Tornado and Flash Flooding in Georgia, December 24 to 25, 2015

Name: Tornado and Flash Flooding in Georgia, December 24 to 25, 2015
Start: 2015-12-24T04:49
End: 2015-12-25T20:45
Location: Georgia

December 24 to 25, 2015 · NWS FFC · 30 events in 22 counties and zones

S. resulted in an extremely moist and moderately unstable atmosphere over North and Central Georgia.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $8.7 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 30

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS FFC wrote it up.

Persistent, deep and strong southwesterly upper-level flow across the eastern U.S. resulted in an extremely moist and moderately unstable atmosphere over North and Central Georgia. A stalled frontal boundary and a series of short waves in the southwesterly upper flow resulted in multiple rounds of heavy rain, and strong to severe thunderstorms, with widespread flash flooding, damaging thunderstorms winds, hail and an isolated tornado.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Atlanta, GA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 24, 4:35 AM EST, 14 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 24, 4:35 AM EST, 14 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
435 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

.SHORT TERM /TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

CURRENT RADAR LOOP SHOWS 3 DISTINCT LINES OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS MOVING INTO AND ACROSS THE AREA. CURRENTLY THERE ARE
NO SEVERE STORMS EMBEDDED IN THESE LINES BUT THE POTENTIAL IS STILL
THERE. INSTABILITIES ARE NOT THAT GREAT THIS MORNING BUT SHEAR
VALUES ARE STILL FAIRLY HIGH. THIS IS FAIRLY EVIDENT AS EVERY TIME
ONE OF THE STRONGER STORMS MOVES OVER AN OBSERVING SITE...WINDS
START BLOWING IN THE 10-15KT RANGE WITH GUST TO 22KT. MODELS
CONTINUE TO STAY IN GOOD AGREEMENT THROUGH THE SHORT TERM. AS THE
COLD FRONT APPROACHES THE TENNESSEE VALLEY TODAY...INSTABILITY WILL
INCREASE AGAIN ALONG WITH SHEAR AND WE WILL SEE ANOTHER ROUND OF
THUNDER WITH A CONTINUED RISK OF SEVERE STORMS. THIS RISK OF SEVERE
TODAY IS LESS THAN YESTERDAY BUT THE INGREDIENTS ARE STILL IN PLACE
FOR AND ISOLATED SEVERE STORM OR TWO. THE BEST PLACE FOR SEVERE
STORMS WILL BE MAINLY ACROSS NORTH GA TODAY AND FRIDAY. WITH THE
RAIN CONTINUING ACROSS THE STATE ANOTHER 1 TO 3 INCHES IS EXPECTED
TO FALL OVER ALREADY SATURATED SOILS. WITH GUSTY WINDS IT WILL NOT
TAKE MUCH TO KNOCK TREES OVER AND CAUSE SOME DAMAGE.

01

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
FRONTAL BOUNDARY THROUGH TN VALLEY STARTS TO LIFT NORTH AND
CONTINUED INTO THE OHIO VALLEY DURING THE DAY SATURDAY. BOUNDARY
MOVES BACK SOUTH INTO THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS LATE WEEKEND INTO
THE FIRST OF THE WEEK AS UPPER TROUGH MOVES ACROSS THE GREAT LAKES
AND STRONG UPPER SOUTHWEST LOW DEVELOPS. WE REMAIN IN A MOIST AND
SOMEWHAT UNSTABLE AIR MASS WITH BEST POPS MAINLY NORTH. SURFACE
LOW MOVING NORTHEAST FROM THE WESTERN GULF INTO THE MS VALLEY
SHOULD PUSH THE FRONT INTO THE STATE BY TUESDAY. GFS AND ECMWF
HAVE SOME DIFFERENCES BY THIS TIME WITH THE GFS FASTER WITH THE
FROPA AND DRYING. ECMWF WANTS TO LAG THE FRONT AND DEVELOP ANOTHER
WAVE ON IT FOR TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY. HAVE KEPT POPS ACROSS THE
FORECAST AREA FOR WEDNESDAY BUT ONLY SLIGHT CHANCE NORTHWEST
CORNER. WARM TEMPERATURES CONTINUE INTO THE FIRST OF THE WEEK.

41

&&

.CLIMATE...

