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A violent night erupted along Atlanta’s Edgewood Avenue from Sunday, June 27 into Monday, June 28, with a shooting leaving 11 victims, one fatally wounded.
Around 1:30 a.m., police responded to the 300 block, a lively nightlife area in Sweet Auburn, according to Atlanta Police Capt. Jeff Childers.
The deceased was a 27-year-old man, while the other 10 victims, aged 18-29, were stable, with one in surgery by 5:30 a.m.Details on the shooting’s circumstances remain unclear.
Capt. Childers noted multiple shell casings at the scene but couldn’t confirm if there were multiple shooters, though suspects were likely on foot. A local woman reported seeing armed individuals with backpacks inspecting cars on Edgewood late Sunday, adding to the uncertainty.
Two other shootings occurred on Edgewood that day, though police believe they’re unrelated.
One involved a person shot multiple times at Edgewood and Hilliard Street over a parking dispute, and another was shot in the ankle at Edgewood and Boulevard; both were stable. A separate death investigation on the nearby Freedom Parkway ramp to I-75/85 is not believed to be connected.
This marks a continuation of a violent weekend in Atlanta, with over 30 people shot since Thursday.
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The tragic death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner has shocked longtime fans of the actor and thespian, who lived in Atlanta in recent years.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner lived in Atlanta during his multi-season run on the TV show The Resident, where he played Dr. AJ “The Raptor” Austin.
His ties to the city began while filming the show, which used Atlanta’s High Museum of Art as a filming location.
Shameka Coleman, an Atlanta resident who worked as an extra on The Resident, said that Warner was ever the professional on set.
”He was kind to everyone who met him,” she said. “It was almost like he was a calming influence to the whole cast. What I remember is that he was just real classy.”
After The Resident ended in 2023, Warner maintained a strong connection to Atlanta, frequently returning for performances, speaking engagements, and community advocacy.
Soon he put down roots here. His last video on social media was of him driving around Atlanta, musing about his daughter and how thankful he was for life.
How and When Did Malcolm-Jamal Warner Die?
Warner died on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54, in an accidental drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.
According to reports, he was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province when he was caught in a strong ocean current.
Bystanders attempted to rescue him, but he was declared lifeless by the Costa Rican Red Cross upon reaching the shore. The official cause of death was confirmed as asphyxia by submersion due to drowning.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Early Years
Malcolm-Jamal Warner began his acting career at a young age, driven by a combination of natural talent, early exposure to the arts, and encouragement from his family.
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was raised by his mother, Pamela Warner, who recognized his creative potential early on. She enrolled him in acting classes and workshops as a child, fostering his interest in performance.
Warner’s entry into professional acting came through his participation in community theater and school productions.
His charisma and stage presence caught the attention of casting directors, leading to early roles in television. At age 9, he made his TV debut in a 1980 episode of the series Trapper John, M.D. This small role marked his entry into the industry.
His big break came in 1984 when he was cast as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show at age 14. The role was secured after a nationwide casting search, where Warner stood out for his natural comedic timing and relatability.
The success of The Cosby Show propelled him to fame, cementing his career in acting. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to build on this foundation, taking roles in TV shows like Malcolm & Eddie and guest appearances in various series, while also exploring theater and directing.
His early start and breakout role on The Cosby Show were pivotal in establishing his long-term career in entertainment.
As he grew, Warner explored his creativity with spoken word and music, even releasing an album and performing with a band.
Atlanta Years
Warner had been coming to Atlanta for years for acting roles.
He was cast as co-lead on Reed Between the Lines opposite Tracie-Ellis Ross. Craig Johnson, an extra on the short lived show, which was filmed in Atlanta, remembers Warner as a gracious actor.
“He didn’t treat you any different no matter if you were an extra, a grip or a producer. Just a real humble person.”
Later cast on the hit show The Resident, Warner moved to Atlanta for filming and fell in love with the place.
Becoming a husband and father, Warner lived in a quiet personal life around metro Atlanta while stepping out for creative purposes.
He was often seen performing around town, including at coffee shop Buteco in Grant Park.
He was deeply involved in the city’s arts scene, performing with his bands Biological Misfits and Miles Long, and participating in events like the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Beloved Community Awards.
Information related to his funeral and memorial services have yet to be announced.
