A very moist and moderately unstable airmass over the region combined with strong shear and persistent southwesterly mid and upper flow produced numerous showers and thunderstorms across north and parts of central Georgia through the day on the 25th into the morning of the 26th. Numerous reports of flooding were received with several reports of severe thunderstorms and a few isolated tornadoes.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS FFC wrote it up.
A very moist and moderately unstable airmass over the region combined with strong shear and persistent southwesterly mid and upper flow produced numerous showers and thunderstorms across north and parts of central Georgia through the day on the 25th into the morning of the 26th. Numerous reports of flooding were received with several reports of severe thunderstorms and a few isolated tornadoes. Rainfall amounts of 2.5 to 6 inches were common over north Georgia, with 6 to 8 inches observed over the higher elevations of northeast Georgia.
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 Mar 25, 6:51 AM EST, 3 hours 17 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 751 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021 .UPDATE... Updated for the 12Z Aviation Discussion. && .PREV DISCUSSION... /Issued 503 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021/ SHORT TERM /Today through Friday/... The forecast area will be under an active weather pattern throughout the short term period. To begin, much of the southeastern CONUS remains underneath southwesterly flow aloft associated with a large- scale upper trough. This southwesterly is continue to advect deep moisture into north and central Georgia. To that point, dewpoints are currently in the upper 50s across the area and will further increase into the mid 60s during the daytime today. Precipitable water values will furthermore increase into the 1.5 to 1.75 inch range across far north Georgia, and the 1.25 to 1.5 inch rain in the remainder of the forecast area today. With the fairly moist airmass in place already, low temperatures will start the morning in the upper 50s to low 60s across the majority of north and central Georgia. After that, temperatures will similarly continue their warming trend today in central Georgia. Afternoon high temperatures today are expected to range from 5-10 degrees above climatological normals in north Georgia and 10-15 degrees above normal in central Georgia. Highs in portions of central Georgia could notably reach into the upper 80s this afternoon. This is the environment that the next system approaching Georgia will have to work with. Speaking of the next system, at the time of this writing, an upper level trough is positioned over north Texas. This trough will quickly move northeastward today towards the Ohio Valley region. During this time, it will take on a negative tilt which will begin a rapid intensification of the associated surface low. A surface warm front extending eastward from this surface low is currently positioned near the central Gulf Coast, and is expected to lift northward throughout the day today as the surface low moves northeastward. Meanwhile, a cold front will extend southward from the low and drop into the southeast, and then push eastward as the day progresses. The warm front will lift northward across the southeastern states today and is expected to clear northwest Georgia during the afternoon today. This will position much of our area within the warm sector as the cold front (and broad area of large- scale ascent ahead of it) approaches. Showers are already beginning to spread into west Georgia on the north side of the surface warm front, and some isolated thunderstorms are also possible during the early morning hours today. With marginal instability values and weak lapse rates as the warm advection saturates the mid levels, severe weather is not anticipated in association with this initial round of precipitation. High-res guidance indicates that this axis of precipitation will shift northward over the next several hours as the warm front gradually moves north. Categorical PoPs are forecast to set up across much of the far northern tier after sunrise today and remain in place throughout the daytime today. The potential for severe weather will need to be watched closely in portions of north and west Georgia as the cold front draws closer to the area during the late afternoon and evening hours today. The atmosphere will destabilize this afternoon, especially so across north and west Georgia, where MLCAPE and SBCAPE values will range from 1000-1500 J/kg across this area, with lower amounts to the south and east. While the best upper-level dynamics are expected to remain north of the state, 0-1 km low-level shear values of 40-50 kts, 0-1 km storm relative helicity values of 300-400 m^2/s^2, and the aforementioned moderate CAPE values over northwest Georgia indicate the potential for severe thunderstorms during the late afternoon and into the evening as organized convective activity ahead of the cold front approaches enters the forecast area. Considering these parameters, the primary threats with any severe thunderstorms that develop would be damaging wind gusts and tornadoes. Large hail will also be possible, mainly across northwest Georgia, but appears to be a secondary threat considering fairly marginal lapse rates at the mid-levels. Moreover, there is little to no indication that a cool/stable wedge will set up over the forecast area like the system last week. However, a potential limitation to keep an eye on would be the potential for multiple weaker storms managing to survive the high-shear environment and then inhibiting the development of stronger discrete cells. Instability values will diminish during the overnight hours as the cold front enters northwest Georgia and begins push south and east through the forecast area. While gradual weakening of convection