A powerful storm that toppled trees and power lines and caused numerous crashes means Friday will be a day of cleanup across metro Atlanta.
In Henry and Spalding counties, it will also be a day off from school. The counties were among those hardest hit when storms rolled through late Thursday afternoon. The UGA-Griffin campus will also be closed Friday.
No injuries were reported by late Thursday, but dozens of homes were left unlivable due to the damage, and many roads were still being cleared into the night.
With significant damage to many large trees and several buildings on campus, UGA Griffin will be closed tomorrow, January 13, to all but essential personnel. @UGA_CollegeofAg @GriffinUGA @CityofGriffin @GriffinDNews @SpaldingCoBOC pic.twitter.com/YjIqv8Q33R
— UGA Griffin Campus (@UGAGriffin) January 13, 2023
Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, freeing up funds and resources to help those areas hardest hit.
“Throughout this evening, Marty’s and my thoughts will return to those impacted by today’s severe storms and tornadoes,” Kemp posted on social media. “I have declared a State of Emergency and ordered all relevant agencies to respond with an all-hands-on-deck approach to the affected communities.”
With the safety of our students and staff in mind, Henry County Schools will be closed tomorrow (Jan. 13, 2023) as the community responds to today’s severe weather. No students or teachers should report to schools. All 244-day employees should plan to report to work. pic.twitter.com/YXlT77kw6a
— Henry County Schools (@HenryCountyBOE) January 12, 2023
Power was out to as many as 100,000 people in the storm’s aftermath, but utility crews were already working to restore lines. Georgia Power reminded customers to watch out for downed lines that could be hidden by trees and to avoid those lines until crews could repair them.
In Cobb County, 18 homes were damaged and 14 families were displaced in the Austell area along Ivy Log Drive, according to a spokesman for the fire department. A wall of a nearby warehouse building was blown away.
The American Red Cross was assisting storm victims late Thursday.
“The American Red Cross is working with EMA officials, local and state partners to understand exactly what is happening and to make sure we’re responding appropriately,” a spokesman for the agency said.
Extensive damage was also reported south of Atlanta in both Henry and Spalding counties, as well as in the LaGrange area. Crews with the National Weather Service are expected to visit the hardest-hit areas Friday to determine if tornadoes caused the damage.
Friday is expected to bring in much colder temperatures, according to Channel 2 Action News chief meteorologist Brad Nitz. The high temperature is expected to reach only the mid-40s and the forecast includes cloudy skies and windy conditions. Snow flurries are possible in the northeast Georgia mountains, Nitz said.
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