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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: September 19, 2011
Jennifer Mattingly
Phone: 404-385-7675
Summary Sentence:
No summary sentence submitted.Full Summary:
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npm4Three and half years ago, on a balmy late winter evening, a tornadic thunderstorm tracked through the heart of the City of Atlanta, causing significant damage throughout the downtown Atlanta area. The tornado touched down around 9:38 PM in the Vine City neighborhood and travelled over 6 miles to the east southeast, striking the Georgia World Congress Center, Omni Hotel, Centennial Olympic Park, the Equitable Building, the Peachtree Westin, Georgia State University, Grady Memorial Hospital and many other iconic Atlanta institutions. At its peak, the tornado produced winds in excess of 120 MPH, a strong EF2 tornado.
This event is a good reminder that tornados do not discriminate against urban areas. Further, for those with Georgia Tech interests, the storm was incredibly close to campus. The core of the path was less than a mile due south of Georgia Tech.
Here are a few suggestions to ensure you stay informed about severe weather and other hazards:
1. Ensure you are opted in for GTENS so that you get campus-related alert messages to your phone (https://passport.gatech.edu)
2. Check the local forecast daily at www.weather.gov/atlanta
3. Purchase and use a weather radio. These are invaluable when storms threaten overnight.
4. Share important information with your friends and neighbors.
Take time during National Preparedness Month to visit the Office of Emergency Preparedness website www.emergencypreparedness.gatech.edu for additional information about severe weather and other hazards that affect campus. You can also follow the Emergency Preparedness office on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/GTEmergency) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/GTPDalerts).
