Georgia residents faced a year of turbulent weather in 2024, with severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding marking key events. North and central parts of the state experienced near-average levels of tornado and thunderstorm warnings.
Tornado Activity: Tornado warnings slightly increased compared to recent years. Officials linked this rise to tropical systems, particularly Helene, which heavily impacted southeastern counties. Despite the uptick, tornado activity stayed within historical norms.
Thunderstorm Warnings: Severe thunderstorm warnings held steady at average levels, showing a significant drop from 2023’s numbers. The previous year had seen high activity driven by northwest flow mesoscale convective systems during summer months.
Flash Flooding Concerns: Flash flood warnings in 2024 ranked among the top five years since 1985. The southeastern counties faced heavier rainfall tied to tropical systems, while urban metro areas saw more flooding due to rapid runoff.
What’s Next: Officials plan to release more detailed weather reviews in the coming days, focusing on trends and impacts across the state. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and review safety plans as severe weather remains a recurring concern.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
