Tornadoes and Hail in Georgia, April 4 to 5, 2011

The Dade County 911 Center reported that approximately six trees were down across the northern part of the county. At least one tree was down in the New Home Community and another was down in Murphy Hollow.

The Walker County 911 Center reported that nearly a dozen trees and almost as many power lines were down across the northern part of the county near the Tennessee line, but mainly in the Rossville area. Power outages were noted in the Rossville area, where at least 200 people were without power during the peak of the event.

The Catoosa County 911 Center reported that four to five trees were down across the northern part of the county, but especially in the Fort Oglethorpe area.

The Walker County 911 Center reported that a second line of severe thunderstorms tracked across the southern part of the county producing wind damage once again. This time, at least six trees and two power lines were down near LaFayette.

The Chattooga County 911 Center reported that at least three trees were down across the county, one of which was down on a power line in Trion on 11th Street.

The Whitfield County 911 Center reported that several, probably at least a dozen, trees and power lines were down across the northern end of the county between Cohutta and Beaverdale.

The Floyd County Emergency Management Director reported extensive and widespread damage to trees, power lines, and property across Floyd county as a line of severe thunderstorms tracked from northwest to southeast across the county. Hundreds of trees were down across the county, many of which fell on power lines. Dozens of homes and other structures were also damaged by the downed trees. At least five house fires were the result of downed trees and power lines. Many roads across the county were blocked throughout the night from numerous downed trees.

An amateur radio operator relayed a report of baseball-sized hail between Resaca and Nickelsville. As the storm first intensified to the west near Resaca, it initially produced penny-sized hail.

The Gordon County 911 Center reported that a number of trees and several power lines were down from Nickelsville to just southeast of Calhoun. The worst damage appeared to be around Nickelsville near the Murray county line where over a dozen trees were down and several power lines. Further south, at least two power poles were down near the intersection of Interstate-75 and Georgia Highway 53 just east of Calhoun. The public reported that awnings of a home were damaged from high winds in Calhoun.

The Whitfield County 911 Center relayed several reports of penny to quarter-sized hail from the Dalton area.

The Murray County 911 Center reported that more than six trees were down across the southern end of the county, generally south of a line from the North Georgia Speedway to Ramhurst and toward Carters Lake.

The Polk County 911 Center reported that several trees and power lines were down across the county, but especially around Cedartown.

The Fannin County 911 Center reported widespread damage to trees and power lines throughout the county from destructive thunderstorm wind gusts. Over 40 trees were estimated to be down across the county with at least a dozen power lines down. A chicken house approximately four miles east-southeast of Morganton suffered heavy damage.

The Bartow County 911 Center reported that several trees and power lines were down, mainly across the northern part of the county near Adairsville.

The Gilmer County 911 Center reported that a number of trees and several power lines were down throughout the county, even outside the two areas in the west central part of the county affected by tornadoes.

A survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia in conjunction with the Gilmer County Emergency Management Director confirmed that a brief EF1 tornado, sandwiched between two microbursts, had touched down in west central Gilmer county approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Tails Creek or just northeast of Carters Lake and traveled east-northeast 2.6 miles before lifting. The maximum path width was determined to be 1/2 mile wide with maximum winds estimated to be 100 mph. Hundreds of trees were either blown down, uprooted, or snapped along the path of the tornado as it traveled through the Rose Garden subdivision. Approximately 100 homes in this area sustained at least minor damage as large trees fell on the structures. Several sustained major damage. There were reports from Atlanta television media that several people were trapped in their homes during this event, but this information was not confirmed. No injuries or fatalities were reported from this event.

[04/04-04/05/11: Tornado #1, County #1-1, EF1, Gilmer, 2011:003].

