LIVE UPDATES: Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes possible in metro Atlanta this afternoon – WSB-TV Channel 2

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METRO ATLANTA – A strong cold front with gusts of wind, rain and storms makes its way through Georgia.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon says there is now a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather across much of the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologists Eboni Deon and Brad Nitz will bring you the latest on the evolving weather system throughout the day on Channel 2 Action News.

The storm system moving into Georgia is the same one that left dozens of people dead in the central United States overnight, although the storms have weakened significantly.

1:48 pm

A tree has fallen on the power lines on Houze Road in Roswell. Drivers are asked to avoid the road between Hembree Road and Houze Way.

1:40 pm

A special weather statement has been issued for the Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell areas due to storms with 40 mph winds.

1:33 pm

The storms just to the north and west are creating very gusty winds. A Kennesaw neighborhood has reported a power outage.

1:03 pm

The storms are starting to hit Cobb County now.

12:13 pm

Brad Nitz, a meteorologist for Severe Weather Team 2, said a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch could be issued for parts of western Georgia.

11:30 am

The risk of severe weather has shifted east as the storm line begins to move across northern Georgia.

Here’s what to expect on Saturday:

  • The storms start to move after 12pm today and linger into the night.
  • Chance of heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and possibility of a brief tornado.
  • Once the front clears the area, it will become significantly colder; Sunday morning lows are expected in the upper 30s.

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STORMS IN THE SOUTHEAST

Across the central United States, communities were waking up to scenes of destruction Saturday morning.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said “north of 70” people died in the small town of Mayfield when a massive tornado ripped through the southwestern part of the state. Beshear said the tornado was on the ground for more than 200 miles.

Beshear said the number of deaths could increase as the search continues into daylight hours.

“In fact, you can end up going over 100 before the day is out,” Beshear said.

The storm hit a candle factory where more than 110 employees worked the night shift. The rescues were still in progress on Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service has also confirmed that at least one EF-2 tornado ripped through Bowling Green, leaving extensive destruction there.

Two people were killed when the storms moved over an Amazon distribution center in suburban St. Louis.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported three deaths in the northwestern part of the state.

In Northeast Arkansas, at least two people were reported to have died in a Monette nursing home. There were also reports of severe damage around the Monette area.

President Joe Biden issued a statement Saturday, saying: “Losing a loved one like this is an unimaginable tragedy. We are working with the governor to make sure they have what they need as they continue to search for survivors and damage assessments. “

The Associated Press and ABC News contributed information to this story.

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