RECORDS FOR 12-24

               MAX TEMPERATURE         MIN TEMPERATURE
  STATION      HIGH        LOW         HIGH        LOW
  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   KAHN      77 1964     31 1945     60 1964      7 1983
   KATL      72 1984     28 1963     60 1879      3 1983
                1964
   KMCN      77 1964     35 1993     62 1964     10 1989
                                                    1983
   KCSG      79 1984     35 1989     60 1988      9 1989
                                        1964
                                        1955

RECORDS FOR 12-25

               MAX TEMPERATURE         MIN TEMPERATURE
  STATION      HIGH        LOW         HIGH        LOW
  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   KAHN      77 1982     22 1983     61 1982      3 1983
                1955
   KATL      72 1987     17 1983     59 1982      0 1983
                1889
   KMCN      78 1982     25 1983     61 1982      7 1983
                                        1932
   KCSG      76 1982     24 1983     60 1982      8 1983
                                        1964

RECORDS FOR 12-26

               MAX TEMPERATURE         MIN TEMPERATURE
  STATION      HIGH        LOW         HIGH        LOW
  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   KAHN      74 1964     30 1980     61 1987      9 1983
                1928
   KATL      72 1987     26 1935     61 1987      5 1983
   KMCN      77 1987     33 1902     61 1987      9 1983
                1982                    1964
   KCSG      80 1987     33 1983     64 1987     10 1983

RECORDS FOR 12-27

               MAX TEMPERATURE         MIN TEMPERATURE
  STATION      HIGH        LOW         HIGH        LOW
  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   KAHN      73 1971     33 1917     56 1982     11 1935
   KATL      71 1982     27 1892     58 1982     12 1925
                1889
   KMCN      78 1987     35 1902     61 1987     17 1902
   KCSG      75 2008     43 1948     61 1987     23 1985
                1982

RECORDS FOR 12-28

               MAX TEMPERATURE         MIN TEMPERATURE
  STATION      HIGH        LOW         HIGH        LOW
  -------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   KAHN      78 1928     32 1950     59 1982      8 1925
   KATL      74 1984     15 1894     58 1954      5 1925
                1971
   KMCN      76 2008     31 1925     65 1942     11 1925
                2007
   KCSG      80 1984     36 1950     59 2008     23 2010
                                        1954        1977

&&

AVIATION...
06Z UPDATE...
SHOWERS CONTINUING THROUGH THE PERIOD WITH MOSTLY IFR CEILINGS.
THERE WILL BE SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS THIS MORNING BUT SHOULD
BE MOSTLY SHOWERS THROUGH THE TAF PERIOD. WINDS WILL BE MAINLY OUT
OF THE S BUT WILL SEE PERIODS OF SW AND SE WINDS THROUGH THE
PERIOD. WIND SPEEDS WILL STAY MAINLY 10KT OR LESS BUT WILL SEE
SOME GUST TO NEAR 18KT IN AND AROUND ANY STRONGER STORMS. VSBYS
SHOULD STAY IN THE VFR TO MVFR RANGE.

//ATL CONFIDENCE...06Z UPDATE...
CONFIDENCE MEDIUM TO HIGH ON ALL ELEMENTS

01

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
ATHENS          72  64  75  63 /  70  60  40  30
ATLANTA         73  65  75  64 /  70  70  40  20
BLAIRSVILLE     69  62  71  61 /  90  80  70  50
CARTERSVILLE    72  64  75  63 /  80  70  50  40
COLUMBUS        75  66  78  64 /  60  50  20  20
GAINESVILLE     69  64  72  63 /  70  70  50  40
MACON           76  64  79  62 /  40  40  10  10
ROME            73  63  75  63 /  80  70  50  40
PEACHTREE CITY  73  64  76  61 /  70  60  30  20
VIDALIA         80  65  82  64 /  20  20  10  10

&&

.FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FLOOD WATCH THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING ZONES:
BALDWIN...BANKS...BARROW...BARTOW...BIBB...BLECKLEY...BUTTS...
CARROLL...CATOOSA...CHATTAHOOCHEE...CHATTOOGA...CHEROKEE...
CLARKE...CLAYTON...COBB...COWETA...CRAWFORD...CRISP...DADE...
DAWSON...DEKALB...DODGE...DOOLY...DOUGLAS...EMANUEL...FANNIN...
FAYETTE...FLOYD...FORSYTH...GILMER...GLASCOCK...GORDON...
GREENE...GWINNETT...HALL...HANCOCK...HARALSON...HARRIS...HEARD...
HENRY...HOUSTON...JACKSON...JASPER...JEFFERSON...JOHNSON...
JONES...LAMAR...LAURENS...LUMPKIN...MACON...MADISON...MARION...
MERIWETHER...MONROE...MONTGOMERY...MORGAN...MURRAY...MUSCOGEE...
NEWTON...NORTH FULTON...OCONEE...OGLETHORPE...PAULDING...PEACH...
PICKENS...PIKE...POLK...PULASKI...PUTNAM...ROCKDALE...SCHLEY...
SOUTH FULTON...SPALDING...STEWART...SUMTER...TALBOT...
TALIAFERRO...TAYLOR...TELFAIR...TOOMBS...TOWNS...TREUTLEN...
TROUP...TWIGGS...UNION...UPSON...WALKER...WALTON...WARREN...
WASHINGTON...WEBSTER...WHEELER...WHITE...WHITFIELD...WILCOX...
WILKES...WILKINSON.

