Tornadoes and Hail in Georgia, February 18 to 19, 2009

The public observed penny-sized hail in Chattoogaville and Lyerly.

Several reports of large hail, ranging in size from quarters to golf balls were received from the public across northern Floyd county.

The public spotted a funnel cloud about halfway between Rome and Shannon. Doppler radar indicated a supercell thunderstorm in the area at the this time.

The Fulton County Emergency Management Director reported that a number of trees were blown down in the far northern portion of the county near the Forsyth county line.

The Fulton County Emergency Management Director reported that a few trees and power lines were down near U.S. Highway 29 in the south part of Fulton County in the Fairburn, Union City, and College Park areas.

The Forsyth County Emergency Management Director reported that a few trees were blown down in the Buford Dam area at the southern end of Lake Lanier in the far southeast part of the county. The Forsyth County News reported that the Spondivits restaurant in Cumming had a door ripped off and suffered significant roof damage.

The Weather Channel reported quarter-sized hail southeast of Marietta near Vinings and the Fulton county line. The public reported nickel-sized hail at the Windy Hill Apartments.

The Forsyth County Emergency Management Director relayed a report of a funnel cloud in the Buford Dam area of the far southeast part of the county on the south end of Lake Lanier.

Several reports of large hail were received from the southern half of the county. The public observed golf ball-sized hail in Clem. The Fire Department observed nickel-sized hail in Bowden. The county emergency manager observed penny-sized hail in Carrollton. Finally, a National Weather Service employee observed quarter-sized hail in Whitesburg in the far southeast corner of the county. The Target store at McIntosh Plaza suffered considerable roof damage from the hail, causing leaks and damaging merchandise. The public reported that windshields of vehicles in the area were damaged.

The Carroll County 911 Center relayed reports of funnel clouds and a possible tornado just north of Bowdon near Georgia Highway 100 and Indian Creek Road. Doppler radar indicated a strong circulation in this area and a tornado warning was in effect at the time. However, no damage was observed or reported in this area.

The public observed penny-sized hail in the far southeast corner of Douglas county.

The public reported nickel to golf-ball sized hail across northern DeKalb county from Chamblee to Tucker.

The Taylor County Emergency Management Director reported that an EF0 tornado touched down near the intersection of Tommy Purvis Junior Road and Eubanks Drive in Reynolds and traveled eastward along a three to four mile long path. One home was damaged and a mobile home was moved off its foundation. At least 10 trees were down in the area, including several across one road. A tractor barn was damaged, the roof was blown off an old store, and a double-wide mobile home was damaged. The maximum path width was estimated to be 33 yards (100 feet) with maximum winds estimated to be 70 mph.

A storm spotter observed reported golf ball-sized hail in the eastern part of the county. Location and time were estimated since report and radar data did not match. The public observed nickel-sized hail in western Peach county.

A deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff's office observed larger than golf ball-sized hail in the Lilburn area. The Gwinnett County 911 Center relayed reports of quarter-sized hail near Lilburn. Approximately three miles southwest of Snellville, a trained spotter observed quarter-sized hail. Hail up to three inches in diameter was reported just across the border in Loganville in Walton county as the storm continued moving east-southeast.

The Fulton County Emergency Management Director relayed reports of large hail from extreme southern Fulton county near the Coweta and Fayette county lines. Penny-sized hail was reported in the Chattahoochee Hills area in the far southwest part of the county near the Carroll county line and golf ball-sized hail between Palmetto and Union City near the Fayette county line. The public observed penny-sized hail in the College Park area.

Very large hail was observed in far northeast Coweta county. Numerous reports of large hail were also received from northeast Coweta county. The hail fell from a supercell that tracked across the northeast part of the county from just south of Palmetto, along the Fulton-Coweta county line to just east of Cannongate along the Fayette county line. The large hail storm continued into northern Fayette county as well. The Coweta County Emergency Management County Director reported 4.25 inch diameter hail approximately four miles northeast of Madras near the Fulton county line. Several reports of golf ball-sized hail were received from the public in the Cannongate area. Extensive damage to roofs and windows of homes was reported from the area.

