Thunderstorms formed along a stationary boundary located draped across west-central and northwest GA on the 28th and 29th. Significant tropical moisture ahead of Hurricane Idalia led to several thunderstorms becoming strong to severe.
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.
Thunderstorms formed along a stationary boundary located draped across west-central and northwest GA on the 28th and 29th. Significant tropical moisture ahead of Hurricane Idalia led to several thunderstorms becoming strong to severe. The main hazards included damaging winds and torrential rainfall.
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 28, 4:07 AM EST, 53 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 507 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 ...Morning Area Forecast Discussion... .SHORT TERM... (Today through Tuesday) Issued at 501 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 The main driver of our sensible weather through Tuesday will be the stationary surface front draped near to just south of the I-20 corridor. An area of thunderstorms has been very persistent through the early morning hours in the vicinity of this boundary with enhancement courtesy of an upper shortwave traversing eastward. Decent MLCAPE of 500-1000 J/kg has provided the energy to keep this activity developing and back building over the last several hours with motion only very gradually lifting northward. As rainfall has piled up in these areas with some localized areas seeing 2- 5+" amounts, there has been localized flash flooding over the last couple hours in these areas where back building and training of cells has occurred. This activity has begun to weaken and will continue to very gradually begin to diminish through the next couple of hours. Any break in the rainfall through midday will be short-lived, however, as the stationary frontal boundary will be a focus diurnally enhanced development by afternoon. Anomalously high PWATs around or above 2" will bring the continued primary risk for locally heavy rainfall as has been the case early this morning. The Day 1 ERO from WPC continues to highlight north Georgia in a Slight Risk for this potential. Otherwise, a few storms could become strong to severe with a risk for localized water-loaded downbursts through the evening. Again, some activity could linger into the overnight hours before gradually diminishing in coverage. Tuesday will bring a more or less rinse and repeat forecast as the stationary boundary will continue to bisect the area from southwest to northeast. Widespread diurnally-enhanced are again expected, bringing the ongoing risk for locally heavy rainfall and isolated flooding concerns. Finally, as far as temperatures are concerned, the hottest high temperatures this afternoon will be across Middle Georgia south of the front and free from the highest convective coverage. With temperatures in the low to mid 90s and dewpoints well into the 70s, a few locations could flirt with the 105 degree heat index threshold for Heat Advisory this afternoon. Given the expected isolated nature of meeting this threshold, will hold off on issuing any Heat Advisory at this time. Temperatures will trend down further by Tuesday with highs ranging from the 80s in north Georgia to low 90s in Middle Georgia. RW && .LONG TERM... (Tuesday night through Sunday) Issued at 501 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 A bit of an active forecast to talk about here with the long term featuring a frontal boundary draped over GA, cooler temps, and a potential Hurricane. Starting out at the beginning the front is forecast to still be stalled over north and central Georgia as the area sits in a bit of unusual setup. With Hurricane Franklin off the west coast and the Idalia to our south, this allows the front to stay over the area in a holding pattern of sorts. With this front, the main impact will be daily chances for showers and thunderstorms across north and central Georgia, mainly in the afternoons and evenings. Rain totals in the 0.5-1" range can be expected most days with these storms. This has lead WPC to place much of north and central Georgia in a Slight risk for excessive rainfall on Tuesday into Wednesday. Going into the part that is garnering more attention. Tropical Storm Idalia is currently situated off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and has had an increase in convective activity this evening. Hurricane hunters have been investigating this storm over the past day and with their latest pass have determined that Tropical Storm Idalia will most likely become Hurricane Idalia today. Idalia is expected to move northward in between the trough to our east and the front draped over our area, before moving further northeastward and make landfall somewhere in the big bend of Florida. Some track uncertainty remains towards the later part of the forecast but with the current forecast, the center track stays out of our area, as the track has shifted eastward. Effects of course will likely be felt well outside of the cone in the form of gusty winds and heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding concerns mainly for our extreme southeastern counties. Currently areas of 2-3 inches can be expected in the extreme southeastern portion of our area but values will likely fluctuate as the forecast evolves. Lastly some good news with all of this. Temps across north and central Georgia are forecast to give us a slight taste of fall this week with highs in the 80s most days and lows in the 60s. The increased rainfall will be a contributor to this in addition to Idalia. Hernandez && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 128 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 Lingering shra/tsra remain possible at ATL and AHN area sites through 08-09Z with a gradual downtrend in coverage thereafter. Lower cigs then become likely, initially MVFR by around 08-09Z with IFR more likely after 10Z at ATL/AHN sites. Gradual improvement to MVFR is likely by 15Z with VFR expected by 17-18Z. Sct to numerous shra/tsra again expected after 20Z, persisting as late as 03-05Z. Lower cigs again likely Tuesday morning. Winds will remain E to SE at 5-10 kts outside of tsra. //ATL Confidence...06Z Update... Medium confidence on cigs through the morning as well as shra/tsra timing. High confidence on other elements. RW && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Athens 88 70 85 69 / 70 70 80 80 Atlanta 90 72 88 71 / 70 70 80 70 Blairsville 82 65 78 64 / 80 80 80 50 Cartersville 89 70 85 69 / 70 70 80 50 Columbus 96 74 93 72 / 60 60 80 70 Gainesville 87 70 83 69 / 70 70 80 70 Macon 94 74 90 72 / 40 40 80 80 Rome 89 70 86 69 / 70 70 80 40 Peachtree City 91 70 88 69 / 70 70 80 70 Vidalia 95 75 92 72 / 40 20 80 80 && .FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SHORT TERM...RW LONG TERM....Hernandez AVIATION...RW