&&

SHORT TERM...01
LONG TERM....41
AVIATION...01

Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 23, 5:40 PM EST, 11 hours 9 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
540 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-
089>098-102>113-241900-
BALDWIN-BANKS-BARROW-BARTOW-BIBB-BLECKLEY-BUTTS-CARROLL-CATOOSA-
CHATTAHOOCHEE-CHATTOOGA-CHEROKEE-CLARKE-CLAYTON-COBB-COWETA-
CRAWFORD-CRISP-DADE-DAWSON-DEKALB-DODGE-DOOLY-DOUGLAS-EMANUEL-
FANNIN-FAYETTE-FLOYD-FORSYTH-GILMER-GLASCOCK-GORDON-GREENE-
GWINNETT-HALL-HANCOCK-HARALSON-HARRIS-HEARD-HENRY-HOUSTON-JACKSON-
JASPER-JEFFERSON-JOHNSON-JONES-LAMAR-LAURENS-LUMPKIN-MACON-
MADISON-MARION-MERIWETHER-MONROE-MONTGOMERY-MORGAN-MURRAY-
MUSCOGEE-NEWTON-NORTH FULTON-OCONEE-OGLETHORPE-PAULDING-PEACH-
PICKENS-PIKE-POLK-PULASKI-PUTNAM-ROCKDALE-SCHLEY-SOUTH FULTON-
SPALDING-STEWART-SUMTER-TALBOT-TALIAFERRO-TAYLOR-TELFAIR-TOOMBS-
TOWNS-TREUTLEN-TROUP-TWIGGS-UNION-UPSON-WALKER-WALTON-WARREN-
WASHINGTON-WEBSTER-WHEELER-WHITE-WHITFIELD-WILCOX-WILKES-
WILKINSON-
540 PM EST WED DEC 23 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT...

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...
...SEVERE POTENTIAL INCREASES TONIGHT...

SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY
THIS EVENING. AFTER MIDNIGHT...THE THREAT FOR SEVERE WEATHER WILL
INCREASE...ESPECIALLY ALONG AND WEST OF A COLUMBUS TO MACON TO
ATHENS LINE. A FEW STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING
WINDS AND BRIEF TORNADOES. SMALL HAIL...HEAVY RAIN AND FREQUENT
CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING WILL ALSO ACCOMPANY STORMS. ONGOING
FLOODING OF RIVERS...STREAMS AND CREEKS ACROSS CENTRAL GEORGIA WILL
OCCUR WITH THE THREAT SHIFTING NORTH OVERNIGHT AS HEAVIER RAIN
SETS UP ACROSS NORTH GEORGIA.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

BANDS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE ONGOING INTO
THURSDAY...ESPECIALLY ALONG AND WEST OF I-85. SOME OF THESE STORMS
COULD BE STRONG TO SEVERE...CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WIND GUSTS
AND BRIEF TORNADOES. PERSISTENT HEAVY RAINFALL WILL ELEVATE THE
FLOOD THREAT AS WELL ACROSS NORTH GEORGIA. ISOLATED FLASH FLOODING
WILL ALSO BE A CONCERN...ESPECIALLY IN THE MOUNTAINS.

THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAIN WILL GRADUALLY PUSH NORTH OF THE AREA
THURSDAY NIGHT INTO CHRISTMAS DAY...BUT NOT AFTER TWO TO FOUR INCHES
OF ADDITIONAL RAINFALL OCCUR. SEVERAL RIVERS AND STREAMS COULD
REMAIN IN FLOOD THROUGH THIS WEEKEND.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT REQUESTED BUT SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED
TO SUBMIT REPORTS OF SEVERE WEATHER THROUGH THE WEB BY GOING TO
WEATHER.GOV/ATLANTA.

DJN

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Dec 24, 1:53 AM EST, 2 hours 56 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
153 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

GAZ078-089-090-240745-
MUSCOGEE GA-HARRIS GA-CHATTAHOOCHEE GA-
153 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR MUSCOGEE...SOUTHEASTERN HARRIS
AND CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTIES UNTIL 245 AM EST...

AT 151 AM EST...A BAND OF THUNDERSTORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAIN
EXTENDED FROM COLUMBUS TO BARBOUR COUNTY ALABAMA MOVING NORTHEAST AT
50 MPH INTO AREAS THAT PREVIOUSLY RECIEVED HEAVY RAINFALL.

  HAZARD...HEAVY RAIN.

  IMPACT...LOCALIZED FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS
           IS LIKELY. MOTORISTS SHOULD SLOW DOWN AND BE PREPARED FOR
           POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO HYDROPLANING. WHEN WATER
           COVERS THE ROAD...REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN.