Numerous reports of very large hail were received from the Fayette County Emergency Management Director, the public, and off-duty National Weather Service employees across the northern part of the county from Tyronne, across the Sandy Creek and Lees Mill area, east-southeast toward Fayetteville, and to just east-southeast of Fayetteville. Most of the hail ranged in size from 2.75 to 3.0 inches throughout this area. Extensive damage was observed to the roofs and windows of homes and automobiles along the path of the supercell thunderstorm. The Fayette County Emergency Management Director reported that at least $250,000 in damages along was observed to county school skylights and windows. The public reported extensive damage to the roofs and windows of homes across the northern portion of the county.

Large to very large hail was observed by the public and storm spotters across Walton county from Loganville, to Monroe, to Good Hope. Three inch-diameter hail was reported from Loganville to Bold Spring along the Gwinnett county line, while quarter to golf ball-sized hail was observed from Monroe to east of Good Hope. Golf ball-sized hail was also observed around Between.

The public and an off-duty National Weather Service employee reported very large hail across Clayton county. This was from the same parent thunderstorm that produced the 3.0 to 4.0 inch diameter hail in northeast Coweta and northern Fayette counties. Three-inch diameter hail was observed just southwest of Jonesboro in the Irongate subdivision and golf ball-sized hail fell elsewhere from just south of Jonesboro to Lovejoy.

A storm spotter observed golf ball-sized hail in the eastern part of Peach county. Location was estimated by radar data since reported time and radar reflectivity data did not match.

Several reports of large hail were received from the Henry County Emergency Management Director and the public in a swath across southern Henry county extending from just northwest of Hampton to southeast of Ola. Hail was reported to be the size of quarters near Hampton and quarters to golf balls from southwest of McDonough to southeast of Ola. Nickel sized-hail was reported when the storm first entered the northwest part of the county near Interstate-75 and Jodoco Road.

The official on duty weather observer at Warner Robins Air Force Base reported that a very brief EF0 tornado touched down just off the end of one of the end of the runway and quickly moved into the adjacent woods. No damage was reported or observed.

The Henry County Emergency Management Director reported that a roof was blown off a warehouse in McDonough. A few trees were also down, including one down on a house.

A Haralson County Sheriff's Deputy observed half-dollar-sized-hail in southern Haralson county.

An amateur radio operator observed quarter-sized hail across the northern part of Carroll county.

The Newton County Emergency Management Director relayed reports of golf ball-sized hail from the far south end of the county along Hunter's Trace Road, west through south of Stewart.

A storm survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia, confirmed that an EF3 tornado touched down in extreme western Oconee county, just east of the Apalachee River near the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Tappin Spur Road. The tornado crossed U.S. 441 between county mile marker two and three, then continued on an almost due eastward track across the southern part of the county. The tornado lifted near the intersection of Hale Road and Colham Road, about two miles east-southeast of Salem, just shy of the Greene county line. The tornado path length was approximately five miles long, the maximum path width was estimated to be 1/2 mile, and maximum winds gusts were estimated to be 90 mph. Extensive damage to trees was observed along the path of the tornado. U.S. Highway 441 was completely closed for several hours as it was blocked from downed trees. The most extensive damage to trees occurred within the Georgia Nature Center, where several hundred trees were either blown down, uprooted, or topped along the path of the tornado. A vehicle was overturned on U.S. 441 as the tornado crossed the highway. Several homes along the path of the tornado sustained minor room damage and a mobile home was moved off its foundation. Also, at the Georgia Nature Center, two tent areas were destroyed and several solar panels were damaged.

The Oconee County Emergency Management Director relayed numerous reports of quarter-sized hail across the southern half of Oconee county, generally along and south of a line from North High Shoals, to Bishop, to Farmington, to Salem.

The Butts County Emergency Management Director reported nickel to golf ball-sized hail across northern and northeastern Butts county. Nickel-sized hail was observed near Worthville and golf ball-sized hail further southeast toward the Jasper county line. Half-dollar-sized hail was observed near Lake Jackson.

The public observed half-dollar and slightly larger-sized-hail in the Monticello area. Radar data supported that hail of this size or larger likely fell in a large swath from the northwest to the east central part of the county.

An amateur radio operator reported golf ball-sized hail near Georgia Highway 166.

