Quiet streets in Stone Mountain, Georgia, were rudely awakened early Thursday morning as a massive tree came crashing down on Gunstock Drive. The tree not only blocked the road but also brought down power lines, resulting in extensive outages in the area.
Sudden Power Outages Haunt Local Neighborhoods
The accident occurred at the early morning hours just before sunrise, and residents were not aware as they started their day. With the tree blocking the road and power lines caught underneath, traffic had a complete halt along Gunstock Drive. Nobody has been hurt, but residential and commercial buildings were immediately impacted with electricity interrupted from the sudden incident.
Georgia Power Crews Act Rapidly
Georgia Power workers were quick to arrive. There were utility trucks lining the street as employees inspected the damage and began the arduous task of clearing obstructions and re-establishing electricity. The extent of the affected homes has not been reported, but residents say the blackout spans several blocks.
No Restoration Timeline Yet
No schedule has yet been announced as of Thursday morning for when the road will open again or when electricity will be fully restored. The neighborhood should be avoided by residents, both to protect them and to provide emergency workers with space to work effectively.
Weather Might Be to Blame
The fallen tree not only disrupted electricity but also prompted concern from neighbors regarding the condition of trees nearby. Georgia has experienced spasms of poor weather in recent weeks, with waterlogged soil and strong winds destabilizing the roots of old trees. This could have been to blame for the sudden collapse on Gunstock Drive.
Eyewitnesses Recall the Moment
“We were just about to leave to go to work when the lights began to flicker,” a resident of the area explained. “Then we heard a loud snap. They further added that when we looked out the window, the whole street was impassable.” They saw a flash of light and buzzing wires when the tree struck the power lines.
Emergency Crews Working Around the Clock
Atlanta News First’s Breaking News Tracker arrived on the scene shortly after. Their report witnessed the shut-down highway and the rapid response by the power company. Despite the inconvenience, officials note that crews are moving as quickly and safely as possible to address the damage.
A Reminder to Stay Prepared
This is the second of a series of weather-related problems to strike the Stone Mountain area. As the region heads into storm season, neighborhood officials are requesting that residents report leaning trees, sagging branches, and stray power lines to authorities before they become hazards.
Safety is Still a Top Concern
Meanwhile, Georgia Power has cautioned impacted customers to remain informed using their outage alert system and to refrain from any cleanup efforts around power lines. Safety is still the number one concern as crews continue working.
Breaking News – Stay Tuned
This is a breaking news story, and updates will be given as additional information becomes available. Citizens are urged to check local news sources and follow emergency officials’ instructions.
For now, patience is the order of the day as Stone Mountain rides out yet another reminder of nature’s unyielding strength.