SOME LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE
COLUMBUS...WAVERLY HALL...UPATOI...FORT BENNING/LAWSON ARMY AIR
FLD...BIBB CITY...NORTH FORT BENNING...EDGEWOOD...EELBECK/WEST FORT
BENNING...KENWOOD...FORTSON...ROSE HILL...AVONDALE...BENNING PARK...
COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN AIRPORT...SAINT MARYS HILLS...VISTA TERRACE...
GREEN ISLAND HILLS...MULBERRY GROVE...BENNING HILLS AND FLAT ROCK.

LAT...LON 3277 8480 3271 8470 3256 8469 3256 8467
      3252 8469 3252 8468 3253 8464 3249 8464
      3249 8466 3241 8466 3223 8490 3223 8492
      3225 8492 3226 8489 3230 8494 3233 8501
      3243 8496 3245 8500 3252 8501 3260 8508
TIME...MOT...LOC 0651Z 240DEG 49KT 3257 8445

Special weather statement, Dec 24, 2:34 AM EST, 2 hours 15 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
234 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

GAZ001-002-240800-
DADE GA-WALKER GA-
234 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR DADE AND WALKER COUNTIES UNTIL
300 AM EST...

AT 234 AM EST...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS NEAR IDER ALABAMA...OR 12
MILES SOUTHWEST OF TRENTON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 55 MPH.

  HAZARD...40 TO 50 MPH WIND...UP TO PENNY SIZED HAIL AND FREQUENT
           CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING.

  IMPACT...PEOPLE OUTDOORS SHOULD SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. EXPECT
           MINOR DAMAGE TO TREE LIMBS AND BLOWING AROUND OF
           LIGHT...UNSECURED OBJECTS. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES SHOULD
           NOT BE USED UNLESS IN AN EMERGENCY.

SOME LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE
LAFAYETTE...TRENTON...FORT OGLETHORPE...ROSSVILLE...CHICKAMAUGA...
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN...LA FAYETTE...RISING FAWN...CHATTANOOGA  VALLEY...
NOBLE...CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK...COOPER HEIGHTS...NEW ENGLAND...
MORGANVILLE...ROCK SPRING...WILDWOOD...HOOKER...LINWOOD...FAIRVIEW
AND STEPHENSVILLE.

LAT...LON 3496 8527 3486 8526 3485 8520 3478 8520
      3477 8518 3471 8517 3459 8553 3488 8559
      3498 8545 3499 8529
TIME...MOT...LOC 0734Z 240DEG 48KT 3472 8562

Special weather statement, Dec 24, 3:15 AM EST, 1 hour 34 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
315 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

GAZ090-102-240915-
STEWART GA-CHATTAHOOCHEE GA-
315 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR STEWART AND CHATTAHOOCHEE
COUNTIES UNTIL 415 AM EST...

AT 313 AM EST...A BAND OF THUNDERSTORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAIN WERE
LOCATED FROM WESTERN STEWART COUNTY TO SOUTHERN BARBOUR COUNTY
ALABAMA MOVING NORTHEAST AT 50 MPH.

  HAZARD...HEAVY RAIN.

  IMPACT...LOCALIZED FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS
           IS LIKELY. MOTORISTS SHOULD SLOW DOWN AND BE PREPARED FOR
           POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO HYDROPLANING. WHEN WATER
           COVERS THE ROAD...REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN.

SOME LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE
LUMPKIN...CUSSETA...RICHLAND...OMAHA...SANFORD...BROOKLYN...
CHRISTOPHER...CHARLES...RENFROE...LOUVALE...PROVIDENCE CANYON STATE
PARK...WESTVILLE...MANTA AND JAMESTOWN/SOUTH FORT BENNING.

LAT...LON 3195 8496 3198 8496 3198 8501 3197 8504
      3199 8504 3199 8506 3209 8504 3213 8506
      3218 8501 3220 8496 3221 8498 3222 8498
      3222 8493 3224 8491 3225 8492 3226 8489
      3229 8493 3248 8467 3210 8465 3194 8494
TIME...MOT...LOC 0813Z 240DEG 48KT 3214 8497

Special weather statement, Dec 24, 3:26 AM EST, 1 hour 23 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
326 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

GAZ019-020-030-240930-
BARTOW GA-POLK GA-FLOYD GA-
326 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR BARTOW...WESTERN POLK AND
SOUTHEASTERN FLOYD COUNTIES UNTIL 430 AM EST...

AT 324 AM EST...SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAIN WERE
LOCATED FROM NORTHERN BARTOW COUNTY TO WESTERN POLK COUNTY WERE
MOVING NORTHEAST AT 50 MPH. THIS AREA HAS ALREADY SEEN 1 TO 2 INCHES
OF RAINFALL. UP TO AN INCH ADDITIONAL RAIN CAN BE EXPECTED THROUGH
430 AM.

  HAZARD...HEAVY RAIN.

