Atlanta normally has a fairly temperate climate, one of the main attractions for new residents that are coming from the deep freeze of Northeast or Midwest winters. However, just like anywhere, Atlanta does have its share of severe weather.
In the spring and summertime, severe thunderstorms can spawn tornadoes, mainly in the more rural north Georgia region. Flooding is also an issue, as torrential downpours can quickly overwhelm antiquated sewer drains that become easily blocked with debris. Vine City's woes with neighborhood flooding have been well-documented, but I once lived in a basement apartment in Midtown where I had to climb out a bedroom window to escape every time it rained heavily, as the front door was blocked by a deluge of water several feet high, so flooding can happen in any part of the city. In the wintertime, those from the North and Midwest snicker as Atlantans get worked up about a few snowflakes falling, but winter storms can really cripple the city, especially the roadways as we don't have the resources that snowy cities do in order to keep the roads clear. Also, Atlanta is known for its many trees, but ice on tree branches can be dangerous, as falling limbs can lead to downed power lines and property damage. So be prepared and keep informed when inclement weather comes to Atlanta.
Atlanta Weather Forecasts and Weather Radar Maps
FOX 5 Weather Authority: Veteran meteorologist Ken Cook and his capable team provide detailed and accurate coverage during inclement weather. The website features several maps, including looping Doppler and hi-def Doppler maps. There's also a weather image gallery and a photo of seasonal weather is shown during the evening television forecast. There's also a weather bog, and during a winter 2008 storm, Ken Cook and the rest of his team were blogging and responding to viewers in real-time.
11 Alive Weather: Atlanta's NBC affiliate does a nice job of weather coverage on their website. In addition to their PowerPlus radar map, they have weather blogs and columns by meteorologist Chris Holcombe and his team, local weather news on video and interactive tools for readers to learn more about severe weather.
WSB-TV Severe Weather Team 2 Forecast: Karen Minton and her team of weather forecasters offer a variety of weather radar maps on the news station's website, including a live storm tracker in HD. Other interactive features include a blog and image galleries of severe weather, with photos submitted by viewers. The Mellish meter, courtesy of WSB meteorologist Kirk Mellish, is a popular feature.
WSB Radio: Atlanta's most popular news station at 750 AM provides updated severe weather information on their website.
Weather-Related School and Business Closings in Atlanta
11 Alive Weather Closings and Cancellations
Fox 5 Weather Closings: They claim their list is updated every five minutes.
Atlanta Road Conditions During Inclement Weather
Georgia Navigator: Operated by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Drivers can see real-time traffic incidents that may impact their route, and the estimated time such incidents will be resolved. Weather-monitoring stations let drivers know about road conditions.
Reporting Weather-Related Power Outages in Atlanta
Georgia Power: You can report an outage online, and if you have a web-enabled phone, you can use that to report an outage as well (I've done this several times successfully). Once the form is filled out, a response page appears letting you know if others have reported an outage in your area and the estimated time they think the power will be back on. Prefer to report an outage the old-fashioned way? Georgia Power's phone number for outages is 1-888-891-0938.
Scana Energy- Report a Gas Leak
Comcast- Report a Cable TV/Internet Outage: By phone, 1-800-266-2278.
Atlanta Natural Disaster Planning Information
Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency: A brief set of disaster planning tips, with links to FEMA and Red Cross.