This article was updated on March 15, 2025, at 9:40 p.m.
Most metro Atlanta counties are now under a tornado watch, as a severe storm begins crossing into the state.
North and middle Georgia counties from the Alabama border east as far as Gwinnett and Rockdale counties are included in the National Weather Service’s expanded alert.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued an emergency declaration Saturday ahead of the storm.
The state of emergency, which went into effect at noon Saturday, authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to mobilize any essential resources to address potential impacts. It also prohibits price gauging.
The National Weather Service is warning of the potential for numerous significant tornadoes, damaging winds and hail. As of midday Saturday, forecasters said Atlanta has the greatest chance of severe weather roughly between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Saturday night into Sunday morning. But they warned that thunderstorms, including strong ones, could still happen outside that time frame.
“This storm will hit at the worst possible time, as people are heading to or already in bed,” said Kemp in a written statement accompanying the emergency declaration. “Given the uncertainty of this storm and the fact it will move through Georgia overnight, individuals and families should prepare now and make plans to stay safe.”
According to the governor’s office, crews are on standby to be prepared to respond to storm damage and power outages.
Severe weather swept across the central U.S. Friday, damaging buildings, fanning wildfires and spinning off tornadoes. Governors in other Southern states, including Alabama and Missouri, have also declared states of emergency.
Metro Atlanta counties offer shelter
The City of Atlanta announced on Saturday that it will open emergency shelters ahead of the severe weather. The primary shelter will be at the Central Park Recreation Center at 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta 30308. The location will be open from 6 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday.
The Old Adamsville Recreation Center at 3404 Delmar Ln NW, Atlanta, GA 30331, will be designated as an overflow location.
According to the city, transportation to the shelters will be provided from the Gateway Center beginning at 6 p.m., and Fulton County will provide return transportation from the Gateway Center upon the shelters’ deactivation.
In Coweta County, Grantville’s Change Church will open their basement doors at 8 p.m. Saturday for residents in need of shelter. The facility requests that those who arrive bring necessities such as flashlights, snacks, pillows and blankets.
In DeKalb, four shelters will be offered to county residents on Saturday beginning at 8 p.m.
The respective locations are Frontline Response International at 2585 Gresham Rd., Tobie Grant Recreation Center at 593 Parkdale Dr., Mason Mill Recreation Center at 1340 McConnell Dr. and Exchange Recreation Center at 2771 Columbia Dr.
How to stay prepared
On Saturday evening, the National Weather Service offered a list of recommended items to create an emergency preparedness kit. These items include:
- Personal hygiene items
- Cash
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- Local Map
- Water
- Hand Crank Weather Radio
- Whistle
- Manual Can Opener
- Extra Batteries
- Pet Supplies
- Extra shoes and clothes
- Backup power block
- Prescription glasses
- Wrench or pliers
- Medication
- Non-perishable food (Enough to last three days)
In the event of a tornado watch, the National Weather Service advises residents to do the following:
- Review and discuss your emergency plans
- Take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room
- Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and shelter spaces.
- Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows
In the event of a tornado warning, The National Weather Service advises residents to do the following:
- Go to your basement, safe room or an interior room away from windows.
- If you are in a vehicle, driving to the closest shelter is the best course of action. If unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head.
- If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris
A tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible; a tornado warning is issued when a tornado is happening or is about to happen.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to include additional weather updates for the metro Atlanta area.
