METRO ATLANTA — A strong cold front with gusty winds, rain and storms is pushing its way through Georgia.
Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon says there is now a Level 2 of 5 risk for severe weather for much of metro Atlanta.
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 system that left dozens of people dead across the central U.S. overnight, thought the storms have weakened significantly.
1:48 p.m.
A tree has fallen on power lines on Houze Road in Roswell. Drivers are asked to avoid the road between Hembree Road and Houze Way.
1:33 p.m.
Storms just to our north and west are creating very gusty winds. A neighborhood in Kennesaw has reported a power outage.
1:03 p.m.
Storms are starting to move in to Cobb County now.
12:13 p.m.
Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brad Nitz said a tornado or severe thunderstorm watch may be issued for parts of west Georgia.
11:30 a.m.
The severe weather risk has shifted east as the line of storms begin to move through north Georgia.
Here is what to expect for Saturday:
- Storms begin moving in after 12 p.m. today and stick around into the evening.
- Potential for heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and possibility of a brief tornado.
- Once the front clears the area, it will turn significantly colder; Sunday morning lows expected in upper 30s.
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STORMS ACROSS SOUTHEAST
Across the central U.S., communities were waking up to scenes of destruction Saturday morning.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said that “north of 70″ people were killed in the small town of Mayfield as a massive tornado tore through the southwest part of the state. Beshear said the tornado was on the ground for over 200 miles.
Beshear said the number of deaths could increase as the search continues into the daylight hours.
“It may in fact end up exceeding 100 before the day is done,” Beshear said.
The storm hit a candle factory where more than 110 employees were working the overnight shift. Rescues were still underway Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service has also confirmed that at least an EF-2 tornado ripped through Bowling Green, leaving heavy destruction there.
Two people were killed when the storms moved over an Amazon distribution center in suburban St. Louis.
Tennessee’s Emergency Management Agency reported three deaths in the northwest part of the state.
In northeastern Arkansas, at least two people were reported dead at a nursing home in Monette. There were reports of heavy damage surrounding the Monette area as well.
President Joe Biden released a statement Saturday, saying, “To lose a loved one like this is an unimaginable tragedy. We’re working with the governor to ensure they have what they need as the search for survivors and damage assessments continue.”
The Associated Press and ABC News contributed information to this story
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