ATLANTA,GA (March 15, 2008 05:00 a.m.): Eight hours after severe weather hit a large portion of Atlanta, crews continue to work to ensure the safety of people, clear streets and make buildings safe. Approximately 200 firefighters and 150 police officers are working with Public Works and Parks crews to clean up the worst hit areas.
Firefighters are focusing search and rescue efforts at the Cotton Mill Lofts, which suffered a partial collapse. There are four Georgia Search and Rescue teams working the building in three separate areas. Personnel from DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton and Gwinnett fire departments are part of this specialty team. DeKalb K-9 units are being deployed.
Police are urging people to stay out of the downtown area, along with the hardest hit areas in Vine City, Cabbagetown and the Boulevard/ Edgewood corridor. Power lines, trees and glass continue to be a serious hazard.
At this point, emergency services personnel on scene do not have an estimate of injuries, but 7-10 people were transported from the CNN area earlier in the evening. One firefighter suffered a minor injury.
Once the sun comes up, teams of fire, police, public works and parks personnel will travel the hardest hit areas to search and determine additional efforts needed. Georgia Power reports 15,000 residents are without power at this time.
The King Memorial Transit Station has been closed until MARTA officials can assess any structural damage. MARTA will ensure patrons are able to circumvent the station. Bus service will operate as normal. Bus service will begin at 5 a.m., with buses operating as normally as possible. Bus routes 99, 397 and 32, which normally serve King Memorial, will operate via the Georgia State Station.
More storms are expected today – beginning within the hour and lasting throughout the day. Emergency services personnel urge people to stay indoors.
The St. Patrick’s Day parade scheduled for downtown has been canceled.
Those needing assistance can call the Red Cross help-line at 1-866-RC-HELPS.
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For more information about this and services of the City of Atlanta visit our website at www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26