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Visit Stone Mountain Park and you’ll be mesmerized by the huge granite sculpture, beautiful scenery and warm colors all around, but underneath all that serenity is a burgeoning controversy about the site’s past and future.
A lawsuit has been filed against Stone Mountain Park by the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).
. This lawsuit challenges a planned exhibit at the park’s Memorial Hall that aims to tell a broader and more nuanced story about the site’s history, including its ties to slavery, segregation, and white supremacy. The SCV argues that this new exhibit violates Georgia law, which they claim mandates the park to primarily serve as a Confederate memorial.
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that the planned “truth-telling” exhibit, as described by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, goes against the spirit and intent of Georgia laws governing Stone Mountain Park, which stipulate that it should remain a memorial to the Confederate war dead. The SCV also opposes the relocation of Confederate flags from a prominent walking trail and the changing of the park’s logo to a more neutral image. They argue that these actions deviate from the park’s original mandate to honor the Confederacy.
The Stone Mountain Memorial Association, which oversees the park, in 2021 agreed to install this exhibit and relocate Confederate flags following a period of national reckoning on racial inequality and Confederate monuments.
The association intends for the new exhibit to reflect a more complete history of the site, including its role in the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan and its segregationist roots.
The exhibit is planned to include information on the “Lost Cause” ideology, which the SCV and United Daughters of the Confederacy are accused of perpetuating, according to a museum proposal cited in the lawsuit.
The Georgia legislature approved $11 million in 2023 to fund the exhibit and renovate Memorial Hall.
While the exhibit is not yet open to the public, the changes have already generated backlash from Confederate heritage groups, who accuse the Stone Mountain Memorial Association of attempting to “completely repurpose” the park and disregard the legislature’s original intent. The Georgia Attorney General’s Office has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing sovereign immunity and a lack of standing on the part of the SCV.
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the interpretation and commemoration of Confederate history, particularly at sites like Stone Mountain, which hold significance for both those who view them as memorials to Confederate soldiers and those who recognize their ties to slavery and white supremacy.
Final Word
The outcome of this lawsuit will likely shape the future narrative presented at Stone Mountain Park and could have broader implications for how Confederate monuments and memorials are addressed throughout the United States.
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Passengers on a domestic Delta Air Lines flight experienced a harrowing landing when a man aboard the plane began to act erratically, even trying to pry open a door.
On the evening of Thursday, July 17, Delta Connection flight 3612, operated by SkyWest Airlines, made an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a passenger attempted to open an emergency exit door and assaulted a flight attendant.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. local time during a flight from Omaha to Detroit, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.The pilot reported the disturbance to the tower at Eastern Iowa Airport, stating a passenger was fighting with a flight attendant and trying to access the emergency exit, per a LiveATC.net recording.
Video footage shared on social media showed police escorting a man off the plane in restraints.
Mario Nikprelaj, 23, from Nebraska, faces five charges, including threatening and shoving a flight attendant, disorderly conduct, and two drug-related charges for possessing 41 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills.
Here’s what Delta will kick you off the plane for.
He appeared in court Friday, with bond set at $10,000. It’s unclear if he has legal representation.
SkyWest Airlines emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.
How Many Emergency Landings Have There Been This Year?
Based on available data up to July 18, 2025, at least 20 emergency landings involving U.S. airlines have been reported in 2025. This number is derived from specific incidents documented across various sources, including news reports and aviation safety databases. Below is a summary of several of the incidents identified:
- January 18, 2025: United Airlines flight (details unspecified) made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.
- January 25, 2025: Another United Airlines flight (details unspecified) made an emergency landing at Newark.
- January 29, 2025: American Airlines Flight 1847 from San Juan to Dallas returned to San Juan due to a passenger-related security concern (perceived threat from a phone screen).
- February 25, 2025: United Airlines Flight 1544 returned to Newark Liberty International Airport due to possible engine issues.
- March 1, 2025: FedEx Flight 3609, a Boeing 767, returned to Newark after a bird strike caused an engine fire.
- March 2, 2025: Delta Air Lines flight (unspecified) returned to Atlanta after reports of possible smoke in the flight deck.
- March 2, 2025: SkyWest Flight 5690 (operating as United Express) made an emergency landing in Waco, Texas, due to severe turbulence, injuring five passengers.