  IMPACT...LOCALIZED FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS
           IS LIKELY. MOTORISTS SHOULD SLOW DOWN AND BE PREPARED FOR
           POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO HYDROPLANING. WHEN WATER
           COVERS THE ROAD...REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN.

SOME LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE
ROME...CARTERSVILLE...CEDARTOWN...ADAIRSVILLE...EUHARLEE...CAVE
SPRING...WHITE...KINGSTON...CASSVILLE...PINE LOG...FUNKHOUSER...
LINDALE...SENEY AND FOLSOM.

LAT...LON 3439 8494 3440 8483 3440 8473 3441 8473
      3441 8467 3431 8466 3390 8537 3408 8541
TIME...MOT...LOC 0824Z 237DEG 51KT 3421 8497

Special weather statement, Dec 24, 3:36 AM EST, 1 hour 13 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
336 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

GAZ004-005-240900-
MURRAY GA-WHITFIELD GA-
336 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN MURRAY AND
NORTHEASTERN WHITFIELD COUNTIES UNTIL 400 AM EST...

AT 336 AM EST...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS NEAR COHUTTA...OR 12 MILES
NORTH OF CHATSWORTH...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 60 MPH.

  HAZARD...40 TO 50 MPH WIND...FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING
           AND HEAVY RAIN.

  IMPACT...PEOPLE OUTDOORS SHOULD SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. EXPECT
           MINOR DAMAGE TO TREE LIMBS AND BLOWING AROUND OF
           LIGHT...UNSECURED OBJECTS. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES SHOULD
           NOT BE USED UNLESS IN AN EMERGENCY. LOCALIZED FLOODING IN
           LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS IS ALSO LIKELY.
           MOTORISTS SHOULD SLOW DOWN AND BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE
           LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO HYDROPLANING. WHEN WATER COVERS
           THE ROAD...REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN.

SOME LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE
BEAVERDALE...GREGORY...SUMAC...CISCO AND TENNGA.

LAT...LON 3495 8462 3493 8463 3481 8491 3495 8493
      3498 8493 3499 8492 3499 8462
TIME...MOT...LOC 0836Z 237DEG 51KT 3493 8485

Special weather statement, Dec 24, 4:14 AM EST, 35 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
414 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

GAZ007-013-241015-
GILMER GA-PICKENS GA-
414 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN GILMER AND PICKENS
COUNTIES UNTIL 515 AM EST...

AT 412 AM EST...THUNDERSTORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAIN EXTENDED FROM
EASTERN GILMER COUNTY INTO PICKENS COUNTY...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 50
MPH. 1 TO 1.5 INCHES OF RAIN CAN BE EXPECTED THROUGH 515 AM.

  HAZARD...HEAVY RAIN.

  IMPACT...LOCALIZED FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS
           IS LIKELY. MOTORISTS SHOULD SLOW DOWN AND BE PREPARED FOR
           POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO HYDROPLANING. WHEN WATER
           COVERS THE ROAD...REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN.

SOME LOCATIONS IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM INCLUDE
JASPER...TALKING ROCK...ROY...LAKE TAMARACK...HINTON...TALONA...
TALMADGE...PISGAH...BLAINE...CARTECAY...SEQUOYAH LAKE AND SPRINGER
MOUNTAIN SHELTER.

LAT...LON 3471 8425 3467 8425 3464 8420 3463 8419
      3460 8422 3460 8426 3457 8426 3457 8429
      3458 8433 3458 8434 3455 8435 3451 8433
      3438 8451 3438 8458 3441 8458 3441 8465
      3446 8465 3449 8466 3476 8433
TIME...MOT...LOC 0912Z 232DEG 26KT 3435 8457

The radar

The Atlanta radar (KFFC), 136 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 09:51 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

26 flash flood, 2 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Gilmer

When: December 24, 4:49 AM EST to 7:59 AM EST
Where: Gilmer County, 1.38 mi S of Dyke to 3.5 mi W of Tioga
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.580, -84.420

A USGS stream gauge on Fausett Creek at Yukon Road near Talking Rock reached flood stage of 10 feet. Record flooding of 17.8 feet occurred in the woodlands and pastures along the creek upstream and downstream from the gauge. The water level hit the road bed around 4 feet above the culvert and erosion occurred to the embankments on the south side of road. The old record was 17.0 feet on May 27, 1973.

Flash Flood, Pickens

When: December 24, 5:32 AM EST to 12:51 PM EST
Where: Pickens County, 1.79 mi SW of Whitestone to 1.33 mi NW of Blaine
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.550, -84.520

A USGS stream gauge on the Talking Rock Creek just downstream from the merger of Scarecorn Creek and off of Patterson Road near Hinton reached flood stage of 10 feet. The creek crest at 13.4 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands upstream and downstream from the gauge. Rapid flowing water caused dangerous erosion conditions to the banks.

