Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Georgia, September 16 to 17, 2004

A damage assessment conducted by the National Weather Service and the Madison County Emergency Management Director concluded that a 7-mile long path, 150-yard wide, F1 tornado with near 100 mph winds was spawned by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ivan causing major damage to several large homes in a country club, along with extensive damage to trees and power lines along its path. The tornado began just south of Georgia Highway 72, just east of Colbert, near the intersection of Walnut Grove Church Road and Kingston Road and continued moving north-northwest around 40 mph, terminating near the Madison County High School on Georgia Highway 98, just west of Danielsville. The most significant damage occurred along the southern part of the storm's path in the Kingston Road Subdivision/Country Club. Here, around five homes sustained major to extensive damage, while approximately another 20 homes sustained minor to moderate damage. In addition, widespread damage to trees and power lines was observed along the path of the tornado. Damage to the windward side of the roofs on several homes was consistent with a tornado circulation.

The Carroll County Emergency Management Director reported severe flooding throughout the county. Rainfall of 6 to 8 inches was common throughout the county during the afternoon hours. At least 30 roads around the county were flooded and closed. Lake Paradise Road was closed indefinitely when flood waters ripped away a large portion of one lane of the road which runs above a creek.

The Coweta County Sheriff's Office reported that heavy rain squalls, associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Ivan, forced the closure of several roads in Newnan with up to one foot of water flowing over several roads. Many roads were under water throughout the county. Rainfall reports from citizens around the county showed rainfall amounts from four to over seven inches during the afternoon hours.

A damage assessment conducted by the National Weather Service and the Madison County Emergency Management Director concluded that a short-lived, F0 tornado, associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, touched down near Paoli at the intersection of New Hope Church Road and Paoli New Towns Road and travelled north-northwest at 40 mph along a one-mile long broken path treminating near Collins Brooks Road. One barn was completely destroyed along the path and several homes sustained minor structural damage. Numerous trees were topped along the path of the tornado.

The Haralson County 911 Center reported that several roads were flooded, especially across the eastern portion of the county.

The Upson County Emergency Management Director reported that a short-lived and weak F0 tornado, associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Ivan, touched down in extreme northeast Upson county near the Lamar county line. The tornado occurred in a rural area and as a result, only a few trees were damaged. There was a convergent pattern evident in the damage consistent with a tornado. Doppler radar also supported a tornadic circulation in this area.

The Douglas County 911 Center reported that flood waters from Sweetwater Creek caused flooding of Mt. Vernon Road. Around one foot of water was flowing over the road in this area.

The Clayton County Emergency Management Director reported that 31 roads were flooded and closed. Some of the roads sustained minor damage as a result. Major flooding occurred at the headwaters of the Flint River and various creeks which lead into the Flint river, all in far northern Clayton county near the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. At least six homes in the Springs Subdivision just south of Jonesboro sustained extensive damage from flood waters. The Tara Mobile Home Park and Edmonson Mobile Home Park were flooded. The county Emergency Management Office had to evacuate 37 people in this area by boat. Some businesses in the area also sustained flood damage. Upper Riverdale Road was flooded with one to two feet of water flowing over the road, blocking an entrance to Southern Regional Hospital.

The Meriwether County 911 Center reported flash flooding throughout the county. Significant flooding was observed along Mill Pond Creek, which became a swift moving river during the afternoon. Several roads had water flowing over them and had to be closed.

The Talbot County 911 Center reported that Georgia Highway 80, leading out of downtown Talbotton, was flooded and closed.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service and the Spalding County Emergency Management Director concluded that a high end F0 tornado affected a small, 1/5-mile long and 50-yard wide path just southeast of the Griffin-Spalding Airport near the intersection of Maddox and Etheridge Roads. Extensive damage to around one dozen large mature pecan trees was observed, along with minor damage to several surrounding trees in a residental neighborhood. Minor roof damage was also noted to several of the homes. Many of the trees were uprooted inward to the path showing convergence and consistent with high end F0 70 mph tornado damage.