is likely farther east into the late overnight hours, some severe potential will continue to persist through the overnight hours and into Friday. There will still be enough instability and broad lift along the front across to maintain scattered convection with a along with a slight risk of severe thunderstorms extending into the metro area, and then a marginal risk of thunderstorms south and east of the metro area during the daytime on Friday. The front will finally weaken and stall across central Georgia by Friday evening, with showers and thunderstorms lingering along the boundary into the extended period. Taking the copious atmospheric moisture and persistent rain chances over northern Georgia, it is likely to see heavy rain in the northern tier today and tonight. Rainfall totals of 1.5 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts over 3 inches are expected during this time. With previous rainfall keeping soils saturated, especially in the far northwest, these rainfall amounts would easily allow for runoff and potential flash flooding. Furthermore, creeks and streams in far north Georgia could also rise out of their banks. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect over this area until 8 AM Fri day morning. Rainfall totals associated with this system will sharply decrease as the front moves southeastward through the forecast area overnight and into Friday, and are forecast to be less than 1 inch roughly along and south of the I-85 corridor. In any case, heavy rain associated with stronger storms could still lead to localized flash flooding even outside of the watch. King LONG TERM /Friday Night through Wednesday/... The upper level flow will begin to flatten over the weekend as an upper level ridge remains anchored over south Florida. As another short wave moves across the Great Lakes area Sunday, the progressive flow will bring another surface front and another round of showers across the area Saturday and Sunday. The best instability will be across the area Saturday afternoon into the evening hours, however shear will be minimal. Still enough instability for scattered thunderstorms. Medium range models split on what the upper low/short wave over the desert southwest does starting on Sunday. The GFS brings a low across the Gulf coast states, with the next system moving across southern portions of the forecast area midweek. the ECMWF deepens the upper low and lifts it through the southern Plains into the midwest by Tuesday morning. Both solutions bring a surface front across the area by midweek after moisture returns. Model guidance temperatures continue to advertise above normal temperatures through the period and will remain close to a blend. Atwell && .AVIATION... 12Z Update... Widespread SHRA, along with some isolated -TSRA and MVFR visibility restrictions, is ongoing across north Georgia and gradually spreading north. This precip is expected to clear the ATL metro sites and AHN by 14Z, at which point visibilities will improve. Mainly VFR ceilings are expected at all TAF sites today, but are forecast to lower to MVFR tonight, mainly after 04Z. Isolated to scattered precip is possible this afternoon, but highest chances should remain across the far northern tier. TSRA will then be possible overnight as showers and thunderstorms spread south, warranting a PROB30 for TSRA between roughly 04-10Z. SE winds will increase to 10-15 kts with gusts up to 25 kts by this afternoon. High-res guidance is indicating a shift to SW between 17-20Z. Stronger gusts will also be possible with any TSRA that occurs. //ATL Confidence...12Z Update... Medium confidence on all elements. King && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Athens 82 63 79 58 / 50 70 40 20 Atlanta 80 60 77 60 / 50 70 30 30 Blairsville 70 54 74 50 / 80 90 20 30 Cartersville 78 56 76 55 / 70 70 20 40 Columbus 85 65 79 64 / 40 60 50 20 Gainesville 76 59 76 56 / 60 80 30 30 Macon 87 66 81 62 / 20 50 50 20 Rome 77 55 78 55 / 80 80 10 40 Peachtree City 82 61 78 60 / 40 70 40 20 Vidalia 89 67 86 66 / 5 10 30 5 && .FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flash Flood Watch through Friday morning for the following zones: Catoosa...Chattooga...Dade...Dawson...Fannin...Floyd... Gilmer...Gordon...Lumpkin...Murray...Pickens...Towns...Union... Walker...White...Whitfield. && SHORT TERM...King LONG TERM....Atwell AVIATION...King
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 523 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086- 089>098-102>113-260930- 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- 523 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North and Central Georgia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight... Numerous thunderstorms are expected across north and central Georgia today into tomorrow morning as a strong frontal system moves through the area. Several storms could become severe, especially across northwestern Georgia tonight into tomorrow morning. Primary threats will include tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and hail. There is potential for periods of heavy rain in north Georgia, which could lead to localized flash flooding and river flooding Thursday through Friday morning. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for these areas. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday... Isolated to scattered thundersorms will continue across portions of central and east Georgia on Friday as the surface front continues to ush through the forecast area. There is a chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain over portions of north and central Georgia on Saturday and Sunday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
601 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021
GAZ078-089-251015-
Harris GA-Muscogee GA-
601 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WESTERN HARRIS AND NORTHWESTERN
MUSCOGEE COUNTIES UNTIL 615 AM EDT...
