Storms leave some without electricity

North Georgia Electric Membership Corp. has about 3,000 customers in Gordon County without power because of high winds and heavy storm damage, according to spokeswoman Laura Sparks.

Most of the damage reported is in the Georgia Highway 53 area east of Interstate 75 toward Fairmount, Ga., she said.

Some customers may be out through today because of extensive damage, she said, noting that at least seven power poles were broken and lines were down in a number of locations.

Gordon County reported a couple of homes either heavily damaged or destroyed by straight-line winds, and some minor injuries.

In Adairsville in Bartow County, Ga., the National Weather Service said many trees were down and homes were damaged.

Emergency management officials said numerous trees were down in southern Gilmer County, Ga.

The National Weather Service on Thursday issued a tornado watch for most counties in Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, North Alabama and western North Carolina.

Paul Barys, meteorologist with WRCB-TV Channel 3, said the Chattanooga area can expect slow clearing throughout today.

Forecasts call for highs around 53 today, with lows around 34 and no precipitation. The Christmas weekend will be clear but temperatures will fall, with highs in the high 40s to low 50s and lows at 40 and below.

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