Moderate Risk Georgia  ·  Tornado / Severe Storm

DeKalb County GA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

5/ 10
Threat Score
Population
779,592
Area
271
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Tornado / Severe Storm
FEMA Disasters
26
federally declared

DeKalb County in metro Atlanta faces moderate disaster risk from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. A January 2023 tornado caused significant damage in the Penelope Neighbors and other suburban communities. Flash flooding in South Fork Peachtree Creek and other tributaries affects low-lying neighborhoods during heavy rainfall events.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
  • Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
  • Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
  • Prepare for sudden power outages.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 5 / 10    Moderate Risk
Primary Hazard Tornado / Severe Storm
Secondary Hazard Flash Flooding
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Low-Moderate Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 26
Last Major Event Tornado (January 2023)
Event Frequency Major event every 6–8 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (404) 371-2000
Emergency Shelters 28 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-20 East, I-285 East, US-78 East, GA-10

// County Profile

County DeKalb County GA
State Georgia (GA)
Population 779,592
Area 271 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Low-Moderate Risk)

// Major Cities

Stonecrest GA

// Cities in This County

// Other Georgia Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🏥
CDC Centers for Disease Control Atlanta GA
Major Hospital  ·  Atlanta, GA  ·  US Department of Health and Human Services  ·  2-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
Colonial Pipeline System GA/TX
Power Plant  ·  Pelham, AL  ·  Colonial Pipeline Company  ·  50-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🏟
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport GA
Stadium / Arena  ·  Atlanta, GA  ·  City of Atlanta / Delta Air Lines Hub  ·  25-mi risk zone
8/10 High
🌊
Hartwell Dam SC/GA
Major Dam  ·  Hartwell  ·  US Army Corps of Engineers  ·  100-mi risk zone
7/10 High
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta GA
Power Plant  ·  Atlanta, GA  ·  Federal Reserve System  ·  25-mi risk zone
7/10 High
🏥
Emory University Hospital GA
Major Hospital  ·  Atlanta, GA  ·  Emory Healthcare  ·  5-mi risk zone
7/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.