A storm survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia concluded that the same thunderstorm cell that spawned an EF1 tornado across southern Oconee county produced strong damaging straight-line winds in far northeast Greene county, approximately two miles northeast of Woodville. Twenty-three trees were either uprooted or snapped within an approximately 50-acre wide area of woods.

The Putnam County Emergency Management Director reported golf ball-sized hail in the Eatonton area. Several reports of golf ball-sized hail were received from the southwest to the northeast part of the county. Radar supported that hail of this size likely fell across in a swath from west to east near and just north of Georgia Highway 16.

An aerial and ground survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia in cooperation with the Jasper county Emergency Management Director confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down in far eastern Jasper county, approximately one mile west of Smithboro. The tornado continued on a 3-mile long eastward path parallel to and just south of Georgia Highway 16, lifting just before reaching the Putnam county line. This was one of two EF1 tornadoes to touch down in Jasper county on this date. The same thunderstorm that spawned this tornado continued on to produce yet another EF1 tornado near Eatonton and later an EF3 tornado in Hancock county. Several homes near Georgia Highway 16 were damaged, one in Smithboro sustaining major damage. A saw mill warehouse was destroyed. Many trees and power lines were down along the path of the tornado.

An aerial and ground survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in cooperation with the Putnam County Emergency Management Director confirmed that an EF1 tornado carved an approximate 8-9 mile track across Putnam county very near Georgia Highway 16. The tornado first touched down near Williard, west of Eatonton and continued on an east-southeastward track toward, lifting very near the Hancock county line. Much of the resulting damage occurred near Glenwood Springs Road. A restaurant and two other commercial buildings were completely destroyed on the southwest side of Eatonton. At least one person was injured from debris in this area. A number of trees were either uprooted or snapped along the path of the tornado, along with many downed power lines. U.S. Highway 129, south of Eatonton, was closed for several hours as it was blocked from numerous downed trees and power lines. Several individuals were trapped in their vehicles in this area. The tornado was determined to have a maximum path width of 3/4 mile. Maximum winds gusts within the tornado were estimated to have been 110 mph.

The Rockmart Journal reported that lightning struck an unoccupied historic Victorian structure located at 120 Catherine Street. The interior of the structure was damaged from the resulting fire.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast office in Columbia, South Carolina, confirmed that an EF3 tornado had tracked across far southern Wilkes county causing considerable damage along its path. The tornado continued its east-southeastward track into extreme northeastern McDuffie county. The total tornado path length was 18.6 miles. The tornado initially touched down in the Tyrone community in southwest Washington county. Here a cinder block home was completely destroyed with the cinder block debris blown downstream nearly 1/2 mile. Fifteen other homes along the path of the tornado sustained moderate to major damage from the tornado. Nineteen outbuildings and a commercial chicken house was destroyed. In addition, a steeple was blown off a church and a 2-ton truck was moved 60 feet. The maximum path width was approximately 1/2 mile with maximum winds estimated to be 160 mph.

A police officer reported damage to his vehicle from hail. Hail size and location were estimated based on radar data since specific information was not provided.

The public observed half-dollar-sized hail in the Washington area, especially along U.S. Highway 378 about two miles southeast of Washington.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that an EF1 tornado had touched down in southern Newton county causing extensive damage to some 30 homes in a heavily wooded subdivision just south of High Point. The tornado touched down near the intersection of King Bostwick Road and Channing Cope Road and travelled approximately three miles almost due east to a point approximately 1/2 mile southeast of the intersection of Henderson Mill Road and Taylor Road. Damage to the homes was nearly 100 percent the result of downed trees.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City confirmed that yet a second EF1 tornado touched down in Jasper county, just a little less than an hour before the first one. This tornado tracked across northern Jasper county, touching down approximately nine miles west-northwest of Shady Dale and ending about two miles northwest of Shady Dale. The tornado was estimated to have a maximum path width of 1/4 mile with estimated winds of 100 mph. Damage began along Shepard Road in northwest Jasper county and continued to near Tucker Town Road, two miles northwest of Shady Dale. Major damage was observed to a small cottage in the northeast part of the county, with minor damage observed to five other homes along the path of the tornado. More than 100 trees were down along the path of the tornado. This tornado developed from the same thunderstorm that just prior had spawned a tornado in southern Newton county.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that the EF2 tornado that touched down at 923 Bradberry Road, just inside the Meriwether county line, quickly crossed into Coweta county and continued on an east-northeastward track across far southern Coweta county, crossing into Spalding county approximately four miles east-northeast of Haralson. Within Coweta county the tornado caused minor to moderate damage to several homes. One home completely lost its roof. A horse was killed from flying debris near U.S. Highway 27A. Hundreds of trees were also blown down along the path of the tornado. The tornado tracked almost 16 miles within Coweta county. The maximum path width was estimated to be one mile with maximum winds of 120 mph.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that the EF2 tornado that caused extensive damage across southern Coweta county and into Spalding county initially touched down just inside the Meriwether county line at 923 Bradberry Road. The property at this address straddles the Meriwether/Coweta county line. Damage within Meriwether county was primarily confined to a fence. The tornado was likely less intense within its short distance in Meriwether county than its maximum EF2 rating in Coweta and Spalding counties. The tornado tracked less than 50 feet within Meriwether county. Maximum path width within Meriwether county was less than 100 feet.