Numerous reports of widespread flooding were received from the public as rainfall from 6-10 inches fell across most of the county during the afternoon and evening. Many creeks were flowing several feet out of their banks in Acworth, Smyrna, Powder Springs, Marietta, and other areas in the county. Significant flooding was reported on Indian River Creek and Story Creek, which was five feet out of its banks. Many roads were flooded also, especially U.S. Highway 41 in Marietta where water was up to the bottom of cars. This flooding was a result of moderate flooding on nearby Sope Creek. In Smyrna, a foot of water was flowing across Atlanta Road at Spring Street. A number of roads in the county, especially the northern areas, sustained damage. Some neighborhoods in Smyrna were reported to be almost completely under water with minor damage to a number of homes. Many yards were flooded in Powder Springs, with up to six feet of water in some streets. Sope Creek went above its flood stage of 12 feet at 545 pm EDT, crested at 17.5 feet around 11 pm EDT, and the fell below flood stage at 245 am EDT on September 17th.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency reported that several roads in the county were briefly flooded as 4-5 inches of rain fell across the county during the afternoon and early evening hours. Four residences suffered minor flood damage. A trained spotter for the National Weather Service reported that many of the golf cart paths in Peachtree City were flooded with swift flowing water over the paths. In addition, several creeks and streams in Peachtree City were out of their banks. Furthermore, New Hope Road west of Brandon Mill Circle was flooded and impassable.

A damage assessment conducted by the Wilkes County Emergency Management Director indicated that an F1 tornado, briefly at the high end of the F1 scale, touched down just south of Tignall near Georgia Highway 17 and continued north from six to seven miles along or just west of Georgia Highway 17 to just north of Norman. The path width of the tornado was mostly between 100 and 200 yards, but briefly was up to 500 yards wide between Mallorysville and Georgia Highway 17. The tornado was believed to have been on the ground from 70 to 80 percent of the time along its path. Large trees were uprooted on six single-family dwellings in the Tignall area and several other dwellings were damaged in Norman. All together 23 structures sustained damage from the tornado, ranging from very minor to major. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down, twisted, or uprooted along the path, many causing additional damage to farm fences along the way. A large communications tower was also destroyed. Georgia Highway 17 was blocked in two places along the path by downed trees and three county dirt roads were also blocked along the path. At least 1000 residents in the area lost power and phone service during the event.

The Pike County 911 Center reported that several roads were flooded with up to a foot of water flowing over some of these roads.

The Griffin Daily News reported significant flooding across much of the county. A number of roads were flooded and rendered impassable. Old Atlanta Road was submerged by flood waters at two intersections. The Main Street Players headquarters building in Griffin sustained damage from flooding.

The Rockdale County Emergency Management Director reported minor flooding in the Capri Subdivision near the headwaters of the Yellow River. Several roads were flooded and several homes sustained minor damage as a result.

The Cherokee County Emergency Management Director, as well as many reports from the public, indicated that extensive and widespread flooding was occurring throughout much of Cherokee county as rainfall on the order of 10 inches or more fell throughout the county during the afternoon and early evening hours. Many roads were flooded and closed. Several roads were washed out and rendered impassable. Several homes and businesses were flooded as well. A car was swept 250 yards down an un-named creek flowing under Water Tank Road. The creek rose over 10 feet out of its banks. The creek is usually only about one foot deep. The single occupant of the vehicle was rescued by emergency personnel without injury. In another incident, a Sherrif's Deputy narrowly escaped from her patrol vehicle as it was swept down a swollen stream. She was attempting to set up a road block because of road flooding. She was able to escape through one of the windows and to the safety of a tree. Major flooding was observed on the upper branch of Town Creek in Canton. Several buildings were washed into the road by the creek as it reached its 100-year flood plain extent. Two residents of the county were injured during the flash floods.