The Pickens County 911 Center reported that over a dozen trees and a number of power lines were down across the county. The most concentrated damage appeared to be in and around Jasper.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia in conjunction with the Gilmer County Emergency Management Director confirmed that a second EF0 tornado, again in combination with two brief microbursts, touched down approximately two miles north-northeast of Tails Creek almost simultaneously with the EF1 tornado that touched down southeast of Tails Creek. This tornado also had a path width of 1/2 mile with maximum winds estimated to be 80 mph. This EF0 tornado tracked 1.9 miles east-northeast before lifting. Again, several hundred trees were either blown over, uprooted, or snapped along the path of the tornado. The event likely consisted of two brief tornado segments either side of a longer lasting microburst. Six chicken houses were either destroyed or heavily damaged. A horse stable was also destroyed. Three outbuildings were also heavily damaged. No damage to homes was observed from this tornado.

[04/04-04/05/11: Tornado #2, County #1-1, EF0, Gilmer, 2011:004].

The Floyd County Emergency Management Director reported that a home in Rome was struck by lightning. Specific details regarding damages were not provided.

The Union County Emergency Management Director reported that hundreds of trees and dozens of power lines were down throughout the county. Four homes sustained minor to moderate damage from downed trees. Fifty-four roads were closed, at least temporarily, from downed trees. Much of the county was left without power for many hours. The public reported that at least nine trees were down in the far western part of the county near the Fannin county line at a private residence. Two of the trees fell on the home resulting in major damage to the structure.

The public observed quarter-sized hail between Ivy Log and Blairsville.

The Lumpkin County 911 Center reported that three to four trees were down across the county, including a couple which were down on roads in Dahlonega.

The Bartow County 911 Center reported that several trees and power lines were also down in the southern part of the county, especially around Euharlee as the southern part of the line of severe thunderstorms moved across that part of the county.

The Towns County 911 Center reported that many trees and several power lines were down across the county.

The Union County Emergency Management Director reported that there were two lightning-related structural fires in the county. No specific details regarding damages were provided.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that extensive damage to trees and minor damage to structures along Georgia Highway 5 near Whitesburg in the southeast corner of Carroll county was the result of straight line thunderstorm winds and not a tornado. Hundreds of trees were flattened along a five mile long path beginning near the intersection of Georgia Highway 5 and Reese Road traveling northeast to near the intersection of Georgia Highway 5 and Ringer Road. Minor roof damage was noted to a few homes along the westernmost portion of the path. Two trees were also down just north of Carrollton from a separate part of the line of thunderstorms. The damage near Whitesburg appeared to be the result of a localized downburst along the line of severe thunderstorms or QLCS.

The public observed quarter-sized hail in Young Harris. WSR-88D radar data suggests that penny to quarter-size hail likely continued eastward across the county toward Titus.

The Haralson County 911 Center reported that three trees were down, one in Buchanan, one tree just north of Buchanan, and one in Bremen. Pea-sized hail was also observed near Bremen.

The Paulding County 911 Center and amateur radio operators reported that dozens of trees and a number of power lines were down across the county. Some of the worst damage was noted along Buchanan Highway west of Dallas and toward Burnt Hickory Ridge north of Dallas. Amateur radio operators reported that the roof was blown off the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Hiram.

The White County 911 Center reported that at least a half-a-dozen trees were down across the county, mainly around Cleveland.

The Cobb County 911 Center reported that several trees and power lines were down in the northwest part of the county near Kennesaw.

The Carroll County 911 Center reported penny-sized hail near Villa Rica. WSR-88D suggested that similar-sized hail likely fell from the Haralson county line, just north of Abilene to Villa Rica.

The public observed golf ball-sized hail in the McClendon Creek subdivision. The only area of the county where WSR-88D radar data suggested that hail of this size would have occurred was near Browning in the far southeast part of the county.

The Douglas County Emergency Management Director reported quarter-sized hail around Douglasville. WSR-88D radar data suggests that quarter-sized hail likely fell across much of northern Douglas county from just northwest of Douglasville to Sweetwater Creek State Park.

The public reported that a tree was down on a houe and a vehicle in Chapel Hill. The Douglas County 911 Center reported that another tree was down on a power line in Douglasville.

The Cobb County 911 Center reported that a second area of thunderstorm wind damage was observed in the southern part of the county. Several trees and power lines were down from Austell to Mableton and eastward toward the Fulton county line.