Thunderstorm Wind, Paulding

When: December 24, 5:46 AM EST to 5:56 AM EST
Where: Paulding County, 1.02 mi ENE of Yorkville to 1.65 mi SW of Hanlin
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 33.927, -84.964

An amateur radio operator reported multiple trees blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bartow

When: December 24, 5:55 AM EST to 6:05 AM EST
Where: Bartow County, 2.43 mi NNE of Allatoona
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.133, -84.706

The public reported multiple trees blown down along Iron Hill Cove in the Red Top Mountain State Park.

Flash Flood, Gilmer

When: December 24, 6:40 AM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where: Gilmer County, 1.33 mi ENE of Ellijay to 0.69 mi E of Kiker
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.710, -84.460

A USGS stream gauge on the Cartecay River off Georgia Highway 52 near East Ellijay reached flood stage of 7 feet. The river had the second highest crest in its history at 11.1 feet. Major flooding occurred upstream and downstream from the gauge which affected around 15 townhouses and homes on Riverside Drive with at least one foot of water. Also a large portion of Maple Village Mobile Homes Park flooded near the merger of the river and Owltown Creek.

Flash Flood, Gilmer

When: December 24, 7:17 AM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where: Gilmer County, 0.69 mi S of Elders to 1.79 mi N of Roundtop
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.1 million
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 34.690, -84.570

A USGS stream gauge on the Coosawattee River off Legion Road near Ellijay reached flood stage of 8 feet. The river crest at 13.9 feet. Major flooding affected around 45 homes and a few businesses in Ellijay with some evacuations. The Spring Ellijay Plant flooded and portions of the Pilgrims Pride Processing Plant parking lot were under 3 feet of water. The American Legion Post 82 building and the Georgia Power Substation next to the Post were flooded with around 3 feet of water. Most of the Harold Hefner River Park was flooded with a few feet of water.

Flash Flood, Fannin

When: December 24, 8:50 AM EST to 2:45 PM EST
Where: Fannin County, 0.89 mi NW of Newport to 2.07 mi SE of Swan
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $234,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.730, -84.240

The Fannin County Emergency Manager reported several secondary roads were flooded from nearby streams. Some area cabins along U.S. Highway 76 were beginning to flood. A debris flow had completely blocked a portion of Mountain Top Road.

Flash Flood, Carroll

When: December 24, 8:53 AM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where: Carroll County, 2.07 mi S of Carrollton Reg Arpt to 1.73 mi ESE of Jonesville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $866,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.600, -85.150

A USGS stream gauge on the Little Tallapoosa River at Georgia Highway 100 near Bowden reached flood stage of 17 feet. The river crest at 18 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands and fields along the river upstream and downstream from the gauge. Several roads and culverts were washed out on tributaries leading to the river between Bowden and Carrollton.

Flash Flood, Chattahoochee

When: December 24, 9:45 AM EST to 2:45 PM EST
Where: Chattahoochee County, 1.17 mi E of Kasihta to 1.88 mi WSW of Jamestown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $56,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 32.330, -84.960

The Chattahoochee County Emergency Manager reported a few roads and culverts were washed out in the Cusseta area due to rapidly flowing streams and creeks in flood.

Flash Flood, Douglas

When: December 24, 9:57 AM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where: Douglas County, 0.9 mi NE of Lithia Spgs to 4.97 mi SSW of Lithia Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.790, -84.640

A USGS stream gauge on the Sweetwater Creek near the Interstate 20 bridge near Austell reached flood stage of 10 feet. The creek crest at 10.9 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands and fields upstream and downstream from the gauge. Portions of a paintball playing field and athletic fields in the Woodrow Wilson Park on Mount Vernon Road flooded.

Flash Flood, De Kalb

When: December 24, 10:34 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where: De Kalb County, 0.9 mi SW of Doraville to 1.72 mi SW of Druid Hills
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.890, -84.290

A USGS stream gauge on North Fork Peachtree Creek at Buford Highway or Georgia Highway 13 near Atlanta reached flood stage of 13 feet. The creek crest at 14.8 feet. Significant flooding occurred upstream and downstream from the gauge. Large portions of the backyards of residential homes on Victory Drive...Dunwoody Place and Converse Drive flooded with around two feet of water. A portion of the Sun Tan Center parking lot near the gauge flooded. A few roads and culverts in the area were damaged or washed out.

Flash Flood, Troup

When: December 24, 10:45 AM EST to 2:15 PM EST
Where: Troup County, 1.35 mi ESE of Trimble to 1.35 mi NW of Crowder
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.6 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.190, -84.880

The Troup County Emergency Manager reported around six roads and culverts had been washed out in central portions of the county and in the LaGrange area. A few water rescues were needed.

