Strong thunderstorms swiftly rumbled through the metro Atlanta area on Thursday night. There were reports of power outages and trees down, but no major injuries. Severe weather storm watches were canceled early.
Damage: Gwinnett County reported a trio of weather-related house fires. Lightning sparked a house fire in the 4600 block of West Price Road in Buford. It appears that lightning hit a gas line outside and traveled into the home, Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in a news release. A fire at a home in the 2000 block of Harrison Ridge Court in Lawrenceville was quickly extinguished by firefighters, he said. Just before 10 p.m., firefighters responded to a fire in the 3000 block of Glynn Mill Drive in Snellville. Upon arrival, there was a fire in the exterior wall and chimney chase, which was quickly extinguished. No major damage was reported. There were also multiple reports of trees and wires down in the county.
Power: Georgia Power reported that around 16,000 customers statewide were without service around 11 p.m.
Weekend outlook: There is a 60 percent chance of rain Friday, Channel 2 Action News chief meteorologist Glenn Burns said. The chance is 30 percent Saturday and Sunday. Afternoon highs will be in the upper 80s through the weekend, with morning lows around 70 degrees. Check your local weather forecast and track changes.
About the Author
