Due to severe storms and the possibility of tornadoes, schools across Atlanta are activating emergency weather procedures. A strong line of storms is currently located just to the east of Atlanta. At 2 p.m. on Jan. 30, a recorded message was sent to parents on behalf of Fulton County Schools Superintendant Robert Arvossa. “Safety is our biggest concern,” the message said. “We do everything to keep your children safe.” It went on to inform parents that some schools could delay dismissals due to the severe weather.
Individual school principals are also keeping parents informed. Principal Paul Brannon from Northview High School in Johns Creek sent a recorded message around 1 p.m. on Wednesday informing parents that the school had enacted emergency procedures. He also asked parents not to go to the school to pick up students. At 2:35 p.m., parents received another recorded message that said all after school athletics, club meetings and school sponsored activities are canceled on Wednesday due to the storms. Several churches have already canceled Wednesday night services. For a list of closings, check out WSB's website.
The massive storm system produced a tornado that struck Adairsville, Ga. around noon on Wednesday. Fire Chief Craig Millsap from Bartow County confirmed that one person was found dead in the storm damage. A hundred cars and trucks were overturned on Interstate 75 and officials closed the highway in both directions. Adairsville, populated by about 4,500 residents, is located north of Atlanta and south of Chattanooga. Numerous businesses were damaged including a large manufacturing plant. Officials are asking people to stay away from the area while they continue to search for residents and inspect damage.
Tornado warnings were downgraded to severe thunderstorm warnings, but local meteorologists warn people in Atlanta to stay tuned because conditions can change instantly as the line moves through the city. Atlanta TV stations WSB, WXIA, Fox 5 and CBS 46 have all canceled regular programming to provide continuous coverage of the dangerous weather situation. A tornado watch is in effect in North Georgia until 8 p.m. on Wednesday night and a wind advisory until midnight.
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