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Wind storm damages Georgia Dome, delays game
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ^ | 3-14-2008 | CHIP TOWERS, MIKE KNOBLER

Posted on 03/14/2008 7:16:18 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo

A wind storm caused several bolts to fall from the rafters of the Georgia Dome on Friday, temporarily delaying a basketball game between Mississippi State and Alabama.

Catwalks were swaying and insulation fell from the roof as fans left their seats and huddled in the concourse looking for safety. Curtains that drape the sides of the Dome blew open.

Scott Wise of Tupelo, Miss. said he was sitting in Section 107, Row 1, which are temporary bleachers courtside, when he was almost hit by the 1/2-inch long bolt.

"A big old blot just fell out of the top," Wise said. "It hit right beside my chair. I had no idea what was going on. I looked up and thought the roof was going to come in."

A washer also landed near press row.

A huge panel on the north side of the Dome was ripped open by the storm.

"It was strange. My initial thought was the Kentucky people were stomping their feet above us," Georgia athletics director Damon Evans said.


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Georgia
KEYWORDS: atlanta; mykalriley; tornado
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I was watching the telecast of the game. Very frightening scene when the rafters started to sway and the crowd started reacting.
1 posted on 03/14/2008 7:16:19 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

“A big old blot just fell out of the top,”
The paper had the mispelled word on their site? (blot).


2 posted on 03/14/2008 7:20:21 PM PDT by Mark (REMEMBER: Mean spirited, angry remarks against my postings won't feed even one hungry child.)
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

I just spoke to my 18 y/o son who is at a conference about a mile from there. He was outside when it started. He said the wind and rain were terrible, with materials (wood, signs, etc) blowing everywhere. People were screaming at others to get off the streets.

He was scared, and he doesn’t scare easily.


3 posted on 03/14/2008 7:21:26 PM PDT by TN4Liberty (Sadly, the grown-ups don't run the GOP.)
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To: Colonel Kangaroo
A washer also landed near press row.

Is he OK?

4 posted on 03/14/2008 7:21:53 PM PDT by eyedigress
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

I was watching, also. It was an amazing sight and sound.


5 posted on 03/14/2008 7:21:59 PM PDT by depressed in 06 (Bolshecrat, the amoral party of what if and whine.)
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

God is just upset that the Gators were knocked out of the tournament.


6 posted on 03/14/2008 7:23:30 PM PDT by dfwgator (11+7+15=3 Heismans)
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To: TN4Liberty

When an 18 year old gets scared, it’s somthing serious.


7 posted on 03/14/2008 7:28:53 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: eyedigress

The dryer cannot be far behind.


8 posted on 03/14/2008 7:31:37 PM PDT by BIV
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To: dfwgator

More like the devil ;) God was just happy M. Riley hit the 3.


9 posted on 03/14/2008 7:33:38 PM PDT by Crimson Elephant
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

The teams are back on the court warming up.

Footage outside the arena shows some significant damage.

Damage also to CNN near the Georgia Dome.


10 posted on 03/14/2008 7:33:40 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: Crimson Elephant
I'm a Tennessee fan, but I've never been so happy to hear the Bama fight song as the Tide ran back on the court to warm up.

After the big scare, it was a stirring moment.

11 posted on 03/14/2008 7:35:49 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: BIV

Ha!


12 posted on 03/14/2008 7:36:58 PM PDT by eyedigress
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

Radar shows another tornadic cell headed right at Atlanta - it may not be over.


13 posted on 03/14/2008 7:40:33 PM PDT by Mr. Jeeves ("Wise men don't need to debate; men who need to debate are not wise." -- Tao Te Ching)
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

it’s now being reported as a tornado


14 posted on 03/14/2008 7:42:33 PM PDT by RDTF (Go AEGIS!)
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To: Mr. Jeeves

They’re starting the game back up, I sure wouldn’t want that building to take another hit while a game is going on.

And after this overtime is over, there’s still another game to follow.


15 posted on 03/14/2008 7:43:26 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

That is a very true statement


16 posted on 03/14/2008 7:44:04 PM PDT by al baby (Hi mom)
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To: RDTF

There was a roar when the wind hit.


17 posted on 03/14/2008 7:46:48 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

“And after this overtime is over, there’s still another game to follow.”

“...another game...” No, it is the KENTUCKY game. Let’s keep our facts straight!! LOL


18 posted on 03/14/2008 8:01:55 PM PDT by miele man (Continually voting against iodine deficient libs for 42 years)
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To: miele man
“...another game...” No, it is the KENTUCKY game. Let’s keep our facts straight!! LOL

LOL

I'm not sure about the Kentucky-Georgia game now. Nobody's come out to warm up and one of the announcers mentioned about the possible second storm on the way.

19 posted on 03/14/2008 8:05:01 PM PDT by Colonel Kangaroo
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To: Colonel Kangaroo

You know, Riley’s three might have saved a life. Without the game going to OT, some of those fans might have been outside.


20 posted on 03/14/2008 8:05:19 PM PDT by Crimson Elephant
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