At 601 AM EDT...a strong thunderstorm was near Bartletts Ferry Dam,
or 7 miles northwest of Smiths...moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind...frequent cloud to ground lightning
and heavy rain.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light...unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.
Some locations in the path of this storm include
Goat Rock Lake, Fortson, Mountain Hill, Mulberry Grove, Lake Harding
and Cataula.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.
LAT...LON 3274 8511 3283 8497 3259 8482 3254 8502
3258 8507 3262 8509 3263 8508 3264 8510
3264 8511 3266 8509 3269 8512 3272 8512
TIME...MOT...LOC 1001Z 237DEG 34KT 3264 8514
WIND...40MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
623 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021
GAZ066-078-079-089-251100-
Harris GA-Troup GA-Talbot GA-Muscogee GA-
623 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR HARRIS...SOUTHEASTERN TROUP...
SOUTHWESTERN TALBOT AND NORTHERN MUSCOGEE COUNTIES UNTIL 700 AM
EDT...
At 623 AM EDT...a line of strong thunderstorms was along a line
extending from Beans Mill to Bartletts Ferry Dam to near Green Island
Hills...and moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind...frequent cloud to ground lightning
and heavy rain.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light...unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.
Some locations in the path of these storms include
Hamilton, Pine Mountain, Waverly Hall, Ellerslie, Flat Rock, F.d.
Roosevelt State Park, Cataula, Baughville, Midland, Mountain Hill,
Jones Crossroads, Baughs Crossroads, Fortson, Mulberry Grove, Smiths
Crossroad, Whitesville-Pine Lake and Lake Harding.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.
LAT...LON 3285 8516 3296 8503 3288 8486 3287 8486
3287 8485 3280 8470 3259 8462 3252 8498
3265 8510 3266 8509 3269 8512 3271 8512
3274 8511 3276 8514 3278 8512 3281 8517
TIME...MOT...LOC 1023Z 248DEG 32KT 3271 8526 3267 8507 3255 8496
WIND...40MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
653 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021
GAZ066>069-251130-
Upson GA-Troup GA-Meriwether GA-Pike GA-
653 AM EDT Thu Mar 25 2021
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN UPSON...EASTERN
TROUP...MERIWETHER AND SOUTHERN PIKE COUNTIES UNTIL 730 AM EDT...
At 653 AM EDT...a line of strong thunderstorms was along a line
extending from near Pine Mountain to Flint Hill...and moving
northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind...frequent cloud to ground lightning
and heavy rain.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light...unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.
Some locations in the path of these storms include
LaGrange, Zebulon, Greenville, Manchester, Hogansville, Woodbury,
Warm Springs, Molena, Meansville, Gay, Mountville, Louise,
Odessadale, Stovall, Big Springs, Saint Marks, Raleigh, Lifsey
Springs, Crest and Durand.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.
LAT...LON 3316 8497 3307 8425 3287 8453 3285 8457
3284 8470 3287 8475 3287 8510 3288 8516
TIME...MOT...LOC 1053Z 237DEG 37KT 3288 8492 3284 8466
WIND...40MPHThe Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 86 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:08 UTC.