- April 2, 2025: Alaska Airlines Flight 757 returned to Portland International Airport after reports of fumes in the flight deck.
- April 14, 2025: Delta Air Lines Flight 937 returned to Tucson International Airport due to an engine issue.
- April 15, 2025: SkyWest Airlines Flight 4980 diverted to Colorado Springs Airport due to a passenger medical emergency.
- April 15, 2025: American Airlines Flight 2746 returned to Los Angeles International Airport due to an engine issue.
Final Word
Delta is one of the best airlines there is. Emergency landings and other aviation mishaps are on the ride for numerous reasons.
For example, the many reasons for emergency landings include mechanical issues (e.g., engine problems, cabin pressurization), bird/wildlife strikes, medical emergencies, security concerns, and turbulence-related injuries. -
Beyoncé’s unreleased music, tour plans, and other materials were stolen from a car belonging to her choreographer and a dancer in Atlanta, just before her Cowboy Carter tour performances there.
What Was Stolen From Beyonce?
The thieves stole the following items, according to media reports from Atlanta PD:
- Two suitcases containing hard drives with unreleased, watermarked music
- Show footage
- Performance plans
- Past and future set lists.
- Laptops
- Designer sunglasses
- AirPods Max headphones
- Luxury clothing
The Atlanta Police Department’s Larceny from Auto Unit is investigating, and an arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect driving a red 2025 Hyundai Elantra with a Georgia license plate, though the suspect remains at large, and the stolen items have not been recovered.
Beyoncé completed her four-night Atlanta tour stop at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 14, with no reported impact on the performances. Jay Z performed as well for the second night in a row.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect involved in the theft, as reported by WSB-TV’s Michael Seiden.
- The stolen items included jump drives with unreleased, watermarked Beyoncé music, footage plans, past and future set lists, laptops, designer sunglasses, clothes, and Apple AirPods Max headphones.
- The incident occurred in a parking deck near Krog Street Market, highlighting security concerns for high-profile events in urban areas.
- This theft is part of a broader context of security risks associated with major entertainment tours, as evidenced by previous warnings about ticket scams for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour.
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Shake Shack, one of the most popular burger joints in Atlanta, recently opened at The Battery Atlanta and it has a full-service bar.
The eatery’s June 30, 2025 opening makes it the first Shake Shack concept with full-service alcoholic beverage options, according to company officials.
New Shake Shack Concept Opens At The Battery Atlanta
The restaurant opened at the site of the recently closed Wahlburgers at Heritage Court and Battery Avenue, and it will be the first Shake Shack in the U.S. with a bar, according to a press release.
This marks the eighth Shake Shack in Georgia, though the exact opening date has yet to be set. The new spot offers a double-sided bar with exterior seating and a window for serving beer and cocktails, making it a standout location for fans of Shake Shack’s elevated American classics.
“The addition of Shake Shack perfectly aligns with our mission to create exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Jeremy Strife, Executive Vice President of Development for The Braves Development Company. “With their high-quality food, commitment to community, and brand integrity, Shake Shack will undoubtedly become a favorite for fans across Braves Country for years to come.”
In addition to the bar, there will be plenty of dining space, a patio, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for fans to gather, especially on game days.
“We want this Shack to be a place where the community can come together, watch a Braves game, and enjoy a great meal,” Andrew McCaughan, Shake Shack’s Chief Development Officer, told the publication.
What Can We Expect From Shake Shake’s Menu?
Shake Shack’s menu will continue to offer its high-quality burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun shakes, house-made lemonades, and an assortment of beer and wine. The company has built a loyal following with its commitment to premium ingredients, outstanding service, and a strong connection to local communities.
The drink menu includes signature and classic cocktails, local craft beers, wine, and unique offerings like the Georgia-inspired Peaches and Cream Bourbon Shake, Lemon Fizz (with Tito’s Vodka and elderflower liqueur), Gin Slam, Bourbon Peach Fifty/Fifty, and the Shackarita.
On Braves game days, a hot dog cart provides grab-and-go options, and a walk-up drink window is available for quick beverage orders.
