Storms bring down trees, power lines across Atlanta - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

The clean-up is underway after big thunderstorms hit the metro area Thursday night. A lightning strike caused some minor injuries, and many trees were knocked down.

In northeast Atlanta, 92-year-old Cheryl Clopton had enough time to move out of harm's way when a tree fell towards her Hardee Street home.

"All I heard was a big noise, like a tornado. So I moved to the back of my house 'cause I didn't know which way it was coming," said Clopton.

The heavy rains brought problems for drivers, home owners and businesses -- including Fox Brothers Barbeque on DeKalb Avenue. They tweeted a picture of a downed tree in their restaurant.

"It's not good, it's not good. The two dining rooms are going to have to be rebuilt," said Justin Fox.

The tree fell over at dinner time right over customers' tables, but no one was injured.

"Fortunately, they saw it happening and were able to get out before the tree came down," said Fox.

The restaurant will be closed on Friday, according to a Facebook posting.

Along Arkwright Place in southeast Atlanta, a tree narrowly missed homes, instead trapping cars under its branches.

"I didn't know this tree was this big until it came down. It does surprise me, but I'm just glad no one got hurt," said Marchel Baylor.

The winds and rain toppled an old tree on Iverson Street in Candler Park. The tree sliced into two homes. It ripped off the front section of one home and tore off the electric boxes and power lines of the other.

No residents were at either home at the time of the crash and there were no injuries.

In Fayette County, several members of the Mullins family were shocked by lightning. They were all transported to an area hospital and are OK. Officials say no one else was injured during the powerful storms.

Georgia Powers says at the height of the storm, nearly 5,000 people were without power. Officials with the company say power has been restored to those people.