Monday Storm Serves As Reminder to Be Prepared for Severe Weather

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Gwinnett County fared pretty well with reported damage during Monday’s severe weather, but authorities used the close call to make a point about storm preparedness.

The afternoon storms, which prompted severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings, knocked down trees and wires as it roared across the county with heavy rain, pea-sized hail and high winds, but it could have been worse.

“Monday’s storm system serves as an important reminder for all residences and businesses to prepare for inclement weather,” Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge said in a statement.

Here are some suggestions from the fire department:

Make sure your home and workplace has an emergency preparedness plan and be sure to monitor the changing weather conditions throughout the summer months. Pop-up thunderstorms and associated cold fronts can cause a well-developed line of strong thunderstorms to move across the county.

Always include safety tips on lightning, wind and rain, when planning outdoor activities. Seek shelter in a substantial structure or vehicle until the storm passes. If at home, turn off electrical appliances and stay away from windows and doors that lead to the outside.

During a tornado warning, go to the lowest level, to a room in the center of the structure, away from doors and windows. If available, wear head protection such as a hard hat, batting helmet or bicycle helmet. You should also wear a pair of sturdy shoes for protection when walking over debris outside after the storm passes.

Avoid downed electrical lines and report them to the appropriate utility company and 9-1-1. Be sure to report any storm damage to the authorities (police and fire), especially if a hazard exists.

Damage should also be reported to the National Weather Service and your local Emergency Management Office.

Rutledge said there were no reports of significant structure damage or injuries due to Monday’s storm. Fire command staff personnel monitored weather conditions and call volume from the Fire Operations “War Room” at Fire Headquarters as the storm progressed.

Here are some of the incidents reported:

• GRASS/WOODS FIRE

Firefighters responded at 2:49p.m. to a report of a grass/woods fire due to a transformer on fire in the 3700 block of Davis Street, NW in Suwanee.

• TREE/WIRES DOWN

Firefighters responded at 2:51p.m. to a report of a tree and power line down across the roadway on Moore Road, NW and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Suwanee.

• TREE/WIRES DOWN

Firefighters responded at 3:03p.m. to a report of a tree and power line down on Ivy Creek Road, NE and Gravel Springs Road in Buford.

• GRASS/WOODS FIRE

Firefighters responded at 4:24p.m. to a report of a grass/woods fire due to a blown transformer on a power pole in the 4100 block of Five Forks Trickum Road, SW in Lilburn.

• ASSIST CITIZEN

Firefighters responded to a report of an assist a citizen call/possible tree hazard in the 400 block of Berkmar Way, NW in Lilburn. The caller reported a tree that was cracked near a walking bridge. The tree showed signs of rotting and was entangled in foliage. It was not believed to be storm related.

(Photos: Pea-sized hail that fell outside Fire Station #14 (Buford) and Fire Station #13 (Suwanee). Credit: Gwinnett Fire PIO)