The public observed golf ball-sized hail in the Newnan area and nickel-sized hail south of Sharpsburg. Nickel-sized hail was observed around Turin.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that the tornado that initially touched down in Meriwether county, then tracked across southern Coweta county, crossed into Spalding county approximately four miles east-northeast of Haralson or 7 miles west of Zetella. The tornado remain an EF2 as it tracked across southwest and into south central Spalding county, lifting just shy of the Pike county line about five miles west of Rover. Extensive damage was observed along the track of the tornado Four homes were completely destroyed and 40 others sustained minor to moderate damage. Dozens of trees were also down along the path of the tornado. The tornado tracked roughly five miles with southern Spalding county with a maximum path width of one mile and maximum winds of 120 mph.

The Oconee County Emergency Management Director reported penny-sized hail.

The Spalding County Emergency Management Director reported that a person was struck and injured by lightning.

The Taylor County 911 Center reported that several trees were down near Reynolds. One home was damaged from a downed tree.

The Troup County 911 Center reported penny-sized hail.

The Butts County Emergency Management Director reported that nickel-sized hail was observed across the southern half of the county.

A storm survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that an EF3 tornado touched down approximately five miles east-southeast of Sparta, or about three miles east of the intersection of Georgia Highway 15 and 16. The tornado then moved along a nearly eight-mile long path across far southeast Hancock county and continued into extreme southern Warren county and then into extreme northwest Glascock county. The total tornado path length was nearly 11 miles long. The maximum path width was estimated to be 500 yards with maximum winds of 140 mph. A church, two site-built homes, and four mobile homes were completely destroyed in the Hickory Grove Community. One fatality and three injuries occurred where the mobile homes were destroyed. Hundreds of trees were either uprooted or snapped along the path of the tornado.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that the EF3 tornado which originated in Hancock county, continued across extreme southern Warren county and then into extreme northwest Glascock county. The tornado weakened to an EF1 as it crossed into Warren county with a maximum path width of 100 yards. While the total path length of the tornado was nearly 11 miles, just a little over one mile of this path was within Warren county. Since the tornado traveled through an extremely rural part of Warren county, damage was confined to around 100 downed trees.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that the EF3 tornado that first touched down in Hancock county, causing extensive damage in the Hickory Grove Community as well as killing one and injuring three, continued across extreme southern Warren and into extreme northwest Glascock counties before lifting. The tornado remained a weaker EF1 with a maximum path width of 100 yards as it crossed from Warren into Glascock county. The tornado traveled a total distance of nearly 11 miles, but less than two miles within Glascock county. Within Glascock county, the tornado tracked across a very rural area. Thus, damage was confined to around a hundred downed trees.

The public observed penny-sized hail.

The public reported that a number of trees were down in the Macon area. The carport of a home was damaged from fallen trees.

The Wilkinson County 911 Center reported penny-sized hail.

The Toombs County 911 Center reported that three trees were knocked down by thunderstorm winds. One of the trees fell on and brought down a power line.

The public observed penny-sized hail near Lyons. Radar supported that hail of similar size likely fell from south of Lyons near Santa Claus to south of Ohoopee.