Commerce Fire Department

Special Weather Statement
for Jackson County

Issued by National Weather Service
Atlanta, GA
9:20 PM EDT Mon, Aug 17, 2026
..A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Barrow, northwestern Clarke, Jackson and southwestern Madison Counties through 945 PM EDT...

At 920 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Jefferson, moving southeast at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning and heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

Locations impacted include... Jefferson, Commerce, Athens, Arcade, Nicholson, Pendergrass, Talmo, Athens-Clarke County, Westgate Park, James Holland Youth Sports Cmpx, Bear Creek Reservoir, Beechwood Hills, Sandy Creek Recreation Area, Oconee Heights, Barretts Mill, Apple Valley, and Neese.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to hydroplaning.

&&

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN; MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Jackson County

Issued by National Weather Service
Atlanta, GA
9:30 PM EDT Tue, Jul 28, 2026

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Banks County in northeastern Georgia... Eastern Jackson County in northeastern Georgia... Northwestern Madison County in northeastern Georgia...

* Until 1000 PM EDT.

* At 930 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Alto, or 8 miles north of Homer, moving south at 45 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include... Jefferson, Commerce, Homer, Lula, Maysville, Arcade, Nicholson, Gillsville, Pinefield Crossroads, Apple Valley, Neese, Hollingsworth, and Banks Crossing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

If you see wind damage...hail or flooding...wait until the storm has passed...and then call the National Weather Service toll free at 1 8 6 6 7 6 3 4 4 6 6 or tweet us your report at NWSATLANTA.

&&

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED; MAX HAIL SIZE...

⚠️ WEATHER ALERT ⚠️

A Special Weather Statement has been issued for Jackson County until 8:15 PM.

A strong thunderstorm is moving into the area and may impact Commerce, Maysville, Banks Crossing, and surrounding areas.

⛈️ Hazards include:
💨 Wind gusts up to 50 MPH
🧊 Pea-sized hail
⚡ Frequent lightning

Please seek shelter indoors immediately if storms approach.

Remember: If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Stay weather aware and monitor conditions closely.

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⚠️ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH ⚠️

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area until 9:00 PM EDT this evening.

A watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. Stay weather aware and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.

Jackson County EMA will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Stay safe and stay informed!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rockdale County Fire Rescue.