The Brief Severe storms caused widespread DeKalb County storm damage, blocking Northern Avenue near I-285 and cutting power during overnight tempests. Severe storms caused extensive damage and flooding across North Georgia, destroying parts of Highway 52 at Hancock Drive in Gilmer County. Severe overnight storms swept across North Georgia on Wednesday, knocking down trees, cutting power and trapping residents while torrential rain led to a road washout in Gilmer County. Torrential rainfall caused a severe road collapse at the intersection of Highway 52 and Hancock Drive. The local water authority successfully repaired the main water line and began turning the system back on.