Amateur radio operators relayed several reports of quarter-sized hail from Austell to Smyrna.

The Fulton County Emergency Management Director reported that several trees and power lines were down across the south end of the county from Palmetto to College Park, but a number of trees were down across the central and northern part of the county as well. Trees were down on Old National Highway/Georgia Highway 279 and also Flat Shoals Road. Several large trees also fell across the Georgia Tech campus, just north of downtown Atlanta. One large downed tree caused significant damage to two dormitories and resulted in the displacement of 32 residents. The public reported that trees and power lines were down in the central and northern part of the county in the Midtown area of Atlanta. While not occurring during this actual event, a tree, weakened by the strong winds of these thunderstorms, fell on a 22-year old male in north Atlanta at 815 am EDT the next morning. Widespread power outages were also reported throughout Atlanta and much of Fulton county following this event.

The public reported that several trees and power lines were down throughout the county. However, damage was concentrated mainly in the southeast part of the county. Several roads were blocked by downed trees, including Oak Grove Road, Smokey Road, Briley Road, Hamilton Road, and Stovall Road in the southeast part of the county as well as Mountville-Hogansville Road and Mooty Bridge Road in the northeast part of the county.

The public observed quarter-sized hail, possibly larger, in the far southeast corner of the county near Corinth.

The Coweta County 911 Center reported widespread tree and power line damage throughout the county. Several dozen trees were down across the county, as well as many power lines.

The public observed golf ball-sized hail approximately five miles southwest of Palmetto near Cannongate near the intersection of Georgia Highway 54 and U.S. Highway 29.

The Banks County Emergency Management Director reported that more than a dozen trees were down across the county, including three on Interstate-85 near Banks Crossing. Nearly the entire county was left without power following the damaging thunderstorm winds.

Numerous reports of thunderstorm wind damage were received from the Gwinnett County 911 Center, amateur radio operators, and the public across the entire county. At least two reports of wind gusts near 58 mph were also received. Wind damage was widespread with dozens of trees and power lines down throughout the county from Norcross to Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Dacula, and Grayson. Less damage was noted in the northern part of the county. The most significant damage appeared to be in the Lilburn area, where several homes suffered structural damage from downed trees.

The Jackson County 911 Center reported that dozens of trees were down across the county. The public reported that a sign at the Nicholson Baptist Church was destroyed by the strong winds.

The Harris County 911 Center reported that nearly two dozen trees were down across the county. Most of the damage appeared to be concentrated in the West Point Lake and Cataula areas. In Cataula, the public reported minor damage to their home when three trees came down in their yard. One of the trees took out the electric line to the property.

The Fayette County 911 Center reported that over two dozen trees were down across the north end of the county, especially in the Sandy Creek, Kenwood, and west Fayetteville areas. Trees were down on along Georgia Highway 92 near the Fulton County line, on Sandy Creek Road, Gingercake Lane, and Kenwood Road. The Fayette County Emergency Management Director reported that a suspected microburst caused caused damage to the roof of Fire Station No. 3 in Tyrone.

The Clayton County Emergency Management Director reported that several trees and power lines were down across the county, but mostly in the Jonesboro and northeast part of the county.

The Merwiether County Emergency Management Director reported widespread thunderstorm wind damage across the county. Dozens of trees and power lines were down across the county. A total of four homes were damaged in the county. Two mobile homes in Greenville were completely moved off their foundations. One of the homes was destroyed, while the other was heavily damaged. No evidence of a tornado was found. The sun room of another home was damaged from a downed tree. The two other homes sustained minor damage. Ten roads across the county were closed from downed trees and power lines.

The public observed quarter to possibly larger-sized hail.

The Barrow County Emergency Management Director reported dozens of trees and power lines down throughout the county, with the worst damage in the Auburn and Winder areas. Two homes in Winder sustained significant damage from downed trees. The Barrow County Administrative Building suffered minor to moderate wind damage. The County Health Building was closed because of this damage. Georgia Highway 11 was closed between Pumpkin Junction and Watson Road as a result of numerous downed trees and power lines affecting the roadway. Wind gusts of 58 mph were measured both by the public and an amateur radio operator in Auburn.