Final Word
Shake Shake burst onto the scene in 2004 in Madison Square Park in New York City. Now there are more than 350 locations in 32+ states. At The Battery, Shake Shack’s new outpost will undoubtedly add to the area’s appeal, with officials confident it will create lasting memories for fans of all ages.
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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has necessitated the need for today’s college students to get acclimated with new skills for an evolving workforce. To that end, Clark Atlanta University recently announced a collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild to help cultivate talent among future developers and drive economic growth.
Clark Atlanta University is working with IBM as part of a new strategy to help university students and aspiring developers build the AI competencies that will help them thrive.
“As we embark on this transformative partnership with IBM, we recognize the critical importance of closing the digital divide and fostering a technological landscape that embraces excellence,” says Dr. Charlene D. Gilbert, Provost and Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Clark. “By equipping our students with essential AI competencies, we not only prepare them for future opportunities but also ensure that the development of artificial intelligence reflects the broad range of perspectives of the communities it serves.”
The key elements of Clark Atlanta University’s collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild are faculty training and practical real-world learning opportunities through access to watsonx (IBM’s portfolio of generative AI products) and Granite (IBM’s family of open-source large language models).
Faculty Training: IBM will offer Clark Atlanta University professors AI training and resources that can help them cultivate their students’ abilities. This additional guidance and support from IBM experts, along with new coursework on generative AI, and access to watsonx and Granite, will give professors more options to incorporate advanced AI learning into their curriculum.
Real-world tech experiences for students:
- Hands-on labs: IBM is offering students a deeper dive into AI learning with interactive components through labs that are up to 90 minutes in length. These will help students dive deeper into topics like code generation and data classification using LLMs, like IBM Granite. Students will also have opportunities to earn digital credentials that are recognized by future employers.
- Group innovation challenges: IBM will offer innovation challenges, like hackathons, which are short-term experiences that give groups of aspiring developers the opportunity to use Granite.
- Generative AI Capstone projects: Students DETAILS ON WHICH STUDENTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AT THE SCHOOL will have access to watsonx to build real-world solutions. These students will have the opportunity to work with IBM experts and their classroom professors to build innovative capstone projects over the course of a semester. IBM mentors will equip the students with problem statements, including some from IBM clients, which could span different industries such as financial services, healthcare, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing, telecommunications, marketing or energy.
“The pace of AI innovation continues to challenge and inspire businesses across industries, making skilled talent more important than ever,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM VP and Chief Impact Officer. “As we see the rise of more open-source AI models, it’s clear that the pace of transformation is not slowing down. The future of AI will be shaped by students, educators, and professionals who not only have the skills to use generative AI, but also to manage AI agents, or even build them.”
Final Word
New coursework will also help students across disciplines build a foundation of AI understanding. The courses from IBM SkillsBuild are about one hour each and include topics like exploring text to speech; building a chatbot; and an introduction to open-source LLMs.
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A boat caught fire on Lake Lanier on Friday, July 4 as boaters retreated from the area. Five people were injured and taken to area hospitals.
Videos and images on social media shows the boat engulfed in flames.
5 Hurt After Boat Explodes in Flames on Lake Lanier
The boat explosion and fire occurred on Lake Lanier on near Margaritaville at Lanier Islands.
Hall County Fire Rescue responded around 7 p.m., finding the boat engulfed in flames up to five feet high. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed, and the incident is under investigation.
Lake Lanier: Where Something Is Bound To Happen
Lake Lanier, located in Georgia, is controversial due to a combination of historical, social, and safety issues:
Displacement of Communities: Created in the 1950s by damming the Chattahoochee River, the lake’s construction flooded the town of Oscarville and other areas, displacing hundreds of families, primarily Black and poor white residents. The government used eminent domain, often offering minimal compensation, and some allege that homes, cemeteries, and cultural landmarks were submerged without proper relocation or acknowledgment, fueling resentment.
Racial History: Oscarville was the site of a 1912 racial cleansing, where a Black community was violently driven out after accusations against Black residents for crimes. The lake’s creation over this land is seen by some as erasing a painful history, with lingering racial tensions tied to the area’s past.
High Death Toll: Lake Lanier is notorious for a high number of drownings, boating accidents, and fatalities—over 700 deaths since its creation, with 216 drownings between 1994 and 2022 alone. Hazardous underwater hazards like submerged trees, sudden drop-offs, and strong currents contribute, but the frequency of incidents has led to local legends of the lake being “cursed” or “haunted.”
