Storm Brings Rain, Wind, Some Hail To Metro Area

ATLANTA — Severe Weather Team 2 chief meteorologist Glenn Burns kept busy Monday afternoon tracking a dynamic and potentially dangerous weather system as it moved across north Georgia and metro Atlanta.

SLIDESHOW: Storm Pictures From Viewers, Channel 2 Crews County By County: Ross Cavitt Reports From Bartow County By County: Tom Regan Reports From N. Fulton County By County: Erica Byfield Reports From Carroll County By County: Jeff Dore Reports From Gordon

The system brought high winds and heavy remain to many parts of the area, including Cherokee County. At one point, a tornado warning was issued for Cherokee, Cobb, Forsyth and Fulton counties.

Burns tracked the storm system live on Channel 2 Action News and warned people of the possibility of quarter-size hail.

"Bartow and Cherokee counties are going to be the hardest hit," Burns said.

Robby Westbrook with the Cherokee County Emergency Management agency said his office received multiple reports of down trees, power lines and traffic signals.

Westbrook urged drivers to avoid the southern part of Cherokee County and Highway 92 during the height of the storm.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Ross Cavitt said school bus drivers in the Cartersville area were trying to figure out how to get kids homes safely, given the wild weather.

"We will be on the lookout for thunderstorms capable of damaging winds in excess of 70 mph, hail and isolated tornadoes. Rain fall rates will average around a half inch, with a few downpours of near 1 inch are possible," said Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist David Chandley.

Channel 2 viewer Jennie Whittemore, of Blairsville, e-mailed a picture of falling trees in the area. Whittemore also reported wind, thunder and lightning, along with pouring rain and hail.

"Make sure your family has a plan to seek safe shelter should these storms develop in your area. If you have a weather radio, make sure it is on and you are listening," Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist Karen Minton.

At 6:30 p.m. Monday, officials with the FAA said no flights were allowed to arrive or depart at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport because of the weather. Departures resumed shortly thereafter, but passengers were warned to expect delays.

One man told Channel 2 Action News reporter Erica Byfield that his plane rocked back and forth before it landed. "Finally it landed and everyone clapped because it was going back and forth ... up and down," he said.

Georgia Power said 11,000 customers were without power statewide as of 8 p.m. Monday as a result of the storm. That number continued to decrease Tuesday morning.

WSBTV