Flood and Hail in Georgia, August 20 to 21, 2000

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported that lightning injured six people and set one house on fire. One person was injured in his Woodstock house when a lightning bolt traveled through the electrical wiring of a lamp located on the piano he was playing. He was knocked unconscious for some time. Two women boating on Lake Allatoona were struck and injured by lightning. Finally, a house was set on fire and three people were injured in the Woodstock area when lightning struck the house. Damage to the house was confined mainly to the roof and attic. All of the injured were treated and released. None of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening.

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported that lightning struck and set fire to 24 homes, primarily in Marietta and Smyrna. Seven of the homes were severely damaged, one of which was almost completely destroyed. The state insurance commissioner estimated damages of $1,000,000.

The Cobb County Highway Department, along with the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, reported numerous trees down throughout the county, especially between Marietta and Powder Springs. In some instances, the trees caused minor structural damage to homes, especially in the northern part of the county.

The Douglas County Highway Department reported two trees down in Lithia Springs.

The Paulding county 911 center reported one large 50 foot tree down and several small trees down in the vicinity of the intersection of Georgia Highway 92 and Highway 120C.

A variety of sources, including the Coweta county 911 center, the Newnan Times Herald, the Coweta county Department of Highways, and the public, reported that thunderstorm winds downed numerous trees throughout the county. One tree fell through the roof of a house in Newnan causing significant structural damage. Some of the worst damage was reported on Franklin Highway, where three power poles were cracked and brought down a main feeder line. This was believed to be caused when a large tree fell on the line. Trees were reported to be down on power lines throughout the county resulting in power outages across the county. Strong winds brought power lines down on Peachtree Lane, igniting a woods fire that required the assistance of the Georgia Forestry Commission to extinguish. In addition, a retaining wall was blown down in Newnan at the Gentry Auto facility.

The Newnan Times Herald reported that a barn, used for storage, on Poplar Road was completely destroyed when struck by lightning. In addition, four homes were struck by lightning across mainly the northern and eastern sections of the county, but damage was mainly confined to television sets.

The Coweta county 911 center reported street flooding. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 4 inches were common in the Newnan area in a 1 to 2 hour period.

The Coweta county 911 center reported numerous trees were blown down, with two trees reported on Pete Davis Road.

An amateur radio operator reported golfball size hail.

The Troup county Department of Highways reported a tree down north of La Grange and the Fishermans One Store reported a tree down on Youngsville Road in Harrisonville.