Alpharetta, Milton Remain Under Tornado Watch Until 7 p.m.

UPDATED, 2:12 p.m.: Students at Milton High School–and likely most schools in Milton, Alpharetta and the rest of North Fulton–were in tornado drill mode this afternoon and had been moved into safe areas within the interior of the building.

"We are not allowed to release students while we are in this mode. Parents who arrive at school before the warning is lifted will be asked to remain in the Front Office," the school administration reported via email alert at 2:08 p.m.

At 1:27 p.m. National Weather Service Doppler Radar continued to indicate a severe thunderstorm with rotation. This storm was located near Mountain Park, moving northeast at 45 mph.

The used its alert system, which sends out text messages and email to subscribers, to let residents know about the tornado warning that expired at 1:45 p.m.

The storm has weakened but is still capable of producing damaging winds up to 60 mph. The tornado threat has diminished.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 7 p.m.

Precautionary/preparedness actions:

• Do not use highway overpasses for shelter. overpasses do not provide protection from tornadic winds. Vehicles stopped under bridges block traffic and prevent people from getting out of the storms path and to shelter.
• If you cannot drive away from the tornado, get out of your vehicle and lie flat in a ditch as a last resort.

If you see wind damage, large hail or significant flooding wait until after the storm has passed and then call The National Weather Service toll free at 1-866-763-4466.