A shortwave disturbance moved out of Alabama and into North and Central Georgia along a nearly stationary frontal boundary. Overperforming instability and minor shear allowed thunderstorms to become strong to severe, particularly in the Atlanta Metro.
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 shortwave disturbance moved out of Alabama and into North and Central Georgia along a nearly stationary frontal boundary. Overperforming instability and minor shear allowed thunderstorms to become strong to severe, particularly in the Atlanta Metro.
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 Aug 12, 1:42 PM EST, 51 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 242 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023 ...Afternoon Area Forecast Discussion... .SHORT TERM... (This afternoon through Sunday) Issued at 240 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023 Regional radar analysis shows a large MCS moving across eastern TN and western NC this afternoon. The steering flow remains out of the NW and this system should impact northern portions of the state late this afternoon into the evening hours. The atmos across the CWA remains very unstable with 4000+ CAPEs and steep mid level lapse rates. The best mid level forcing (shortwave) remains just to the north along with slightly better shear. The greatest potential for severe storms is mainly north of the Interstate 20 corridor. However, there is some potential for severe storms south of I-20, especially if storms form along an outflow boundary and feed off of all the instability. The primary severe hazard will be damaging wind gusts, but a few large hail reports are not out of the question. PWATs remain high, so localized flooding is also possible. The hi-res models have performed pretty poorly with this system and have really struggled today. Cannot see a reason why convective coverage would not be higher further south, especially in this environment. Have raised pops from the current models to match current radar trends. Even though south of I-20 is further away from the mid level forcing, do think scatted coverage is needed. Pops may be too low, especially if this system produces an organized outflow boundary. Think the hi-res models are struggling for convective coverage and initiation on Sunday also. The NW flow aloft will continue and the synoptic models are indicating another MCS coming down in the flow. Have kept pops in the chance range for now. NListemaa && .LONG TERM... (Monday morning through next Friday) Issued at 240 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023 The end of the persistent northwest flow aloft of late will finally have come at the start of the long term. Upper ridging will stretch across the Gulf Coast states on Monday ahead of an approaching trough and associated surface cold front pushing across the Ohio Valley. Under continued influence of the ridge, very hot conditions will persist on Monday, which will likely be the hottest day of the forecast period. Highs will soar into the upper 90s for most, and dewpoints will remain well into the mid to upper 70s, setting up another day of Excessive Heat conditions with heat index values likely above 110 in portions of central Georgia. Fortunately, the tide will begin to turn with regard to the excessive heat by Tuesday as the aforementioned cold front pushes southeastward. The front will provide the focus for at least scattered convection on Tuesday, especially in the southern two- thirds of the CWA as cooler, drier air begins to settle into north Georgia by the afternoon. Still, in central Georgia temperatures will likely warrant yet another day of heat headlines. The surface front looks to clear most of the area by Wednesday, though likely becoming stationary across southeast Georgia. This will provide some focus for ongoing scattered PoPs through the end of the week in the southeast half of the area. The relatively cooler and drier air in the wake of the front will provide welcome relief from the extreme heat as highs return near to even slightly below normal through the latter half of the week. In fact, Wednesday and Thursday morning temperatures should be quite pleasant with lows in the 60s across north Georgia and even some 50s sneaking into the north Georgia mountains. RW && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1255 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023 Thunderstorm complex forecast to move south across the area late this afternoon/early evening. Think the timing is very close, but may possibly be tweaked +/- and hour as it moves through north GA. Winds will remain on the west side, fairly light at night. Another thunderstorm complex is possible tomorrow. //ATL Confidence...18Z Update... Med to high confidence. NListemaa && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Athens 73 94 74 96 / 60 40 20 20 Atlanta 75 93 76 97 / 60 40 20 20 Blairsville 68 88 69 90 / 60 40 20 20 Cartersville 73 93 73 96 / 60 40 20 20 Columbus 76 97 77 99 / 30 40 20 30 Gainesville 73 92 74 95 / 60 40 20 20 Macon 75 96 76 97 / 40 40 20 30 Rome 73 93 74 97 / 30 40 20 20 Peachtree City 73 94 74 97 / 60 40 20 20 Vidalia 77 96 77 97 / 30 30 20 40 && .FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for GAZ019>025-027- 030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-089>098-102>113. Heat Advisory from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Sunday for GAZ023>025-027- 033>038-042>048-052>057-066>068. Excessive Heat Watch from Monday morning through Monday evening for GAZ023>025-027-033>039-044>062-066>076-078>086-089>098- 102>113. Excessive Heat Warning from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Sunday for GAZ039- 049>051-058>062-069>076-078>086-089>098-102>113. && SHORT TERM...NListemaa LONG TERM....RW AVIATION...NListemaa
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 1028 AM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086- 089>098-102>113-131430- 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- 1028 AM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North and Central Georgia. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight... A Heat Advisory is in effect for all of central Georgia and portions of north Georgia south of a Rome to Canton to Gainesville line until 8 PM today. Heat Index values between 105-109 degrees are likely. Some areas near Macon could approach Excessive Heat Warning criteria with heat index values near 110 degrees. Scattered thunderstorms are also expected this afternoon and evening. Some storms could become strong to severe, capable of producing damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rain. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday... An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued for portions of central and central Georgia for Sunday, mainly along and south of a line from Washington to College Park to Franklin. Heat Index values around 110 degrees are possible. Heat Index values will remain high for portions of central and southern Georgia through early next week. Additional Advisories and/or Warnings may be needed. Take extra precautions and drink plenty of fluids if you plan to spend time outside this weekend or early next week. .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.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
304 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
GAZ052-053-121930-
Coweta GA-Heard GA-
304 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Heard
and southwestern Coweta Counties through 330 PM EDT...