Numerous reports were received from the Fulton County Emergency Manager, the media, and the public of extensive flooding across much of the Atlanta metropolitan area, especially the northern part of the county. Widespread flooding of roads, streets, and highways was reported throughout the county, several of which had to be closed. Many homes, businesses, property, and vehicles across the county were flooded during the event. However, major flooding was reported in many areas of the central and northern part of the county, specifically between Interstates 20 and 285. Some areas experienced catastrophic and historical flooding, with some of the worst flooding reported in nearly 100 years. National Weather Service river gages showed that Peachtree Creek and Nancy Creek quickly rose to record flood levels during the late evening hours. Peachtree Creek rose above flood stage of 17 feet at 545 pm EDT, went into record flood stage at 845 pm EDT, and fell below flood stage between 5 and 6 am EDT September 17th. The river crested at 22.7 feet, which is 5.7 feet above flood stage and 1.5 feet above the record flood stage of 21.1 feet, previously reached in 1990. The river gage at Peachtree Creek was washed away during this event. Hundreds of residents along and near Peachtree Creek and to be evacuated, some by boat. At least 50 homes in this area were impacted by the flood waters, many sustaining significant and extensive damage. Record flooding was also observed on Nancy Creek, which rose above its flood stage of 11 feet at 600 pm EDT, reached a record flood stage of 15 feet at 1130 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage around 4 am EDT September 17th. The impact in this area was similar to that near Peachtree Creek with dozens of homes flooded and many residents having to be evacuated. Moderate flooding also occurred on Procter Creek, west of Atlanta. The creek went into flood at 515 pm EDT, crested at 14 feet around 630 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage around 7 pm EDT. Hortense Way at Northwest Place was completely flooded as a result. At least a dozen homes and apartments were also flooded in this area. Several residents lost all of their possessions. The Chattahoochee River also rose to major flood levels within 6 to 12 hours, but this fell more into the category of main stem river flooding instead of flash flooding.

Numerous reports were received from the DeKalb County Emergency Manager, the media, and the public of extensive flooding across much of the Atlanta metropolitan area, especially the northern parts of the county. Widespread flooding of roads, streets, and highways was reported throughout the county, several of which had to be closed. Many homes, businesses, property and vehicles across the county were flooded during this event. Major flooding was reported in many areas of the central and northern parts of the county, specifically between Interstates 20 and 285. Some of these areas experienced catastrophic and historical flooding, with some of the worst flooding observed in nearly 100 years. National Weather Service river gages showed that Peachtree Creek and Nancy Creek quickly rose to record flood levels during the late evening hours. Peachtree Creek rose above its flood stage of 17 feet at 545 pm EDT, then went into record flood stage at 845 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage between 5 and 6 am EDT September 17th. The river crested at 22.7 feet, which is 5.7 feet above flood stage and 1.5 feet above the record flood stage of 21.1 feet, previously reached in 1990. The river gage on Peachtree Creek was washed away during this event. Hundreds of residents along and near Peachtree Creek had to be evacuated, some by boat. Twenty-five to 50 homes and several apartment complexes, including the Peachtree Apartments, were impacted by the flood waters, many sustaining significant and extensive damage. Record flooding was also observed on Nancy Creek, which reached its 11 foot flood stage at 600 pm EDT, reached a record flood stage of 15 feet at 1130 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage around 4 am EDT September 17th. The impact in this area was similar to that near Peachtree Creek, with dozens of homes flooded and many residents having to be evacuated. In Decatur, one home was devastated when the waters of Peavine Creek rose over two feet in the basement of one home. A number of sinkholes were left in the county after the flooding receded, the largest being a 65 by 25 foot sinkhole on Durret Way in Dunwoody.

The Cherokee County Emergency Management Director reported that a brief F1 tornado occurred at the end of a path of extensive damage caused by strong straight-lined winds. The tornado touched down near Georgia Highway 20, also known as Cumming Highway, near the town of White City about 8 miles east of Canton. The tornado continued north to north-northwest, roughly centered along Jack Page Lane, for about 1 mile before lifting. The damage path was determined to be approximately 400 yards wide. Dozens of trees were blown down in this area in a convergent pattern. Four people were injured on Georgia Highway 20 when trees fell on their vehicles during the tornado. North of Georgia Highway 20 and mostly west of Jack Page Lane, six homes suffered extensive damage, mostly from fallen trees.

Heavy rain, on the order of 4-6 inches during the afternoon, caused the roof of a distribution center to collapse and caused a partial roof collapse at an apartment building.