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 515 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086- 089>098-102>113-290915- 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- 515 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North and Central Georgia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight... Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected today. Ongoing morning activity will begin to diminish by mid-morning, though localized heavy rainfall and flash flooding will remain possible. Otherwise, more widespread thunderstorms are expected by afternoon with heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding the primary threat, though damaging downburst winds will also be possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday... Thunderstorm activity will continue in the region on Tuesday. Heavy rainfall will remain a concern with localized flash flooding possible, especially in north Georgia. A few storms may produce also produce strong wind gusts. Showers and thunderstorms will remain possible on Wednesday, particularly across the southeastern half of the area as tropical cyclone Idalia approaches southeast Georgia. The heaviest rainfall totals associated with this system will be across far southeastern portions of the area where as much as 1 to 3 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts is possible, which could lead to localized flooding concerns. .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
1231 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023
GAZ045-046-048-057-280500-
Rockdale GA-DeKalb GA-Newton GA-Henry GA-
1231 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Rockdale,
southeastern DeKalb, central Henry and west central Newton Counties
through 100 AM EDT...
At 1231 AM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Kelleytown, or 7 miles
southwest of Conyers, moving northeast at 10 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...
Conyers, Covington, Stockbridge, Lithonia, Porterdale, Magnet, Almon,
Richardson Park, Arabia Mountain, Kelleytown, and Oak Hill.
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 3344 8405 3354 8422 3372 8411 3359 8385
TIME...MOT...LOC 0431Z 227DEG 10KT 3357 8406
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1241 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023
GAZ038-039-050-051-280515-
Taliaferro GA-Wilkes GA-Oglethorpe GA-Greene GA-
1241 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Greene,
Taliaferro, southern Wilkes and southeastern Oglethorpe Counties
through 115 AM EDT...
At 1241 AM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Lyneville, or 7 miles
north of Crawfordville, moving northeast at 10 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...
Washington, Crawfordville, Union Point, Woodville, Rayle, Sharon,
Ficklin, Lundberg, Robinson, Daniel Springs, Aonia, Newtown, Rocky
Creek Fire Dept., Celeste, Lyneville, Raytown, Philomath, Alexander
Stephens Park, Sandy Cross, and Carters Grove.
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 3364 8256 3365 8258 3363 8258 3364 8259
3363 8261 3363 8262 3361 8262 3361 8265
3359 8265 3360 8266 3360 8268 3358 8271
3351 8292 3369 8321 3394 8298 3365 8252
TIME...MOT...LOC 0441Z 227DEG 10KT 3366 8293
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
249 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023
GAZ034-037-038-045>050-280745-
Morgan GA-Walton GA-Rockdale GA-DeKalb GA-Gwinnett GA-Oglethorpe GA-
Greene GA-Oconee GA-Newton GA-
249 AM EDT Mon Aug 28 2023
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northeastern
Rockdale, southern Oconee, southeastern DeKalb, northern Morgan,
southeastern Gwinnett, Walton, northern Greene, southwestern
Oglethorpe and northeastern Newton Counties through 345 AM EDT...
At 249 AM EDT, a line of strong thunderstorms was along a line
extending from near Stone Mountain to near Maxeys. These storms were
nearly stationary.
HAZARD...Heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Heavy rain may cause temporary street flooding especially
in poor drainage areas.
Locations impacted include...
Conyers, Monroe, Covington, Snellville, Loganville, Social Circle,
Oxford, Lithonia, Union Point, Walnut Grove, Rutledge, North High
Shoals, Bostwick, Woodville, Between, Good Hope, Bishop, Maxeys,
Jersey, and Lakeview Estates.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Motorists should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of
control due to hydroplaning.
&&
LAT...LON 3359 8300 3365 8411 3386 8414 3383 8307
3360 8299
TIME...MOT...LOC 0649Z 113DEG 3KT 3378 8411 3372 8314
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPHThe Atlanta radar (KFFC), 97 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 09:58 UTC.
22 flash flood, 19 thunderstorm wind, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
The Emergency Manager relayed a report of flooding of the roadway at several points along Highway 83 near and southeast of Good Hope. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 7 inches of rain occurred over the northern portion of Morgan county, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding near the intersection of Fairplay Road and Mt Vernon Road due to high water on Big Sandy Creek. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 7 inches of rain occurred over the northern portion of Morgan county, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding along Beechnut Lane and around homes. The flooding was due to highwater on Rose Creek and nearby ponds. Radar estimates indicate that between 5 and 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding near the intersection of Nolan Store Road and Beaverdam road, due to highwater from Beaverdam Creek. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 7 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding over the roadway near the 6300 block of Sandy Creek Road. Radar estimates indicate that between 5 and 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding of the nearby creek and roadway.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding of Riden Road from Big Sandy Creek. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 7 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the quick rise of Big Sandy Creek and its tributaries, and the inundation of the roadway.
