Atlanta Police said they haven’t seen much damage yet from the tropical storm brought by Hurricane Irma, but they expect to receive more reports throughout the day.

A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said, “Right now, there’s about five or so downed trees in the city. I don’t believe any of them have fallen on homes or caused any injuries. A little bit ago, a few more panels fell of a building at 34 Peachtree Street in the Woodruff Park area. The streets are closed nearby, so the panels fell in the designated ‘safe zone’ and no one was injured, thankfully. Other than that, not much to report. We are anticipating more potential effects as the storm approaches.”

There are more than half a million customers without power throughout the state, Georgia Power reports.

The city of Atlanta has published the following alerts today:

City of Atlanta Announces Emergency Shelters Open Today, September 11, 2017

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta announced today that it is working with local partners to open shelters in an effort to help ensure that residents and displaced individuals have a safe place to stay as Hurricane Irma approaches the State of Georgia. Atlanta remains under a tropical storm warning. The main threats to the metropolitan Atlanta area are heavy rain, strong winds, possible flooding, and power outages.

The City has opened a shelter at Central Park Recreation Center located at 400 Merrits Avenue, NE. The Red Cross is on site as the primary facilitator with the City of Atlanta’s support. This shelter has the capability to house 125 individuals.

Fulton County will also open the Jefferson Place Emergency Shelter located at 1135 Jefferson Street, NW today at 11 a.m.

Day shelters including the Salvation Army, City of Refuge, and Peachtree-Pine will serve as overflow centers once the Central Park Recreation Center and Jefferson Place Emergency Shelter have reached capacity. For the latest information on emergency shelters, please visit ATL311.com.

All residents are encouraged to plan for severe weather by following these important tips:

– Develop a family disaster plan.

– For real time emergency weather notifications, sign up for NotifyATL at www.atlantaga.gov/notifyatl.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit.

– Protect your property prior to the storm: trim trees and shrubbery, make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. If you live in a flood plain or are prone to flooding, follow flood preparedness precautions.

– Secure planters and outdoor furniture.
If told to evacuate, tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.

– After a storm, make a list of any property damage and document with photos and video for insurance claims.
Charge your phone and other electronic devices in case you lose power.

– Try to stay off the roads during the storm.
If you must drive, do not drive through floodwaters as they can be extremely hazardous. Turn around – don’t drown.

You can find up-to-date information about preparations by visiting atlantaga.gov or checking the City of Atlanta’s Twitter account at @CityofAtlanta. To report downed trees or submit a request for non-emergency services, please visit ATL311.com. For all emergencies, please call 911.

For more information on open shelters in the State of Georgia, please visit the Georgia Emergency Management Agency website at gema.ga.gov

This is a message from the City of Atlanta Alert System NotifyATL

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts of 45 to 70 mph are likely across much of Metro Atlanta today. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roadways, but if you are out and about and come to a traffic light out – treat as four way stop. #NotifyATL

City of Atlanta Government Offices and Municipal Court of Atlanta to Close on Tuesday, September 12, 2017
 
ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta announced today that government offices and the Municipal Court of Atlanta will be closed on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.  Streetcar service has also been suspended until Wednesday, September 13, 2017. All essential and emergency personnel should report to work at their regularly-scheduled time. All non-essential employees should remain at home. If you have a question about whether or not you are an essential employee, please contact your manager.

The Department of Public Works also announced that trash collection will be suspended on Monday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 12.  Monday’s collections will occur on Wednesday, Tuesday’scollections will occur on Thursday, Wednesday’s collections will occur on Friday, Thursday’scollections will occur on Saturday and Friday’s collections will occur on Sunday.  Please keep trash bins secured inside and do not place cans outside until your newly-scheduled pick-up date because of the potential for high winds to blow over the cans and spill contents.

You can find up-to-date information about preparations by visiting atlantaga.gov or checking the City of Atlanta’s Twitter account at @CityofAtlanta. For information on open shelters in the State of Georgia, please visit the Georgia Emergency Management Agency website at gema.ga.gov.  For the latest information on MARTA schedules, please visit www.itsmarta.com.

To report downed trees or submit a request for non-emergency services, please visit ATL311.com.  For all emergencies, please call 911.