The Muscogee County 911 Center reported that more than six trees and at least one power line were down, mainly across the southern part of Columbus. One home in the south part of Columbus sustained damage from a downed tree.

The Madison County 911 Center reported that more than a dozen trees and power lines were down across the county, but especially the northern half.

The Henry County Emergency Management Director reported significant and widespread damage across the county from downed trees. Fourteen homes across the county were damaged from downed trees. At one of the affected homes, a person was trapped and injured. The person was later extricated and taken to a local medical facility. Seventy-five roads across the county were impacted by downed trees and power lines, including Interstate-75 near mile marker 216.

Reports from the public and the Newton County 911 Center indicated that between five and six dozen trees were down in the western part of the county near the Rockdale county line. A number of power lines were also down in this area as well. Many trees and power lines were down in other parts of the county as well. One mobile home sustained damage from a downed tree. Up to 15 roads were closed as a result of downed trees and power lines.

An amateur radio operator relayed a report that several large pine trees were down in the Concord area in the west central part of the county.

The public observed golf ball-sized hail near Hampton. WSR-88D radar data suggests that golf ball-sized hail was more likely observed near Luella and Locust Grove, with quarter-sized hail near Hampton.

The Walton County 911 Center reported that nearly two dozen trees were down across the county.

The Spalding County Emergency Management Director reported extensive damage to trees and power lines throughout the county. Several homes were damaged from downed trees.

The Upson County Emergency Management Director reported that dozens of trees and power lines were down throughout the county. Power outages were widespread. Four structures in the county suffered minor damage from either downed trees and/or wind damage. Georgia Highway 36 was blocked at the railroad track because of a large tree down across the track.

The Stewart County Sheriff's Office reported that about a dozen trees were down across the county, including two at Florence Marina State Park, several near the county high school on Green Grove Road in Lumpkin, and at least one near Richland. A cable line was also down in Richland as a result of downed trees and/or wind.

The Henry County Emergency Management Director reported that two homes in the county sustained minor damage from lightning-related fires.

The Oconee County 911 Center reported that more than a dozen trees were down across the county.

The Butts County Emergency Management Director reported that over 100 trees were down across the entire county. One large tree fell on a home on Seventh Street in Jackson killing a 34-year old man along with his 4-year old son. In addition to the widespread tree damage, the side of an outbuilding near Stark suffered significant damage when one side was blown away.

The Walton County Emergency Management Director reported that a single-family home was completely destroyed as a result of a lightning-related fire.

The Marion County 911 Center reported extensive and widespread damage to trees and power lines across the county. Several homes and business sustained minor to moderate damage from downed trees on the structures, especially within the city of Buena Vista. Over 12 roads were closed as a result of downed trees and power lines.

The Monroe County Emergency Management Director reported that dozens of trees and several power lines were down throughout the county. Considerable damage was noted in High Falls State Park in the northwest corner of the county and within the city of Forsyth. A motorist was trapped in their vehicle in Forsyth at Georgia Highway 42 and Sharp Street when a large tree fell on the vehicle. The roof was blown off a home three miles south of High Falls State Park. Three other homes in the county suffered minor damage.

The Jasper County 911 Center relayed reports of penny-sized hail near Monticello. WSR-88D radar data suggests that similar, possibly larger hail, fell near Turtle Cove and the Butts county line.

The Jasper County 911 Center reported that more than six trees were down across the county. Some of the trees were blocking roadways.

The Taylor County Emergency Management Director reported extensive and widespread damage across the county from hundreds of downed trees and dozens of downed power lines. Up to 30 homes in the county sustained minor to moderate damage, with one home sustaining major damage. In addition, five businesses were damaged. Damage was particularly severe in the Reynolds area. Parts of Taylor county, including the city of Reynolds, were declared in a local state of emergency as a result of the widespread damage.