Flash Flood, Fayette

When: December 24, 10:50 AM EST to 3:45 PM EST
Where: Fayette County, 0.58 mi W of Aberdeen to 2.41 mi SSE of Starrs Mill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 33.420, -84.610

A USGS stream gage on Whitewater Creek at Starrs Mill Park reached flood stage of 10 feet. The creek crest at 15.9 feet. Significant flooding occurred in the woodlands and fields along the creek downstream from the Starrs Mill Dam to Line Creek. Most of Starrs Mill Park was under 4 to 6 feet of water. The flood waters hit the bottom of the mill. Several roads and culverts were washed out due to the rapidly flowing flood waters. The flood waters of Cherry Branch damaged a condo in Tinsley Mill Village off Flat Creek Road.

Flash Flood, Fulton

When: December 24, 10:59 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where: Fulton County, 4.84 mi S of Sandy Spgs to 3.19 mi NNE of Bolton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.850, -84.380

A USGS stream gauge on the Peachtree Creek at Northside Drive in Atlanta reached flood stage of 17 feet. The creek crest at 19.4 feet. Significant flooding occurred upstream and downstream from the gauge. Parking lots near the section of Peachtree Road...Fairhaven Circle and Peachtree Memorial Drive began to flood. Woodward Way was completely flooded with several feet of water and around one foot of water was in some homes that have not been elevated. Sections of Sagamore Drive...Hanover West Drive...and Peachtree Battle Avenue and Circle were flooded with 1 to 4 feet of water. Around one foot of water was in some homes. Several evacuations were needed.

Flash Flood, Clayton

When: December 24, 11:33 AM EST to 3:45 PM EST
Where: Clayton County, 2.37 mi NNW of Riverdale to Riverdale
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 33.600, -84.440

A USGS stream gauge on the Flint River at North Bridge Road or 4 miles west to southwest of Lovejoy reached flood stage of 12 feet. The river crest at 16.9 feet. Significant flooding affected the basements of numerous homes along Roxbury Drive...Rambo Court...and Mockingbird Road. Several mobile homes were flooded along Museum Circle. The flooding of Upper Riverdale Road cut off access to Southern Regional Hospital. Several roads were flooded including Upper Riverdale Road...Arrowhead Boulevard...Mockingbird Road...Museum Circle...Turner Road...Harbour Town and North Bridge Road.

Flash Flood, Cobb

When: December 24, 11:35 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where: Cobb County, 3.64 mi SSE of Leland to 1.5 mi SE of Oakdale
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.770, -84.550

A USGS stream gauge on Nickajack Creek at Veterans Memorial Highway near Mableton reached flood stage of 10 feet. The creek crest at 11 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands and natural flood plain upstream and downstream from the gauge. Portions of Nickajack Park around one mile upstream from the gauge was flooded around one foot deep.

Flash Flood, Troup

When: December 24, 11:39 AM EST to 2:45 PM EST
Where: Troup County, 5.99 mi NNE of Trimble to 4.28 mi WSW of Harrisonville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.280, -84.860

A USGS stream gauge on the Yellowjacket Creek at Hammett Road near Hogansville reached flood stage of 8 feet. The creek crest at 13.8 feet. Significant flooding occurred in the marshy wetlands and woods along the creek upstream and downstream from the gauge. Two houses and some buildings on the right bank near the bridge were flooded with around one foot of water.

Flash Flood, Coweta

When: December 24, 11:49 AM EST to 3:45 PM EST
Where: Coweta County, 1.8 mi NW of Thomas Xrds to 3.46 mi NNE of Sharpsburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 33.420, -84.700

A USGS stream gauge on Shoal Creek at Georgia Highway 54 near Sharpsburg reached flood stage of 10 feet. The creek crest at 11 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands and fields along the creek upstream and downstream from the gauge.

Flash Flood, De Kalb

When: December 24, 12:04 PM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where: De Kalb County, 0.57 mi W of North Druid Hills to Belt Jct
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.830, -84.310

A USGS stream gauge on the South Fork Peachtree Creek at Johnson road near Atlanta reached flood stage of 13 feet. The creek crest at 13.9 feet. Minor flooding occurred upstream and downstream from the gauge Portions of backyards of residential homes on Noble Drive...Helen Drive and Kay Lane were flooded with around one foot of water. A few roads and culverts were damaged or washed out in the area.

Flash Flood, Douglas

When: December 24, 12:25 PM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where: Douglas County, 5.04 mi WSW of Winston to Fairplay
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $478,000
Reported by: Other Federal Agency
Coordinates: 33.700, -84.900

A USGS stream gauge on the Dog River at Bill Arp Road or Georgia Highway 5 near Fairplay reached flood stage of 13 feet. The river crest at 13.9 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands and natural flood plain upstream and downstream from the gauge. Several roads and culverts were washed out on tributaries leading to the river.