77 flash flood, 11 thunderstorm wind, 5 hail, 5 tornado, 1 lightning, 1 debris flow. Local standard time, as filed.
The Chattooga County Emergency Manager reported a few trees blown down across the county from near Lyerly to near Trion and Subligna.
The Whitfield County Emergency Manager reported a few trees blown down around the intersection of LaFayette Road and McArthur Road.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Reed Road and Neely Road NW. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The GDOT and the public reported trees and power lines blown down from around the intersection of Chatsworth Highway and Pleasant Hill Road to Ridge Road in the Mountaintown area.
A National Weather Service survey determined that a downburst with maximum wind speeds of 105 MPH struck the southern and eastern side of Cedartown. The path was around 3 to 3.5 miles long and about 1 to 1.5 miles wide. The center of the downburst was located in a heavily wooded area east of Main Street and south of Highway 278. Numerous downed trees south of Highway 27 along Tuck Street were snapped or blown down facing south, away from the center of the downburst area. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along East Point Road north of Highway 278 facing north or northwest, away from the center of the downburst. The strong winds continued in the area east and southeast of Highway 27, snapping and uprooting trees along Lees Chapel Road, Friendly Baptist Road and Coaling Road in a east to northeast direction. Numerous homes in the area sustained structural damage to their roofs, mainly due to downed trees or shingle damage from the strong winds.
A National Weather Service survey determined that a downburst with maximum wind speeds of 90 MPH struck the eastern side of Cedartown around the same time as the larger downburst on the south and east side of town. The path was around 1 to 1.5 miles long and about a half of a mile wide. This second, smaller downburst began to the west of Cedartown High School and north of East Avenue. Trees were uprooted facing east to northeast throughout the school property and several air conditioning systems were moved on the roof of the administration building. In addition, numerous trees were uprooted or snapped in the Northview Cemetery facing southeast away from the center of the downburst.
Hail the size of quarters was reported at the National Guard Armory on the south side of Cedartown.
The Floyd County Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines blown down on Wax Road near Flint Hill Church.
The Paulding County Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines blown down across the northern half of the county from near Braswell across Westfork to east of Burnt Hickory Farms.
The public reported quarter-size hail on McEver Park Circle.
The Emergency Manager reported Dovers Cut Road was underwater near the Faith Temple. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Butler Dairy Road and Sprayberry Farms, upstream of Maddox Lake. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported the flooding of Sardis Church Road due to high water from the nearby Spring Branch. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water rushing across Ragland Road near the intersection of Ragland Road and Highway 114. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the rise of the Chattooga River tributary and the resulting flash flooding of the roadway.
The Floyd County Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines blown down across the County from around Cave Spring and Lindale through Rome to east of Shannon.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at Lyerly Dam Road due to high water from the Chattooga River. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Old Highway 27 and West Halls Valley Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported high water from Cane Creek closed one lane near the intersection of Lee School Road and South Old Alabama Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Whitfield County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down near the intersection of Lake Kathy Road and Standing Road.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of N Tibbs Road and Chattanooga Road / Highway 41. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in a rise on Mill Creek and inundation of the roadway.
The Emergency Manager reported water and debris over Butler Dairy Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding of the creek upstream of Maddox Lake and the inundation of the roadway.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Yarbrough Road, making it impassable. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the southbound lane of Highway 27 near the Chattooga River. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the roadway in the area near Ronni's Grocery on Mountain View Road. The water inundated nearby yards and approached the foundation of several homes. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Jenkins Gap Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Maplewood Road near Summerville Baptist Church. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Old Highway 27 just outside the city limits of Trion. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding of Chappel Creek and the nearby roadway.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding of the intersection of Forrest Hill Road and Summit Circle SW. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Little Prospect Road and Prospect Road NE. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Price Bridge Road from the Chattooga River. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Smallen Road at Smith Rail Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Headrick Circle and Circleview Drive SE. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Oak Hill Alpine Road due to high water from Alpine Creek. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Olivia Drive and James Street. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported four feet of water over Memorial Drive at the curve. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Whittle Drive SW and N Dug Gap Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a flooded roadway near the intersection of Connesena Road NW and Hickory Forest Lane NW. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Sardis Church Road closed due to high water from Spring Branch. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Haralson County Emergency Manager reported that lightning struck a house causing a fire.
