ATLANTA — Severe storms swept through Atlanta on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leading to significant disruptions at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for the city at approximately 1 p.m., which remained in effect until 1:45 p.m., directly impacting airport operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the severe weather by implementing a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson, which halted all incoming and outgoing flights. This ground stop was initially set to last until at least 2 p.m., with a 30-60% chance of extension depending on the storm's progression.
As of 1:05 p.m., the FAA confirmed that the ground stop would be lifted about an hour and 15 minutes later, but the storm had already caused significant delays. By 3 p.m., FlightAware reported that the airport had experienced 814 delays and 15 cancellations due to the severe weather conditions.
During the severe weather event, 11Alive's Grace King reported that her flight was affected, landing in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she was instructed to remain at the airport for an extended period.
The storms were part of a larger weather system that had been battering the mid-South and mid-Mississippi Valley for four consecutive days, resulting in at least 17 fatalities across six states. Tennessee alone accounted for 10 of those deaths, with additional fatalities reported in Mississippi.
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for Atlanta and many surrounding counties, effective until 7 p.m. on the same day. This watch indicated a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat, warning residents of potential flash flooding, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes, particularly in central Alabama and North Georgia. Some areas could see rainfall totals exceeding 6 inches.
As the storms moved through the region, officials urged residents to remain vigilant and heed weather advisories. The severe weather not only disrupted air travel but also posed risks to public safety, prompting local authorities to prepare for possible evacuations and emergency responses.
Throughout the day, Atlanta faced intense weather conditions, with reports of strong winds and heavy rain. The ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew as the storms approached.
A ground stop is an order issued by the FAA that temporarily halts all flights at an airport, allowing time for the storm to pass and ensuring that conditions are safe for flight operations. During such events, flights already in the air may be delayed or rerouted, while no new departures are allowed until the situation is deemed safe.
As the day progressed, the storms continued to pose a threat to the Atlanta area and surrounding regions. The public was advised to stay informed through local news outlets and weather apps, which provided real-time updates on the evolving situation.
In addition to the severe weather warnings, residents were reminded to prepare for potential power outages and to secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds. Emergency services were on standby, ready to respond to any incidents that might arise due to the storms.
As of late afternoon, the National Weather Service continued to monitor the situation closely, providing updates on the storm's path and intensity. Meteorologists emphasized the importance of staying indoors during severe weather and avoiding unnecessary travel until conditions improved.
This severe weather event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of spring storms in the Southeast, where rapid changes in weather can lead to dangerous situations. Residents are encouraged to have emergency plans in place and to remain aware of their surroundings during such events.
As the storms began to dissipate, the FAA lifted the ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson, allowing flights to gradually resume. However, the backlog of delayed flights meant that travelers could still expect significant wait times as the airport worked to return to normal operations.
In the aftermath of the storms, local authorities will assess the damage and begin recovery efforts, ensuring that affected communities receive the support they need. The impact of these severe storms will likely be felt for days to come as residents and officials work to recover and restore normalcy.
For those who experienced travel disruptions, airlines are advised to provide updates on flight statuses and accommodate affected passengers as best as possible. The cooperation of travelers and airline staff will be crucial in navigating the aftermath of this severe weather event.
