Schools all across metro Atlanta prepared their students for the worst as that severe weather system rolled in.
What is usually a drill became the real thing on Wednesday as sirens went off and tornado warnings went into effect at the Atlanta Academy.
Inside staff and administrators monitored the weather reports and did everything they could to keep their students safe.
Principal Angela Naples made the decision to dismiss school early. She contacted parents by phone, text, email and Facebook.
"And then now I need to go and get the children in a secure place because the alarms are going off. So, we're gonna go now and get safe," said Naples.
What had been a typical day for Phillis McKenzie's kindergarten class, became something more once the sirens off. Teachers answered pointed questions about the storm.
Parents said they were pleased with how quickly they were notified about the storm.
"They called my daughter, they called my son-in-law and they called me. I'm the grandparent. So, they called all three of us. So, I feel good about the notification," said Ronald McGee.
The Atlanta Academy only has about 250 students. The school relies on the support of its staff and parent volunteers in situations like Wednesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