The Whitfield County Emergency Manager reported Trees blown down near the intersection of W. Dug Gap Mountain Road and Whisenant Way.
The Emergency Manager reported the intersection of Foster Hill Manning and Silver Hill Roads was flooded from high water from Moss Creek. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Wildlife Lake Road near Highway 27 underwater due to high flow conditions on Lowe Branch and the Chattooga River. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a water rescue near the intersection of Old Grade Road and South Bypass due to high water from Folsom Branch. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The transportation department reported all lanes closed at the intersection of GA Highway 53 and Buttermilk Road due to flooding. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 3 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The transportation department reported all lanes closed on Georgia Highway 225 north of GA Highway 286 due to high water on Pinhook Creek. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Hair Lake Road is impassable due to high water from nearby creeks. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall of 4 to 6 inches occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the road near the intersection of Gazaway Road and Tilton Road SE due to high water from Thomason Creek. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The department of transportation reported all lanes closed at Georgia Highway 53 and Blackwood Place due to water over the roadway. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Taliaferro Springs Road closed due to high water over the bridge from Taliaferro Springs. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Tate Road washed out due to high flow on the Chattooga River. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 4 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The department of transportation reported that all lanes of Georgia Highway 140 were closed at Buttrum Road due to high water from nearby creeks. Radar estimates indicate that between 4 to 6 inches of rainfall occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding of the southbound lane of Highway 27 near the intersection with Woodhaven Drive. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 4 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
A National Weather Service survey found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 125 yards touched down along Lanier Drive SW on the northwest side of Taylorsville in southern Bartow County. Trees were uprooted near a small school along Euharlee Street SW and a large tree fell onto a small cabin on the eastern side of the road. The tornado continued moving northeast across an open field where it flipped a large center pivot irrigation system. The tornado then hit a tree line along Euharlee Creek where numerous trees were snapped and uprooted. The storm continued moving northeast along the creek snapping and uprooting trees before ending as it approached Old Alabama Road. [3/25/21: Tornado #1, County #1/1, EF-1, Bartow, 2021:006].
An amateur radio operator reported hail the size of quarters along Highway 113 near Plant Bowen.
The transportation department reported Georgia Highway 76 was washed out near the intersection with Wright Mill Road due to high water on Bryan Creek and Hemptown Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 4 to 6 inches of rainfall occurred over the area, producing the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Litton Lane near Morris Ford Road was inundated with water from the Nottely River. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 5 to 8 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water covering Byers Road from Youngcane Creek. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 5 to 8 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported high water conditions on Butternut Creek near Union County Farmers Market, inundating Old Smokey Road and Weaver Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 5 to 8 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Oak Tree Village Park. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 5 to 8 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at the intersection of Pleasant Grove Road and Blue Ridge Highway. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 5 to 8 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Burnette Road flooded from Youngcane Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported One Tree Hill is flooded from Cunningham Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding of Old Gumlog Spur from Reese Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Cherokee County Emergency manager reported hail the size of golf balls 3 miles southwest of Canton.
The transportation department reported mud, rock and tree limbs covering all lanes of Georgia Highway 61 at Red Bud Road. High water conditions from Lick Creek caused a debris flow to impact the area. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the debris flow and flash flooding on Lick Creek.
The Emergency Manager reported a residence was flooded near the intersection of Herring Street and Fite Street. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a flooded residence on Jones Mill Road SE. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported the intersection of Pine Vista Circle SE and Jones Mill Road SE was closed due to flooding from Satterfield Branch. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a flooded home on Farmbrook Drive. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding along GA Highway 75N from the Chattahoochee River. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported water over the Storey Mill Road bridge due to high flow conditions on Storey Mill Creek. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at the intersection of Old Naccoochee Road and Ash Street. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Neal Gap Road was washed out from high flow conditions on Teloga Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 4 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Lyerly Dam Road closed due to high water conditions on the Chattooga River. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 3 and 5 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported high water conditions on Alpine Creek inundated Buck Gardner Road and Peach Orchard Road. Radar estimates indicate that rainfall in the area ranged between 4 and 6 inches, resulting in the flash flooding.