Multiple trees down between Jonesboro Road and Jodeco Road, along I-75.
Multiple trees down across River Road.
Trees down at intersection of Whitesville Road and Pioneer Drive.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding near the intersection of Jodeco Road and Cook Lane. Radar estimates indicate that between 3 and 4 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
A large tree down across Lower Fayetteville Road. Other trees and powerlines down around the area.
Trees down at intersection of Walton Road and Gordon Road.
Trees down over powerlines along Connesena Road NW.
Trees down on powerlines along Hall Station Road.
Multiple trees down along GA Hwy 166 and West Chapel Hill Road.
Trees down along 42nd block of Elzie Johnson Road.
Trees down on powerlines along Madison Lane.
Trees and powerlines down between Anneewakee Road and Jan Drive.
Reports of trees down between 4000 and 5000 block of Old Atlanta Road. Additional trees down on 200 block of Birdie Road.
The Emergency Manager reported minor road flooding near Brent Circle SW and Road 3 South SW. Radar estimates indicate that between 5 and 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
Trees down on powerlines along Ehuarlee Road at Carlie Pass SW.
Multiple reports of trees down around Decatur, from West Davis Street to Scott Blvd to E. Ponce De Leon Ave.
Multiple trees down along the 400 block of Martin Road near Stone Mountain.
Trees down along Bermuda Road near Stone Mountain.
The Emergency Manager reported I-285 westbound in Dunwoody was impassable due to water on the road. Radar estimates indicate that between 2 and 2.5 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at an apartment complex along College Street. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 8 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding of the road near the intersection of Watkins Road and Ada Street. Radar estimates indicate that between 4 and 4.5 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding of Dry Creek and it's tributaries, inundating the roadway.
The Emergency Manager reported water over Humphrey Mill Road near Hothouse Creek. Radar estimates indicate that between 4 and 4.5 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported significant flooding near Meeks Parks from high water on Butternut Creek where the creek flows into Nottely River. Floodwaters caused several sinkholes and washed out culverts. Radar estimates indicate that between 5 and 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
A portion of a tree fell on a person resulting in minor injuries near the 300 block of Gaines Oak Way. Additional trees reported down on Suwanee Dam Road, nearby.
Multiple trees down in the area northwest of Lilburn including the 6200 block of Forest Vale Court, intersection of Tug Drive and Rockbridge Road and the 600 block of Stoneview Terrace.
A tree fell on a house starting a house fire on the 3100 block of Hall Circle in Duluth. Nearby trees down at the intersection of Sugarloaf Pkway and Buford Hwy.
The Emergency Manager relayed a report of a water rescue from a stalled vehicle in the flood waters in Atlanta. Radar estimates indicate that between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported the intersection of Roswell Road and Sandy Springs Circle is closed in both directions due to flooding of the roadway. Additionally I-285 westbound at GA 400 was impassable with stalled vehicles. Radar estimates indicate that between 3.5 and 5 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding in the roadway with multiple stranded vehicles.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding along the 3900 block of Abbotts Bridge Road, and at the intersection of Duluth Highway and Buford Highway where floodwaters stalled vehicles. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 7 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding near the Mall of Georgia, including at the intersection of Buford Drive and Rock Springs Road, and flooding at an apartment complex in the 2700 block of Mall of Georgia Boulevard. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 7 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at Dorsett Shoals Road and Kings Highway. Radar estimates indicate that between 3 and 4 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding along and between Douglas Boulevard and Parkway Drive, due to highwater on a tributary of Anneewakee Creek. Radar estimates indicate that between 3 and 4 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The public reported flash flooding in the westbound lane of I-20 near mile marker 37, due to highwater on Slater Mill Creek. Radar estimates indicate that between 3 and 4 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported the closure of the Buford Highway and Fox Street intersection due to runoff into Sweetwater Creek flooding the roadway. Radar estimates indicate that between 6 and 7 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
The Emergency Manager reported flooding at the intersection of Bright Star Road and Central Church Road. Radar estimates indicate that between 5 and 6 inches of rain occurred over the area, resulting in the flash flooding.
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: 1141600, 1141601, 1141603, 1141604, 1141605, 1141606, 1138645, 1138639, 1138651, 1141607, 1138641, 1138649, 1138652, 1138653, 1138642, 1138650, 1138654, 1138643, 1138646, 1141625, 1138655, 1138656, 1138657, 1138658, 1141613, 1141612, 1141609, 1141610, 1141611, 1138660, 1138663, 1138661, 1141608, 1141614, 1141615, 1141616, 1141617, 1141618, 1141619, 1141621, and more.