Spotters with the Gwinnett County SkyWarn program reported widespread flooding across much of the county. The most significant flooding was occurring in the Norcross and Grayson areas where water was two feet over the road in places. The Yellow River rose several feet out of its banks. Holcolmb Bridge Road was flooded and closed.

The Forsyth County Emergency Management Director, as well as several reports from the public, indicated that significant flooding was occurring across much of the county. The Etowah River rose to 15 feet, five feet above its 10 foot flood stage. This caused minor damage to Old Federal and Nicholson Roads. In addition, a portion of Cambridge Hills Drive was washed out. Wildcat Creek just northeast of Chestatee rose well out of its banks with reported rainfall in the area of 5 inches per hour. Three residents of the county had to be rescued from their vehicles by county emergency crews in rising flood waters. The telephone company lost a distribution box that was inundated by flood waters causing an estimated $100,000 in damage. Near major flooding occurred along Big Creek from Cumming southwest to the Fulton county line. Big Creek crested at 12 feet, which is five feet above its flood stage of seven feet. The public reported that several homes in Cumming suffered minor damage from flooding.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency, along with local newspapers, reported extensive and widespread flooding across White county. A six-year old girl, was swept away in flood waters, while outside in the front yard of her mobile home. The mobile home park was flooded by the waters from a nearby small stream. In unrelated incidents, three other residents had to be rescued from high water elsewhere in the county. Several roads were washed out. A 20-foot portion of Black Road was washed away by flood waters. The Chattahoochee River in Helen also rose above its flood stage of 6 feet and crested near 7 feet around 1130 pm EDT. The Castle Inn of Helen experienced flooding up to the patio level, which affects the basement area of the facility.

The Catoosa County News of Ringgold reported that major flooding was observed across the county in association with the heavy rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan. At least 18 roads were closed because of flooding and several evacuations from high water were required, even a few by boat. Chickamauga Creek rose well above its flood stage, causing flooding of nearby property. In addition, at least five intersections in Ringgold were completely submerged by flood waters.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency reported that significant flooding was reported across many areas of Dawson County. Four mobile homes were flooded, two bridges were breached because of flood waters, six culverts were washed away or damaged, and one dam was breached. Several roads throughout the county were flooded and closed as well.

The Gilmer County Emergency Manager, along with local newspapers and the public, reported extensive, and widespread to catastrophic flooding throughout much of the county. More than a foot of rain fell in parts of Gilmer county in association with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan during a six to eight hour period in the afternoon and evening hours of September 16th. Ten to 12 inches of rain was common across the county. Catastrophic flooding was reported along the Cartecay River, which in some areas exceeded the 500-year flood plain level. Several homes and vehicles were washed away when the river reached these levels. Major flooding was also reported on the Coosawattee River and Cox Creek as well. Several homes and vehicles along the banks of the Coosawattee River were also washed away. The Coosawattee River crested at 17.3 feet around midnight on the 17th, which is several feet above bankfull. All together across the county, 35 homes were flooded or destroyed, 12 to 18 mobile homes in the Maple Village Mobile Home Park were either destroyed or washed away by flooding, at least five recreational vehicles and several other vehicles were swept away by flood waters. Fourteen families in the county lost everything to the floods. Roads and bridges also suffered significant structural damage. Three bridges were washed away or suffered major damage, including Clear Creek Bridge which collapsed. A 25 foot section of the driveway leading from Georgia Highway 282 to the Courier Dye plant was washed away. Other buildings and locales suffered damage from the extensive flooding, including the Ellijay Lions Building, a Civil War Memorial, and another Veterans Memorial.

The Dahlonega Nugget reported that significant flooding was observed throughout the county causing damage to roads and other property. The most significant flooding occurred along the Chestatee River, which exceeded its banks by several feet and flooded Georgia Highway 52. A portion of Nimblewill Church Road and Sheep Wallow Road were washed out. Three other roads had to be closed because of flooding.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Pickens County Progress of Jasper reported that flash flooding was widespread and extensive across the county. Several roads were washed out from flash flooding, including portions of Georgia Highway 136. Numerous other roads in the county were flooded and closed as well. Whole sections of pipeline along some roads were washed out, including about 100 feet of a water line. Around 12 bridges and culverts in the county were damaged from flood waters and had to be inspected. The public also reported significant flooding in many areas of the county as well.