A National Weather Service survey determined that an EF2 tornado with maximum wind speeds 130 MPH and a maximum path width of 850 yards occurred in Heard County. The tornado formed west of Franklin near Redland Road north of Highway 34 producing minor damage to trees. The tornado traveled east-northeast gradually gaining intensity and producing more widespread damage to trees and power lines along highway 34 west of Franklin. The tornado grew in size and strength as it entered Franklin and crossed the Chattahoochee River with winds around 130 mph and a path width around 850 yards. Damage in Franklin was extensive with several homes heavily damaged or destroyed. Two homes had roofs blown completely off and a large stand of pine trees was completely snapped or uprooted on the north side of Franklin. A large wall and the roof of a large industrial building on Mary Johnson Drive were ripped off. The tornado continued east-northeast from Franklin to the south of Highway 34 snapping and uprooting trees before crossing into Coweta County around 11:54 PM south of Highway 34 between Charlie B Johnson Road and Bob Wilson Road. [3/25/21: Tornado #2, County #1/3, EF-2, Heard, Coweta, Fayette, 2021:007].
A National Weather Service survey determined that an EF4 tornado with maximum wind speeds 170 MPH and a maximum path width of 1850 yards occurred in Coweta County. The Heard County tornado crossed into Coweta County along Bob Wilson Road and gained strength as it moved east-northeast crossing JD Walton Road and travelled up Smokey Road with trees falling on some homes. Wind speeds quickly increased to over 150 MPH, EF3 intensity, near Timberland Trail on the southwest side of Newnan. Many homes had major damage and one home had all but the back wall collapse. The family survived with no injuries by taking shelter in their bathtub. The tornado continued east-northeast crossing Smokey Road and Belk Road where it reached its maximum intensity of 170 MPH, EF4 intensity, as it entered the western city limits of Newnan. One home at the end of Fairview Drive had all exterior and interior walls removed. Four homes along Arlington Court north of Lagrange St were destroyed with one having all exterior and interior walls removed, but leaving a vehicle nearly untouched in what was the garage. |As the tornado moved east of Boone Drive, it directly struck Newnan High School and the surrounding athletics fields causing broken windows and doors and extensive roof and structural damage. A portion of the second-story brick wall near the front of the main campus building collapsed. One man died after he suffered a heart attack while trying to reach his daughter's home in a heavily damaged neighborhood after the storm had passed and first responders were unable to reach him due to the large amounts of debris in the area. The tornado weaken from this point onward continuing into the southern part of downtown Newnan, passing directly over the county Justice Center and adjacent administrative building which houses the 911 facility. Extensive roof and window damage along with some interior wind and water damage occurred at the facility. Numerous homes continued to receive damage from winds and falling trees as the tornado moved east-northeast crossing E Broad Street and Greison Trail with 120 to 135 MPH wind speeds. The tornado weakened further as it crossed I-85, causing only minor damage to trees and businesses on the southern end of the Ashley Park shopping center and a hospital. The tornado did re-intensify near the Windsong and White Oak neighborhoods around Shenandoah Boulevard and White Oak Drive east of the Newnan city limits, with max winds of 120 MPH. The tornado continued east-northeast weakening again but still producing damage to trees and power lines, some falling on homes as it crossed Sullivan Road and Lora Smith Road before passing over the Thomas Crossroads area. In neighborhoods south of Andrew Baily Road and north of Highway 34, several homes received damage from falling trees. The tornado continued weakening with more sporadic damage to several trees as it continued east-northeast crossing Fisher Road and Minix Road and moving into Fayette County. [3/25/21: Tornado #2, County #2/3, EF-4, Heard, Coweta, Fayette, 2021:007].
