Severe weather likely Saturday Evening, stay weather aware

Saturday, March 15, 2025–9:30 a.m.

-Staff reports-

Northwest Georgia is at a moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) for severe storms from around 8 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday.

That includes a moderate risk (4 out of 5) for tornadoes, some of which could be strong.

We are also at an elevated risk for damaging winds.

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday until 5 a.m. Sunday, with south winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 40 mph expected. Locally higher gusts are possible at elevations above 2000 feet.

There is a slight chance (level 2 out of 5) for hail as part of the storms.

River and Flash Flooding are possible Sunday morning as a result of heavy rains across northern Georgia.

Severe weather can be especially deadly at night. So make sure you have a way of getting alerts. Either a NOAA weather radio or singing up for the CodeRed app is suggested. CodeRed sends alerts straight to your phone/

Georgia Power is tracking predictions for severe weather, including high winds, heavy rain, and the potential for tornadoes, across the state this weekend, and crews are prepared to respond to issues quickly, and as conditions are safe to work. Heavy rain, which can saturate the ground or create localized flooding, combined with high wind conditions, can cause trees to fall and damage electrical infrastructure causing power outages.

Georgia Power reminds customers to stay safe and take time to prepare now – before the system enters the state.  In addition to following local media reports and weather sources like the National Weather Service, resources available at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm can help customers prepare and stay informed.

 Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed

  • Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
  • Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
  • Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
  • Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
  • Social Media – Follow Georgia Power across FacebookInstagram and X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

Safety Tips for Customers and Crews

Georgia Power urges customers to prioritize safety during severe weather and provides the following tools to stay connected and informed.

  • Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If you must be on the roads, please move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
  • Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire. Warn those going out to play in snow or clear debris to watch for and avoid downed wires.
  • Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with heavy snow, debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be concealed. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.
  • Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Click here for more safety tips.