The Georgia Emergency Mangement Agency, and local newspapers, reported significant flooding across much of the county as anywhere from five to nine inches of rain fell during the afternoon and evening hours. Several roads were blocked from flooding and/or mudslides. Three bridges were washed out. Flash flooding forced the rescues of seven people and three animals from their homes in the Twin Pond and Pegasus Landing areas.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency, along with local newspaper, reported major and extensive flooding throughout the county. The Hiawassee River flooded the Enchanted Valley Resort. Many residents in the area had water up to the doors of their homes. At least ten roads and ten bridges in the county were washed out by flood waters.

The Daily News Tribune of Cartersville reported minor to moderate flooding around the county. There were isolated reports of road flooding. Small stream flooding was the most flood-related problem in the county. Two mobile homes suffered damage from flooding and one bridge was damaged by flood waters. Many docks, campgrounds, beaches, and boat ramps at Lake Allatoona were flooded.

A National Weather Service SkyWarn spotter and cooperative observer, along with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, reported considerable flooding throughout the county. A number of creeks exceeded bank full and several roads were flooded. Several cars were abandoned in high water. A few roads were washed out, most notably Old Tilton Road which was completely washed out and expected to remain closed for at least two weeks.

The Banks County News of Homer reported significant flash flooding throughout the county, which flooded streets and bridges and washed out several roads. At least one mudslide was also reported. A five-foot cross section of a road along Wofford Creek was washed out and parts of the Banks County Recreation Park were completely under water.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency and a storm spotter reported significant flooding across the county. Several roads were washed out, one bridge was damaged, and several mudslides were reported. Doublehead Gap Road was damaged when the Noontootla Creek flooded. Flooding also caused damage to some recreational vehicles in the Mineral Springs RV Park.

The Chatsworth Times reported some flooding in various areas throughout the county. A 100-yard stretch of Carlton Petty Road was washed out and a four-foot culvert of McGill Road near Rock Creek Road was washed out. Several other minor road erosions were observed throughout the county.

The Summerville News reported that several county roads were submerged by flood waters. Water nearly a foot deep was reported on Reynolds Drive and several yards had up to a foot of water in them. Significant flooding was also reported along the Chattooga River and adjacent areas were flooded.

The Dade County Sentinel and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency reported extensive and widespread flooding across the county. Fifteen to 20 residences from Rising Fawn to Lookout Mountain had to be evacuated because of flood waters, mostly from Lookout Creek and its tributaries. Several homes and business around the county suffered damage from flooding. Thirty-three roads were flooded around the county, several of which were either damaged or washed out. In addition, a bridge on Holder Loop Road was damaged from flood waters and had to be closed.

The Walker County Messenger and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency reported extensive and widespread flooding across much of the county. Several homes in Rossville were flooded and several homes in the Rock Creek Community in the north part of the county had to be evacuated because of flood waters. Several propane tanks were observed to be floating in flood waters. All together, 37 roads in the county were flooded and rendered impassable. Several vehicles were abandoned on streets and left submerged in the flood waters.

The Clayton County Emergency Manager reported major flooding occurred at the headwaters of the Flint River and various creeks which lead into the Flint river, all in far northern Clayton county near the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. At least six homes in the Springs Subdivision just south of Jonesboro sustained extensive damage from flood waters. Over a dozen homes sustained major damage along the Roxbury Drive. In addition, The Tara Mobile Home Park and Edmonson Mobile Home Parks were flooded. Several businesses along Upper Riverdale and Arrowhead Boulevard were flooded and sustained significant damage. The County Emergency Management Office had to evacuate 37 people by boat in the area between Georgia Highway 138 and Upper Riverdale Road. Upper Riverdale Road was flooded with one to two feet of water flowing over the road, blocking an entrance to Southern Regional Hospital. In the southern end of the county, River's Edge Golf Course sustained significant damage from flood waters and several homes were flooded near Harbour Town Road and Place.