An Atlanta police officer escaped serious injury early Monday when a huge tree fell across his patrol car on Mount Paran Road.

After a weekend of heavy rain and wind, the oak tree toppled onto the hood of the police cruiser shortly before 5 a.m.

Atlanta police spokesman Eric Schwartz said the officer received only minor injuries to his arm as a result of the air bag deploying.

The tree, which brought down power lines when it fell, blocked Mount Paran Road in both directions near Jett Road during the early stages of Monday’s morning commute.

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Georgia Sens. Jon Ossoff (left) and Raphael Warnock — along with the other 45 members in the Democratic caucus — opposed the reconciliation bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday. The wide-ranging package extends tax cuts and slashes federal spending on safety net programs. (Ben Hendren for the AJC 2024)

Credit: Ben Hendren for the AJC