Crews addressing widespread damage from high winds, heavy rain and reported tornadoes
Atlanta – February 16, 2025 – As a large line of damaging severe weather, including high winds, heavy rain and reported tornadoes, continues to move through Georgia Sunday morning, Georgia Power is working to address power outages across the state. The company has monitored the severe weather forecast and conditions throughout the weekend, with crews ready to respond to issues quickly and as conditions are safe to work as the weather clears today.
Since the beginning of the storm, power has already been restored to tens of thousands of customers through "smart grid" technology which enables remote restoration and switching even while a storm is underway. Once the storm has left impacted areas, damage assessment occurs and is an essential part of efficient restoration and marks the first phase of the restoration process. Damage assessment teams enter the field and begin the restoration process as soon as conditions allow. These teams are followed by repair crews depending on the amount of damage and access to the area.
Georgia Power reminds customers that dangerous conditions exist following a storm, and to always heed the advice of local, state, and federal emergency authorities in storm-affected areas.
Safety Tips for Customers and Crews
- Watch for and don’t touch downed wires, and never attempt to remove tree branches from power lines. Downed power lines may also be hidden by debris or fallen trees after a storm
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it's the law in Georgia.
- Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Protect electronics and appliances. Disconnect or turn off any appliances that will start automatically when power returns to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.
- Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Click here for more safety tips.
Stay Connected & Informed:
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Social Media – Follow Georgia Power across Facebook, Instagram and X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. The map is updated regularly from teams in the field.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.