UPDATE: Both Fulton and DeKalb County have declared states of emergency as they struggles to recover from Tropical Storm Irma. As of 2 p.m., more than 100,000 remain without power in both counties, including swaths of Midtown, Druid Hills, Buckhead Decatur and Kirkwood. There are also downed trees blocking many roadways in the county. The state of emergency declarations mean the counties will be eligible for additional state and federal resources. Fulton County asked residents to report downed trees and other road blockages to Fulton County’s Public Works Department at (404) 613-3108 to allow authorities to aid in efforts to clear those hazards.
Woodruff Park has been closed as crews inspect damage to the 34 Peachtree building in Downtown, according to the AJC. Panels and pieces of the facade began to fall from the building on Sunday as winds from Tropical Storm Irma began to pick up. More panels fell during the storm on Monday and Tuesday. Streets in the area have also been closed: Peachtree Street NE from Auburn Avenue NE to Marietta Street NW; Walton Street NW from Broad Street NW to Peachtree Street NE; and Edgewood Avenue SE from Park Place NE to Marietta Street NW.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank will be staging and shipping food and supplies to its sister food banks in south Georgia and Florida. The nonprofit is asking for the public’s help in collecting water, non-perishable food, toiletries and cleaning supplies. In addition, we will support our partner agency network, here in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, by providing relief for those affected by the storm. Donations can be dropped of between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. today (Sept. 13) through Sept. 22 at the Food Bank, 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW. ACFB is also taking monetary donations. Donations will be used for storm relief and the remaining funds will support ongoing hunger-relief efforts. Secure donations are accepted online at acfb.org.