Urban Legends and Hauntings: Folklore attributes the lake’s dangers to supernatural causes, such as restless spirits from flooded cemeteries or the town’s violent history. Stories of ghostly sightings and eerie experiences are widespread, amplified by social media and pop culture, adding to its ominous reputation.
- Environmental and Safety Concerns: The lake has faced issues like pollution, overcrowding during peak seasons, and alcohol-related boating incidents, which exacerbate safety risks. Critics argue that inadequate regulation and oversight contribute to preventable accidents.
These factors combine to create a narrative of Lake Lanier as a place with a troubled past and ongoing dangers, sparking debate about its history, management, and cultural significance.
Final Word
Be safe on Lake Lanier. The great weather is for you to have fun, not risk your life.
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For a quarter of a century, shoppers in the North Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta frequented Plato’s Closet for gently-used and brand-name clothing and other wares — but no more. The store was abruptly evicted on July 3, 2025.
Images and video on social media showed thongs of shoppers wading through clothing that had been tossed on the curb off Briarcliff Road in Atlanta.
According to multiple news sources, the eviction took place around 9:30 a.m. at the store off Briarcliff Road. Video footage and social media reports indicate that after the eviction, clothing was left outside, and people were seen taking items, with some describing the scene as chaotic.
Plato’s Closet is just the latest Atlanta retailer to shut its doors.
Plato’s Closet: A History
Founding (1998): Plato’s Closet was founded by Dennis and Lynn Blum in Columbus, Ohio. The concept evolved from their earlier venture, Once Upon a Child, a resale store for children’s clothing.
The Blums recognized a market for a similar model targeting teens and young adults, focusing on trendy, name-brand items at discounted prices (up to 70% off retail). The store’s name was inspired by their son, who was researching the Greek philosopher Plato for a school project. Plato’s ideas of reuse and preservation aligned with the store’s recycling-focused business model.
Franchising by Winmark (1999): In 1998, Winmark Corporation, a Minneapolis-based franchisor specializing in resale retail, acquired Plato’s Closet from the Blums. Winmark began franchising the concept in 1999, leveraging its experience with other resale brands like Play It Again Sports and Once Upon a Child. The franchise model emphasized a “no-appointment” cash-on-the-spot system for sellers and affordable, trendy inventory for buyers.
Growth and Expansion: Plato’s Closet quickly gained traction due to its appeal to budget-conscious, fashion-forward teens and young adults. By 2011, there were over 280 locations across the United States and Canada.
The brand reached a milestone in 2022 with its 500th store opening in Windsor, Ontario. As of 2024, there are over 500 individually owned and operated locations in North America, with new stores opening regularly. The franchise model has a 99% renewal rate, reflecting strong franchisee satisfaction.
Final Word
The Plato’s Closet store in Atlanta, located at 2480 Briarcliff Rd NE in the North Druid Hills area, was established in 2000. Unfortunately, abrupt evictions like this one may be seen more as Atlanta’s business climate weakens.
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Looking to shop? Check out the best malls in Atlanta
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Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in Atlanta, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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Back in 2008, a weather phenomenon took place that was so powerful and so rare that it made history: A tornado hit downtown Atlanta.
On March 14, 2008, an EF2 tornado struck Downtown Atlanta, Georgia, causing significant damage and marking the first recorded tornado to hit the city’s core.
The tornado was part of a broader outbreak across the Southeastern United States on March 14–15, 2008. Here are the key details:
2008 Atlanta Tornado: How It Happened
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 9:26 p.m., about eight minutes before the tornado hit, but no tornado watches were in effect due to a low 2% tornado risk forecast. The supercell’s southeast trajectory and the lack of optimal tornado conditions made the event unexpected.
The tornado, spawned by an isolated supercell thunderstorm, touched down around 9:38 p.m. EDT in the Vine City neighborhood, just west of Downtown Atlanta.
It carved a 6.25-mile path, moving southeast, which was unusual as most supercells in the region have a northward component.
The tornado was approximately 200 yards wide with maximum winds estimated at 130 mph.
Many people don’t think tornadoes and Atlanta go together, but that’s no longer the case.