A National Weather Service survey found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 200 yards touched down as it crossed Highway 41 on the north side of Cartersville uprooting some pine trees and toppling a few onto power lines. The storm moved northeast crossing Oakridge Drive and uprooting trees onto homes. The tornado reached its maximum intensity as it crossed onto Greenacre Lane and Ridgedale Road where numerous trees were snapped or uprooted onto and around homes. Several homes also had shingles blown off or portions of their roof peeled back. The tornado continued to the northeast crossing Grassdale Road and moving along Old Grassdale Road where the windows and doors at a gas station were blown out and portions of a wall were blown down. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted onto or near homes in this area as well. The tornado struck a large metal warehouse peeling large portions of the metal roof and throwing the panels hundreds of yards to the northeast of the building. The tornado continued northeast crossing Peeples Valley Road snapping and uprooting trees on both sides of the road before moving into a largely wooded area and lifting before reaching I-75. [3/25/21: Tornado #3, County #1/1, EF-1, Bartow, 2021:008].
A National Weather Service survey determined that an EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds 75 MPH and a maximum path width of 800 yards occurred in Fayette County. The Heard-Coweta County tornado moved east-northeast into Fayette County and northern Peachtree City crossing Line Creek east of Minix Road. It snapped a few trees near MacDuff Parkway where new homes were being constructed. Portable restrooms and light construction materials were also blown around. A few trees were downed on the CSX railroad tracks near Senoia Road and along Highway 74 near Kedron Drive. Large trees blocked the entrance to the Kedron Hills neighborhood at Loring Lane and Peachtree Parkway. The tornado finally ended near Astoria Lane at the northeast end of Kedron Hills in Peachtree City. [3/25/21: Tornado #2, County #3/3, EF-0, Heard, Coweta, Fayette, 2021:007].
The Emergency Manager reported Gordon Road was washed out and the culverts were blocked with debris. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Robert Jarrard Road was washed out and the culverts blocked with debris. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a road washed out near the intersection of Blue Creek Road and Clear Springs Lane. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a portion of Tolhurst Road was washed out due to high water from Joes Branch. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a portion of the road washed out at Tenatee Gap Valley Road and Amanda Lane. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported a portion of the road washed out at Paradise Valley Road and Paradise Valley Camp Ground. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Lynch Mountain Road washed out. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Funny Farm Road washed out at the culvert. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The transportation department reported all lanes of State Route 19 southbound was closed due to flooding from Lake Zwerner and Yahoola Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 2.5 to 5 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding near the intersection of Lynch Mountain Road and Highway 255. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding near the intersection of Frank Black Road and Night Hawk Drive due to high water from Freeman Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported Quillian Street was flooded due to high water from Cox Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at the intersection of Edelweiss Strasse and Maloof Street due to high water from the Chattahoochee River. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The transportation department reported all southbound lanes of GA Highway 19 were closed due to flooding. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rainfall occurred in the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding near the intersection of Town Creek Church Road and Town Creek Road. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding along Big Rock Road due to high water from Blue Creek. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding along Mill Creek Trail from Town Creek and a Town Creek tributary. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at Brucken Strasse and Edelweiss Strasse due to high water from the Chattahoochee River and local tributaries. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 8 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding along Lackey Creek Drive due to high water from a local creek. Radar estimates indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The public reported quarter-size hail in Hamilton.
The White County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down near the intersection of Tesnatee Gap Valley Road and Virgil Hunt Road.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tornado, Coweta | 2021-03-25 | 56 | Male | Outside/Open Areas | Indirect |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Georgia, 2021Warnings in Georgia, March 2021
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: 941366, 941367, 951464, 941368, 941323, 941326, 941356, 941369, 941375, 941357, 951465, 951466, 951467, 951468, 941383, 951479, 951482, 951469, 941384, 951483, 951484, 951485, 951486, 951487, 951488, 951489, 951490, 951491, 951492, 951494, 951498, 951502, 951503, 951504, 951505, 951506, 953196, 953197, 941365, 941386, and more.