At 304 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Powers Crossroads, or 7
miles east of Franklin, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
ground lightning.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Newnan, Grantville, Moreland, East Newnan, and Powers Crossroads.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
&&
LAT...LON 3334 8502 3336 8479 3329 8474 3322 8479
3322 8485 3326 8503
TIME...MOT...LOC 1904Z 274DEG 21KT 3330 8497
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
305 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
GAZ005-007-121930-
Gilmer GA-Murray GA-
305 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Gilmer
and central Murray Counties through 330 PM EDT...
At 305 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Chatsworth, moving east
at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
ground lightning.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Chatsworth, Eton, Mountaintown, Fort Mountain State Park, and Tails
Creek.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for
northwestern Georgia. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch also remains in
effect until 800 PM EDT for north central Georgia.
&&
LAT...LON 3482 8454 3475 8453 3467 8458 3474 8484
3475 8486 3476 8487 3479 8485 3480 8484
3481 8485 3486 8483
TIME...MOT...LOC 1905Z 282DEG 16KT 3479 8479
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
314 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
GAZ041-042-121945-
Haralson GA-Carroll GA-
314 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Haralson and north central Carroll Counties through 345 PM EDT...
At 314 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Bremen, or near
Buchanan, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind, pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
ground lightning.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Villa Rica, Bremen, Temple, and Waco.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for
northwestern Georgia.
&&
LAT...LON 3378 8521 3381 8499 3380 8496 3373 8494
3364 8497 3371 8523
TIME...MOT...LOC 1914Z 275DEG 18KT 3375 8517
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
317 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
GAZ052-066-121945-
Troup GA-Heard GA-
317 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Heard and
northwestern Troup Counties through 345 PM EDT...
At 317 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Big Springs, or 8 miles
northeast of Roanoke, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning and
heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
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.
Locations impacted include...
Franklin, Centralhatchee, Waresville, Frolona, Texas, Wares
Crossroads, and Glenn.
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 3337 8504 3323 8503 3308 8507 3312 8523
3335 8528
TIME...MOT...LOC 1917Z 275DEG 18KT 3324 8529
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
324 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
GAZ031-041>043-122000-
Douglas GA-Haralson GA-Carroll GA-Paulding GA-
324 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern
Paulding, northeastern Haralson, northeastern Carroll and
northwestern Douglas Counties through 400 PM EDT...
At 324 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Draketown, or near
Buchanan, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning and
heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
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.
Locations impacted include...
Buchanan, Villa Rica, Temple, Draketown, Lake Val-Do-Mar, and New
Georgia.
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.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for
northwestern Georgia.
&&
LAT...LON 3377 8516 3387 8513 3388 8487 3377 8484
3369 8489
TIME...MOT...LOC 1924Z 285DEG 17KT 3382 8507
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
332 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
GAZ042-043-122000-
Douglas GA-Carroll GA-
332 PM EDT Sat Aug 12 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Carroll
and southwestern Douglas Counties through 400 PM EDT...
At 331 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was near Abilene, or near
Carrollton, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning and
heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
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.
Locations impacted include...
Carrollton, Whitesburg, Clem, Byers Crossroads, Abilene, Treasure
Lake, Hannah, Seaton Lake, and Fairplay.
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.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for
northwestern Georgia.
&&
LAT...LON 3365 8508 3368 8482 3358 8481 3357 8481
3356 8483 3354 8483 3352 8482 3351 8483
3352 8485 3349 8486 3349 8488 3348 8489
3356 8510
TIME...MOT...LOC 1931Z 279DEG 17KT 3362 8501
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHThe Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 123 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:32 UTC.
