought was more rain. it was the tornado. we barely reached my car..by seconds i placed the keys in the ignition and thought something was wrong with my car and took the keys back out.. the car started shaking and the wind was picking up objects and throwing it all around us. something knocked the mirrow off my driver side door. at first we thought it was hailing but i believe it wasnt hail that it was glass hitting my car because glass was all over it..as we sat in my car riding out the storm, we waited and watched it leave to the right of us.we sat there probably for about 15min. and then left pulling out onto centinal park drive and started crying.. we survived something so awful and just minutes before it hit was standing in the same spot were this storm hit the hardest… i am amazed that we made it.