Flash Flood, Gwinnett

When: December 24, 1:08 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where: Gwinnett County, 2.37 mi SSW of Grayson to 3.54 mi WNW of Rosebud
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 33.850, -83.970

A USGS stream gauge on Brushy Fork Creek at Beaver Road or 3 miles west to southwest of Loganville reached flood stage of 9 feet. The creek crest at 9.7 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands and fields upstream and downstream from the gauge.

Tornado, Upson

When: December 24, 1:29 PM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where: Upson County, 6.06 mi SSE of Salem to 6.09 mi SSE of Salem
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 180 yd
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 32.821, -84.134

An NWS storm survey team confirmed an EF-0 tornado, with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and a maximum path width of 180 yards, touched down just west of Mt. Carmel Road and traveled .2 miles east northeast, crossing Mt. Carmel Road before lifting. Several trees were snapped or uprooted on either side of Mt. Carmel Road and a small shed was destroyed. [12/24/15: Tornado #1, County #1-1, EF0, Upson, [2015:014].

Flash Flood, Rockdale

When: December 24, 1:58 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where: Rockdale County, 2.3 mi W of Lakeview Estates to 1.15 mi SSE of Milstead
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 33.700, -84.070

A USGS stream gauge on the Yellow River at Gees Mill Road or 3 miles east to southeast of Milstead reached flood stage of 11 feet. The river crest at 16.5 feet. Significant flooding affected some roads in the Lake Capri subdivision upstream from the gauge.

Hail, Schley

When: December 24, 9:50 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where: Schley County, 5.83 mi NNW of Concord
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 32.406, -84.373

The public reported quarter sized hail in extreme northern Schley County.

Flash Flood, Dade

When: December 25, 10:44 AM EST to 11:30 AM EST
Where: Dade County, 0.89 mi NE of Wildwood to 4.02 mi S of Avans
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $35,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 34.980, -85.390

A USGS stream gauge on the Lookout Creek at Creek Road or 2 miles southeast of New England reached a stage height of 15 feet. Minor flooding continued to expand along Sells Lane in Trenton...Mason Road near Rising Fawn...and Creek Road near New England. These roads and other roads with creeks flowing into Lookout Creek were flooded with road closures. The water was a few feet deep on portions of these roads with erosion damage.

Flash Flood, Dade

When: December 25, 11:35 AM EST to 2:30 PM EST
Where: Dade County, 0.89 mi NE of Wildwood to 4.02 mi S of Avans
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $800,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 34.980, -85.390

A USGS stream gauge on the Lookout Creek at Creek Road or around 2 miles southeast New England reached a stage height of 16.7 feet. Significant flooding occurred when several small buildings near a hang gliding recreation park began to flood. Several roads in Dade county were closed including Sells Lane...Mason Road...and Creek Road. The water was several feet deep on portions of these roads.

Flash Flood, Whitfield

When: December 25, 12:45 PM EST to 2:45 PM EST
Where: Whitfield County, 1.33 mi ESE of Mount Vernon to 1.7 mi WNW of Keiths Mill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 34.770, -85.030

A USGS stream gauge on the Mill Creek at Coronet Drive or on the north side of Dalton reached a stage height of 10 feet. Minor flooding occurred along Mill Creek with several road closures as well.

Flash Flood, Dade

When: December 25, 3:30 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST
Where: Dade County, 1.15 mi NNW of Rising Fawn to 1.3 mi S of New England
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.764, -85.531

The Dade County Emergency Manager reported a debris flow which blocked Burkhalter Gap Road. A portion of Newsome Gap Road in the same area washed out.

Flash Flood, Whitfield

When: December 25, 4:33 PM EST to 8:45 PM EST
Where: Whitfield County, 1.33 mi ESE of Mount Vernon to 1.7 mi WNW of Keiths Mill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 34.770, -85.030

A USGS stream gauge on the Mill Creek at Coronet Drive or on the north side of Dalton reached flood stage of 11 feet. The creek crest at 12.1 feet. Minor flooding occurred along Mill Creek with several road closures as well.

Flash Flood, Murray

When: December 25, 4:58 PM EST to 8:45 PM EST
Where: Murray County, 2.15 mi SSE of Crandall to 0.89 mi N of Oran
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 34.840, -84.720

A USGS stream gauge on Holly Creek at Smyrna Ramhurst Road or 3 miles south of Chatsworth reached flood stage of 10 feet. The creek crest at 11.9 feet. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands...fields and pasture upstream and downstream from the gauge.

What these are

Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Georgia in 2015 Every state in 2015 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Georgia, 2015 Warnings in Georgia, December 2015

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 611943, 611944, 609302, 607356, 611949, 611950, 613194, 612035, 613328, 612045, 612050, 612080, 613329, 612060, 613331, 612064, 612079, 613330, 612055, 612039, 613332, 607357, 613334, 607359, 613174, 613175, 613181, 613179, 613184, 613188.