50 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
GDOT reported a tree downed along Hwy 411 near Liberty Church Rd.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down across roadway at 700 block of McClung Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down on powerline across roadway at the intersection of Mulberry Rock Rd and Harmony Rd.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down along Vernon Grove Rd and Rico Rd in Chattahoochee Hills.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down along Campbellton Redwine Rd and S Fulton Pkwy.
Emergency manager reported a tree down on powerline across roadway at intersection of Austin Bridge Rd and Ridge Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down near intersection of Tell Rd and Rivertown Rd.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down at Butner Rd and Camp Creek Pkwy SW.
Public report of a tree down blocking I-85 Southbound near Riverdale Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down along Connell Ave SW.
Emergency manager reported two large trees down at Loring Heights Park.
Social media report of tree down near Judson Bulloch Rd between Whitehouse Pkwy and and River Rd.
KATL measured a 60 mph wind gust.
Public report of a tree down near intersection of Flat Shoals Ave SE and Ormewood Ave SE.
Public report of a tree down in the Rideshare Lot at Hartsfield-Jackson, near Terminal Pkwy before it crosses under Airport Blvd to enter north terminal.
KATL measured a 67 mph wind gust.
Numerous social media reports of power outages around the Atlanta Airport. MARTA rail service was suspended as a result in the area.
Public report of awning at Exxon station along Virginia Ave damaged and hanging down over gas pumps.
Emergency Manager reported numerous trees down in south Atlanta, East Point, Hapeville, and surrounding communities. Locations include Grant St and Nolan St, 7th St and 3rd Ave, Memorial dr and East Side Ave, I-285 SB and Campellton Rd SW, Cascade Rd and Lynhurst Dr, and Jefferson Ave SE and Quaker Street.
Emergency Manager reported numerous trees down along Tiffany Dr and Carlow Ct. One tree on a home. Another fell and crushed a parked vehicle.
Emergency manager reported powerlines were downed in the 100 block of Dobbins Circle.
Emergency manager reported powerlines down south of Lee Rd SW on Lake Dr SW at Amy Rd and Mink Livesy Rd near Bryant Dr.
Emergency manager reported powerlines were downed in the 200 block of Carver Rd.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down in the 1500 block of Rehobeth Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down on powerlines along 200 block of Douglas St.
Emergency manager reported a tree down in the 400 block of Wisso Rd.
Emergency Manager reported two trees down near the Butts and Newton county line.
Emergency manager reported multiple trees downed along Everett Mountain Road at several locations.
Emergency manager reported tree down across roadway at intersection of Mulberry Rock Rd and Cohran Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down across roadway at intersection of Pleasant Grove Rd and Lemon Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down across roadway at intersection of Old Villa Rica Rd and Toulouse St.
Emergency manager reported a tree down across roadway near intersection of H D Atha Rd and Jersey Social Circle.
Emergency manager reported a tree fell on power pole, snapping it and bringing lines down onto front porch of home along the 5000 block of Center Hill Church Rd.
Emergency manager reported a large oak tree down across road at 900 block of Park St.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down in road along 700 block of Brookshire Ct.
Emergency Manager reported a tree fell on a home along Rome St in Bowdon.
Emergency Manager reported a tree fell on a home along Grammar School Dr in Bowdon.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down across the roadway at intersection of Due West Rd and Ivey Ln.
Emergency Manager reported powerlines down across roadway at intersection of Bakers Bridge Rd and Bakers Bridge Circle.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down across roadway at intersection of Gunnel Rd and Due West Rd.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down across the roadway near the intersection of Old Brock Rd and Gold Mine Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down and a snapped power pole near the intersection of Shoal Creek and Perry Smith Rd.
Emergency manager reported a tree down across roadway at intersection of Dallas Acworth Hwy and Silver Oak Dr.
GDOT reported a tree down along Southland Rd and SR 90.
Emergency manager reported a tree down at Williams Rd between Leisure Cove Dr and Running Creek Dr.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down at Greenville Rd and Lone Oak Rd.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down at Hogansville Rd near Hogansville Pump Station Rd.
Emergency Manager reported a tree and powerlines down at Shields Rd and North Henry Blvd. Damage lines up with the outflow from the storm.
Emergency Manager reported a tree down at SW Willowcrest Way and S Willowcrest Dr.
Emergency manager reported a tree down at Lower Glass Bridge Rd and Kimbrough Rd.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, August 2023
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: 1134871, 1134872, 1134873, 1134874, 1134875, 1134876, 1134877, 1134878, 1134883, 1134885, 1134886, 1134887, 1134879, 1134888, 1134884, 1134880, 1134889, 1134890, 1134891, 1134892, 1134893, 1134894, 1134895, 1134896, 1134897, 1134898, 1134899, 1134900, 1134901, 1134902, 1134903, 1134904, 1134905, 1134906, 1134907, 1135371, 1135372, 1135373, 1135374, 1135375, and more.