“It is an area that gets more tornadoes than many people think,” Craig Croskery, P.h.D., founder of FindYourTornadoShelterOwner.com, told AtlantaFi.com.
Croskery said evacuating a tornado is not as straightforward as it sounds in a large metropolitan area like Atlanta.
“There are some complications when you’re dealing with a big city,” he said. “One of them is traffic. You don’t want to get caught in a car during a tornado.”
Here is footage of the 2008 tornado from CNN:
Landmarks Affected
The tornado caused widespread damage to iconic Atlanta structures, including the Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center, Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel.
The Omni
The Omni Hotel lost 476 windows, and the CNN Center had over 1,600 windows shattered. Centennial Olympic Park saw two large light towers toppled, and historic Oakland Cemetery was damaged.
Georgia Dome Incident
The tornado struck during an SEC men’s basketball tournament game between Alabama and Mississippi State at the Georgia Dome.
The game had gone into overtime due to a clutch three-pointer by Alabama’s Mykal Riley, which likely kept thousands of fans inside, potentially saving lives as they avoided being outside during the tornado’s passage.
The storm tore a panel from the Dome’s roof, causing debris to fall and briefly halting play.
Atlanta’s Eastside
The tornado continued east, damaging the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill Lofts, Cabbagetown, and East Atlanta neighborhoods.
A warehouse near I-20 and the Cotton Mill Lofts saw significant structural damage, with parts of the roof and upper floors collapsing.
Cost and Damage
The Georgia insurance commissioner estimated damages at $250 million statewide, with $100 million at the Georgia World Congress Center alone, making it one of the most expensive tornadoes in U.S. history at the time
In raw U.S. dollars, it was the costliest tornado in Atlanta’s history, totaling about half a billion dollars.
- Casualties: One person was killed near Downtown Atlanta due to a building collapse, and at least 30 others were injured, mostly from flying glass and debris. On March 15, two additional deaths occurred in northwest Georgia (Polk and Floyd Counties) from a second wave of tornadoes.
- Response and Recovery: Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin declared a state of emergency on March 15, and Governor Sonny Perdue issued a state emergency declaration, enabling federal aid from FEMA. President Bush declared a major disaster on March 20.
- Emergency assistance: Help came from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs), and surrounding counties.
- Events like the Atlanta Home Show and St. Patrick’s Day parade were canceled, and the SEC tournament was relocated to Georgia Tech’s smaller stadium.
- Aftermath and Resilience: Despite the devastation, Atlanta’s recovery was swift. The Georgia Dome reopened within 10 days for an Easter service, and the Georgia World Congress Center was fully operational within 42 days. Centennial Olympic Park and other landmarks have since flourished, with few physical reminders of the tornado remaining.
- Personal Accounts: Residents and meteorologists recalled the storm’s intensity, with some noting ground flashes from power lines as a key indicator of the tornado’s path at night. The event left a lasting impression, with many citing the overtime basketball game as a fortunate factor in reducing potential casualties.
Tornadoes: How To Stay Safe
Croskery, mentioned earlier, did part of a dissertation project on tornadoes after experiencing one in Mississippi during the COVID pandemic. The photo he took went viral.
His website FindYourTornadoShelterOwner.com helps communities stay safe by building tornado shelters in the event of a tornado.
“If you’re trying to build a tornado shelter on your own home, there are some pre-fab ones you can get. If it’s one for your community, or school, you’d have to build a giant dome or box,” he said. “There are materials out there that can withstand even the strongest tornadoes.”
“If a community wants to start a tornado shelter program, a fire station would be a great place to start,” he said.
The tornado was a rare and significant event for Atlanta, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to urban tornadoes and its resilience in rebuilding.
Final Word
All in all, the 2008 Atlanta tornado tore a historic hole in the city. Cleanup involved 1,100 trade workers logging 270,000 hours to repair 370,000 square feet of ceiling tiles, 725,000 square feet of roofing, and 100,000 square feet of building structure at the Georgia World Congress Center.
More recently, Atlanta has been hit by severe weather and the threat of possible tornadoes.
“Tornadoes can happen anytime of year,” Croskery said. “The most common times of year would be in the spring. The next common would be late in the fall, but they do happen pretty much at any time of year.”
