Georgia’s unique geography places it at risk for a wide spectrum of natural hazards, from immediate atmospheric events to slow-onset climatic changes. Its location, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and positioned near the Gulf of Mexico, exposes the state to tropical moisture and powerful storm systems. The northern portion of the state also includes the Appalachian foothills, which contribute to the complexity of weather patterns.
Severe Atmospheric Storms
Tornadoes represent a frequent threat across all regions of Georgia, with the most active period spanning from March through May, peaking in April. The state averages about six days per year with reported tornado activity. While many tornadoes are relatively weak, an estimated 37% of events are classified as strong or violent (EF2 or greater) on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, capable of causing significant structural damage.
Damaging straight-line winds are the most common form of severe weather in the state, occurring on average about 75 days each year, with the highest frequency in the summer months. These winds, which can exceed 95 miles per hour, often result from a thunderstorm’s powerful downbursts. Microbursts, localized columns of sinking air, can cause damage patterns similar to a weak tornado, snapping trees and damaging homes in highly localized areas.
Large hail, defined as being one inch (quarter-sized) or larger, is a notable hazard that occurs about 63 times annually. The hail season is generally from February through August, peaking in April due to atmospheric instability. Hailstones commonly measure one to two inches in diameter and can inflict substantial property damage, with one event at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport resulting in over $35 million in losses.
Tropical Systems and Hydrological Risks
While Georgia rarely experiences direct landfall from high-category hurricanes, the remnants of tropical storms moving inland pose a significant threat due to widespread flooding. These systems carry moisture from the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, often stalling over the state and producing torrential rainfall far from the coast. For instance, the remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994 stalled over the state, resulting in up to 25 inches of rain in less than 24 hours in some areas.
This prolonged, heavy rainfall often leads to two types of flooding: flash flooding and riverine flooding. Flash flooding can quickly inundate urban areas, such as the Atlanta metro region, where two to five inches of rain can overwhelm drainage systems and cause road closures and water rescues. Riverine flooding occurs when larger rivers and creeks rise slowly, sometimes reaching major flood stage, as seen during the 2009 500-year flood event in North Georgia.
Coastal areas face the additional risk of storm surge, the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. Although Georgia’s coastline is short, the Atlantic exposure means that even distant tropical systems can push water ashore, threatening barrier islands and low-lying areas. The heavy rain bands within these systems can also spawn brief, localized tornadoes, as was the case when Hurricane Katrina’s remnants passed through the state.
Seasonal and Climatic Hazards
Drought is a recurring, slow-onset hazard that impacts Georgia’s water supply, agriculture, and environment. Periods of below-average rainfall can push large parts of the state into severe or extreme drought conditions, requiring multiple significant rain events to alleviate the moisture deficit. Dry conditions reduce surface water levels in reservoirs and can stress crops and timber resources across the state.
The frequency of drought is linked to the risk of wildfires, which are a concern, particularly in the spring and fall. Georgia experiences an average of approximately 3,500 wildfires each year, with debris burning being the leading cause of ignition. The risk is notably higher in South Georgia, where extensive commercial timberlands provide abundant fuel.
Winter weather, primarily in the form of ice storms and light snow, presents a major disruption, especially in North Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area. The combination of temperatures hovering near freezing and moisture can result in significant ice accumulation, sometimes reaching a quarter-inch. This ice can coat power lines and tree limbs, leading to widespread power outages, with past events leaving over 200,000 customers without electricity. Minor snow and ice events can paralyze transportation across the state, as infrastructure is not routinely equipped to handle slick conditions.