The Morgan County Emergency Management Director reported that thunderstorm winds had caused extensive damage throughout the county. A storm spotter reported that anywhere from 60 to 80 trees were down across the county. At least five homes in the Madison area were damaged as a result of downed trees. A family was trapped in one of these damaged homes, but was removed safely and without injury. In addition, the roof was blown off a home in Buckhead.

The Oglethorpe County 911 Center reported that several dozen trees were down throughout the county.

The Webster County 911 Center reported that over half-a-dozen trees were down across the county.

The Crawford County Emergency Management Director reported that wind damage was widespread across the county. Dozens of trees and power lines were down across the county. Amateur radio operators reported that at least two dozen large trees were down just along U.S. Highway 80 east of Roberta. Four homes sustained major damage from downed trees. A fourth of the roof of the Crawford County Middle School sustained significant damage from wind. Power outages were widespread across the county.

The Schley County Sheriff's Office reported widespread downed trees and several power lines across the county. At least a dozen trees were down across the county. Three structures sustained damage from downed trees.

The Greene County Emergency Management Director reported that dozens of trees were down throughout the county. The Greshamville community in the western part of the county experienced the most damage. Trees were down on Georgia Highway 15 near Greensboro as well. Property damage across the county consistent of damage to a hanger at the Greene county airport, an EMS unit, and a high pressure natural gas main line.

The Putnam County 911 Center reported that at least half-a-dozen trees were down across the county, probably more.

The Macon County 911 Center reported that at least 10 trees were down across the county.

The Sumter County Emergency Management Director reported that approximately two dozen trees were down across the county. At least 10 trees were down in Americus and nearly a dozen trees were down in the western end of the county near Plains.

The Jones County Sheriff's Office reported that several trees and power lines were down across the county. Five homes in the county sustained minor to moderate damage from downed trees. Two roads were closed from downed trees and power lines.

The Macon ASOS in southern Bibb County at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport recorded a wind gust of 65 mph at 137 am EDT. The Bibb County Emergency Management Director reported that wind damage across the county was widespread. Dozens of trees and power lines were down countywide, even outside the small area affected by the EF1 tornado, just southwest of Skipperton. Seven roads across the county were closed as a result of downed trees and power lines. Several homes sustained minor damage as a result of downed trees. Heard Elementary school sustained significant roof damage, on the order of $12,000.

The Peach County 911 Center reported that at least a half-a-dozen trees and power lines were down across the county. Power lines and trees were down in Byron and Fort Valley.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that a brief EF1 tornado had touched down in southern Bibb county, approximately two miles southwest of Skipperton. The tornado path length was approximately 1.1 miles long, maximum path width was 50 yards, and maximum wind speeds were estimated to be 105 mph. The tornado touched down near the intersection of Sardis Church Road and Goodall Mill Road and tracked northeast 1.1 miles before lifting just east of the 6900 block of Andalusia Drive. Around 100 trees were either blown over, uprooted, or snapped along the path of the tornado. Nine homes suffered minor to moderate damage from downed trees and/or the tornadic winds. One of the homes sustained significant damage when the wind blew out the garage and caused the entire home to shift off its foundation. No fatalities or injuries were reported in conjunction with this tornado.

[04/04-04/05/11: Tornado #3, County #1-1, EF1, Bibb, 2011:005].

The Houston County Emergency Management Director reported that a number of trees and power lines were down across the northern part of the county from Centerville to Warner Robins. Near Warner Robins, a number of trees were down on cars and homes causing minor to moderate damage. Trees were also down around Centerville, with amateur radio operators reporting that Crestwood Drive at Crestwood Circle was blocked in Centerville by a large downed tree.

The Twiggs County Emergency Management Director and the 911 Center reported that dozens of trees and power lines were down from Dry Branch to Jeffersonville, with a few other trees and power lines down in other parts of the county as well. The hardest hit areas were in Dry Branch and Jeffersonville. In Dry Branch, multiple trees were down on Georgia Kaoline Road. One large tree was down on a home in Dry Branch with people trapped inside the structure. In Jeffersonville, more than a dozen trees were down just within the city limits.

