Johns Creek park patrons now have advanced warning of possible lightning strikes due to special atmospheric detection devices and sirens at Ocee and Newtown parks.

The devices track the atmosphere's electrostatic energy up to 15 miles away and evaluate the potential for lightning within a 2-mile radius. When conditions seem favorable for lightning, a siren sounds for 15 seconds and a strobe flashes. When conditions are no longer threatening, the siren sounds three blasts to signal all clear.

The devices were compliments of the Ocee Park Athletic Association and Newtown Recreation.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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