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Hurricanes start out from storms that brew in the bodies of water that surround the United States to the east, west, and south. When they form in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, these storms are called tropical cyclones. 

These tropical cyclones begin as tropical depressions with sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less. When they reach maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knotts) or higher, they become known as hurricanes. 

Although when I think of hurricanes, I immediately think of Florida, Mississippi or New Orleans. Hurricanes in Atlanta, Georgia is not my first thought but let’s see what the experts have to say.

Hurricane Season in Atlanta Georgia

In the U.S., hurricanes are an annual thing. In general, there are two hurricane seasons in America based on the two major bodies of water to the east and west of the country. So, hurricane season varies depending on where you live. 

The eastern Pacific hurricane season starts from May 15 and ends on November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. 

Georgia’s hurricane season falls on the latter, spiking between August and October. “However, when we look at the frequency of tropical systems, we see a large spike between August and October, with the ‘peak’ of hurricane season hitting September 10,” reports WXIA-TV, also known as 11 Alive in the Atlanta metropolitan area. 

The state is affected by storms originating from the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.

Impacts of Hurricanes in Atlanta 

Atlanta is not located near the coast of Georgia. In fact, the city lies 230 miles (more than 150 km) away from the state’s coastline. But, the effects of a hurricane can still be felt here. As long-time residents of Atlanta or north Georgia can attest, there have been more years where the impact of hurricanes have been experienced in the area than not. 

For instance, in 2020, Hurricane Zeta brought strong winds and rain to Atlanta, which resulted in 400,000 power outages affecting 160,000 customers, according to 11 Alive. The city was also impacted by the remnants of Hurricanes Sally and Delta. In total, The Big Peach was within 100 miles (around 160 km) in the path of 32 named storms, according to an analysis of data since 1950.

In general, hurricanes typically bring heavy rains and strong winds, which can cause floods and coastal storm surges. 

Coastal areas, in particular, experience extreme winds and flooding brought about by rain and storm surge. The NHC and Central Pacific Hurricane Center of the NOAA states that nearly every coastline along the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean has been in the track of a tropical cyclone.

Meanwhile, inland areas experience strong winds, inland flooding, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. In Atlanta, residents must watch out and prepare for damaging winds, the threat of heavy rains and floods, and tornadoes. 

Damaging winds

While it might not be likely for Atlanta to experience hurricane-force sustained winds, the city may still reel from the effects of hurricanes. 

The strength of a hurricane gradually weakens as it travels further inland as is the case by the time it reaches Atlanta. However, the winds reaching the city are still able to wreak considerable havoc. 

Remember the mention of power outages during Hurricane Zeta above? Well, those outages were reported to have been more than 1 million, and it took several days before power was restored. And, in 1995, remaining storm winds from Hurricane Opal were strong enough to down power lines. Opal also fell thousands of trees, including an ancient oak tree at Piedmont Hospital. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused 1.5 million Georgians to lose power for several days and two people died due to falling trees. 

Flooding rains

The threat of heavy rain and flood is always present when there are tropical storms. Rain can pour for hours and for multiple days, and the result can be catastrophic. 

For instance, back in 1994, Tropical Storm Alberto brought a huge amount of rainfall over the western parts of Georgia. The maximum rainfall exceeded 27 inches in Americus, Georgia. Meanwhile, on the southwest side of the Atlanta metro, about half a foot of rain fell. The latter resulted in the damage and closure of roads and bridges. There were also more than 50,000 people displaced from their homes, and at least 400 coffins floated along the streets after the graves became water logged. 

Another example is Hurricane Helene in 2024. The hurricane made landfall in northwest Florida and weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reached Georgia. However, its sustained winds of 60 mph (52 knots) still fell trees and caused at least 22,000 power outages in metro Atlanta. Heavy rain also resulted in major flooding in the city, submerging cars and inundating houses.

Tornadoes

Another impact of hurricanes in Atlanta is the threat of tornadoes. This narrow, violently rotating column of air typically occurs in the outer rain bands of a tropical storm.

While tornadoes only last for a short time, they can still cause significant damage. And, some storms can produce numerous tornadoes. For instance, Hurricane Fred resulted in 7 tornadoes, and in 2005 Hurricane Katrina left 18 tornadoes across the state, along with heavy rains and damaging winds. Katrina’s tornadoes destroyed numerous homes and businesses, and sadly, killed two people. The hurricane also caused a disruption in the oil pumps in the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, consumers began to panic when they heard about the news, and gasoline prices shot through the roof.

In Georgia, the threat of tornadoes originate from tropical systems that make landfall along the Gulf of Mexico and move along a north or northeastward route through the Empire State of the South. The tornadoes that reach the area are usually rated EF-0 or EF-1 in the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale. The EF Scale rates a tornado based on its estimated wind speeds and related damage. The EF-0 and EF-1 ratings are the two lowest ratings in the EF Scale.

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