The Dooly County 911 Center reported that more than a dozen trees were down across the county. Scattered power outages were noted.

The Hancock County Emergency Management Director reported that dozens of trees were down across the county, including several on homes. Several people were trapped in homes from downed trees, but no injuries were reported.

The Wilkinson County 911 Center reported widespread tree damage across the entire county. Dozens of trees were down throughout the county.

The Crisp County Emergency Management Director reported that dozens of trees and power lines were down across the county.

The Warren County 911 Center reported that dozens of trees and power lines were down throughout the county. Five homes in the county sustained minor damage from downed trees.

The Washington County 911 Center reported widespread damage to trees and power lines throughout the county. Several dozen trees and power lines were down across the county.

The Bleckley County Emergency Management Director reported that several trees and power lines were down across the county. One road was closed as a major power transmission line was down across the road.

The Pulaski County Emergency Management Director reported that up to 30 trees were down across the county. A number of power lines were down as well. Several roads were blocked at the height of the storm and Wood Street in Hawkinsville remained blocked from downed trees into the next day. One mobile home was destroyed by a downed tree and two other homes sustained minor to moderate damage.

The Wilcox County Emergency Management Director reported that one home sustained minor damage from downed trees and thunderstorm wind, while another sustained minor damage.

The Wilkinson County Emergency Management Director reported that a business was damaged in a lightning-related fire.

The Wilkes County Emergency Management Director reported that more than a dozen trees and several power lines were down across the county. Two homes sustained minor to moderate damage.

The Dodge County 911 Center reported widespread damage to trees and power lines across the county. Structural damage was reported to some homes near Chauncey in southeast Dodge county when trees fell on the structures. This damage was in addition to the EF2 tornado that struck just outside the small community of Gresston, northwest of Eastman.

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that an EF2 tornado tracked across northern Dodge county. The tornado touched down approximately 10 miles northwest of Eastman near Friendship UMC Road, just outside the Gresston community, and traveled east-northeast to near the intersection of Friendship UMC Road and U.S. Highway 23. The maximum path width was determined to be 50 yards wide with maximum winds of 130 mph. At the initial touch down location of the tornado, a double-wide mobile home was completely destroyed. A 45-year old male who resided in this mobile home, was killed. Two other residents of the home suffered injuries. Several trees nearby were also blown over or uprooted. Further east near the end of the tornado's path, another mobile home had its roof and front porch destroyed.

[04/04-04/05/11: Tornado #4, County #1-1, EF2, Dodge, 2011:006].

The Laurens County 911 Center reported that a few trees and a number of power lines were down, especially across the central portion of the county from Dexter to Rockledge. An amateur radio operator reported that a tree was down on Interstate-16 near Rockledge blocking at least one of the eastbound lanes.

The public observed nickel-sized hail southeast of Dexter.

The Telfair County Emergency Management Director reported that several trees and power lines were down across the county. However, much of the damage occurred in the Lumber City area in the far southeastern part of the county. Here, one unit of the Village Square Apartments was destroyed and three other units sustained minor to moderate damage.

The Treutlen County 911 Center reported that at least three trees were down in the Orianna and Soperton areas.

The Johnson County Emergency Management Director reported that dozens of trees and a number of power lines were down throughout the county. However, the majority of the damage was between Meeks and Kite in the southeast part of the county. Georgia Highway 15 was blocked from downed trees in Wrightsville. More than hundred residents of the county were left without power for several hours following the storms.

A National Weather Service employee confirmed that a storage shed was blown over by straight-line winds, likely less than 50 knots.

The Emanuel County 911 Center reported that dozens of trees were down across the county.

The Toombs County 911 Center reported that at least three trees were down around Lyons.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that a 22-year old male was killed when a large tree fell on his vehicle while driving along Tilden Street in the Howell Station neighborhood of Atlanta. The tree was weakened by severe thunderstorms the evening before. However, wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph were common in the area at the time and a wind advisory was in effect for the entire area when the fatal incident occurred.