Community Corner

Tornado Watch Re-Issued for Gwinnett County

A tornado watch is in effect until 2 a.m.

Updated 10:45 p.m.

Severe weather is expected to bring heavy rains and winds with the possibility of tornadoes throughout Gwinnett County tonight.

A tornado watch, issued about 6:50 p.m. by the National Weather Service, is in effect for the entire county through 2 a.m. A tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to produce tornadoes.

Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Neighboring Gwinnett counties, including Rockdale, DeKalb, Walton, Hall, Forsyth, Barrow and Fulton are also under a tornado watch.

(See tips from Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services below on how to handle a tornado watch or warning.)

Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A wind advisory is also in effect from until 9 p.m. across central and north Georgia. Winds are expected to reach at least 15 mph to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph - 40 mph. Winds this strong can knock down tree limbs, small objects outdoors and make driving difficult, according to the advisory. Power outages are also possible.

In the Snellville area, there is an 80 percent chance of rain this evening. Thursday there is a 60 percent chance of severe thunderstorms. By the weekend, though, it should be back to being sunny.

To report outages:

Walton EMC: (770) 267-2505 or waltonemc.com.

(888) 891-0938

Tips from Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services:

  • Limit outdoor activities/travel tonight and monitor the changing weather conditions.  
  • Pay close attention to any Watches and Warnings issued by the National Weather Service.  
  • Seek shelter in the basement (lower level) in the center portion of the structure.  If you don't have a basement, seek cover in a closet or bathroom in the center portion of the structure.  
  • Avoid being near exterior walls, doors or glass windows until the storm passes.
  • Be prepared to give basic first aid to anyone injured and call for help immediately.
  • Avoid contact with downed power lines if damage does occur.  
  • Charge cell phones ahead of time and have a flashlight, portable AM/FM radio, and extra batteries on hand.
  • Call 9-1-1 to report the damage and notify the appropriate utility company. 


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