New feature: Sirens alert park visitors about storm threats

As Saturday’s storms neared Fayette County, the county’s weather alert siren system was activated to warn residents of the pending danger.

Minutes later, hail larger than one inch in diameter struck in Peachtree City and along Bernard Road, and high winds blew four trees down in the Wilshire Estate subdivision in Peachtree City, according to the National Weather Service Office in Peachtree City. Hail short of two inches was reported in Fayetteville by a caller, according to NWS logs from the storm.

Between 5 and 6 o’clock the highest wind gusts of the storm were recorded at 48 miles an hour at the NWS facility at Falcon Field.

No significant damage was reported in Fayette County, said Capt. Pete Nelms of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Some homes in the unincorporated Fayette area of Harp, Mask and McBride roads were out of power for a while due to downed power lines, Nelms said.

Prior to the storm, emergency officials kept track of the storm’s progress, and its history of damage, Nelms said.

“We were very fortunate the storm tracked north,” Nelms said.

In addition, the severe thunderstorm watch placed on Fayette triggered the county’s newest type of alarm, which is aimed at residents using parks and recreational areas. The alarm, which is a 15-20 second tone, is designed to warn people to seek shelter because dangerous weather is imminent, Nelms said.

Emergency officials recommend residents use a NOAA weather radio to alert them of warnings and watches announced specifically for Fayette County.

login to post comments