Acworth Spared Extensive Storm Damage

Update 5:30 p.m.

Chief Michael Wilkie of the reports that Acworth escaped the worst of the storm's effects. In an e-mail to Acworth Patch, Wilkie says about storm damage, "None here, thankfully."

Update 5:00 p.m.

WSB-TV reports that 8,600 people are currently without power.

Update 4:45 p.m.

Another heavy storm is heading towards Acworth from the southeast, according to the weather map at WSB-TV.

Update 4:35 p.m.

Lt. Jay Baker with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office speaking on WSB-TV reports that Acworth was "hit hard" by the tornado, which did touch down and travel the length of the county.

Update 3:55 p.m.

According to WSB-TV, the storm will soon leave Lake Allatoona and is tracking towards Waleska, with a second storm progressing to Pickens and Cherokee counties.

Update 3:45 p.m.

The storm will arrive at Lake Allatoona in five minutes. The worst of the storm has passed through Acworth.

Update 3:40 p.m.

The storm has arrived in Acworth. If you have not done so, seek shelter immediately.

Update 3:37 p.m.

According to WSB-TV, a possible tornado traveling at 35 mph is currently 1 mile southwest of Acworth. The storm is 5 miles wide and has a wind shear of 80.55 mph.

Update 3:35 p.m.

According to WSB-TV, a storm cell with a wind shear of 46 mph is currently 5 miles southwest of Acworth.

Update 3:30 p.m.

A new tornado warning is in effect for Acworth until 3:56 p.m., the National Weather Service says. 

Original Report Below

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch and warning for Cobb County, including Acworth.

The warning expired at 3:12 p.m. The watch runs through 8 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, a tornado was spotted in the vicinity of Powder Springs, west-southwest of Kennesaw. The tornado was traveling northeast at 30 mph.

Other locations in the warning included Sandy Plains and Sweat Mountain.

WSB-TV reported confirmed sightings of a tornado near Kennesaw State University and in Towne Lake in Cherokee County. The storm was tracking toward Holly Springs, Canton and Ball Ground.

“Tropical environments like we have today can produce tornadoes that develop rapidly and give little time for warning,” says the severe weather statement. “Such tornadoes also form with little or no lightning activity. Take precautions now to respond quickly in the event a warning is issued or a tornado is spotted in your area.”

These storms are a result of what was Tropical Storm Lee. Chances of rain will remain above 50 percent until Wednesday.