Power Outages Persist After Fierce Overnight Weather
Thousands of Georgians woke up to darkness after severe storms battered metro Atlanta and parts of north Georgia overnight, leaving a trail of power outages, damage, and disruption. Crews are racing against time to restore electricity, but many residents are still without power.
Widespread Outages Across the Region
The storms swept through late Saturday into early Sunday, hitting areas west and north of Atlanta particularly hard. Georgia Power reported over 11,900 customers affected across 414 outages statewide as of Sunday morning. But that’s not the whole picture — electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) also reported widespread outages in Cobb and Coweta counties, as well as Union City, Campbellton, and the City of South Fulton.
Other providers like Amicalola EMC faced 31 outages affecting more than 600 customers, showing how scattered and persistent the blackouts are. Crews are working round the clock to bring the grid back online, but progress remains slow in some of the hardest-hit neighborhoods.
Emergency Crews on High Alert
Emergency teams in Douglas and Carroll counties were already on standby, bracing for the worst. Inside Carroll County’s Emergency Operations Center, staff monitored weather patterns and coordinated responses to keep residents safe. With tornado watches issued for metro Atlanta and middle Georgia, officials took no chances.
Local leaders urged people to stay indoors and avoid downed power lines. “If you see lines on the ground, assume they’re live and stay far away,” a Georgia Power spokesperson warned. Safety remains a top priority as repair efforts continue.
Impact on Daily Life
For many, the outages meant more than just a lack of light. Families scrambled to find ways to keep food from spoiling, charge devices, and stay warm as temperatures dipped overnight. Some residents reported cell service disruptions, making it harder to contact loved ones or get updates on restoration efforts.
Businesses also felt the sting. Restaurants lost refrigerated inventory, and grocery stores faced challenges keeping perishable items fresh. Schools in affected areas are assessing whether closures or delays will be necessary on Monday.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers from Sunday morning:
| Power Provider | Outages | Customers Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Power | 414 | 11,907 |
| Amicalola EMC | 31 | 606 |
| Other EMCs (various) | Multiple | Thousands |
What’s Next?
Forecasters warn that more storms could be on the way. While Sunday saw some clearing skies, meteorologists say scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms remain possible into Monday. Emergency teams aren’t standing down just yet.
Georgia Power reassured customers they’re deploying extra crews to speed up restorations. Meanwhile, EMCs are coordinating with local authorities to prioritize areas with vulnerable populations, like senior living communities and medical facilities.
For now, patience and preparation are key. Residents are encouraged to keep emergency kits ready, with essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food. Power companies recommend reporting any new outages promptly to avoid delays in restoration efforts.
The storm may have passed, but for thousands of Georgians, the struggle isn’t over yet.
