Georgia, 2011

Hail and Damaging Winds in Georgia, May 26 to 27, 2011

May 26 to 27, 2011 · NWS FFC · 68 events in 42 counties and zones

A deep, closed upper low was moving from the Southern Plains into the mid-south with an accompanying strong Pacific cold front. This system had been slowing moving through the Southern Plains and Midwest in the prior days and had wreaked havoc on that region in the form of many devastating tornadoes, including the EF5 Joplin, Missouri tornado of May 22nd.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
3
Injuries
0
Property damage
$4.8 million
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
68

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS FFC wrote it up.

A deep, closed upper low was moving from the Southern Plains into the mid-south with an accompanying strong Pacific cold front. This system had been slowing moving through the Southern Plains and Midwest in the prior days and had wreaked havoc on that region in the form of many devastating tornadoes, including the EF5 Joplin, Missouri tornado of May 22nd. As this system spread east, it was weakening in the face of a long standing upper ridge across the southeast U.S. and also moving into a considerably less favorable surface environment. Nonetheless, it remained a strong upper-level system with decent dynamics. It brought the most severe weather to the Peachtree City, Georgia forecast office since the historical tornado outbreak of April 27th and 28th. There were numerous reports of golf ball and larger-sized hail across north Georgia during the afternoon of April 26th which translated mostly into a thunderstorm wind event as the system spread thunderstorm further south across central Georgia during the late evening hours.

Showers and thunderstorms continued during the overnight hours of the 26th and into the early morning hours of the 27th. By afternoon, the front had pushed into the east central and southeast part of the county warning area. With afternoon heating and increased instability, thunderstorms increased in intensity and coverage ahead of the front. Some of these once again became severe. These were confined to the southeast counties of the county warning area. Quarter to half-dollar-sized hail was the primary severe weather component of these second round storms.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Atlanta, GA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 25, 10:04 PM EST, 2 hours 46 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 25, 10:04 PM EST, 2 hours 46 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
1104 PM EDT WED MAY 25 2011

.UPDATE...
LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPED ACROSS LOUISIANA/ARKANSAS THIS
AFTERNOON AND HAS PUSHED INTO MISSISSIPPI. CURRENTLY TORNADO
WATCHES WEST OF HERE FOR A PORTION OF THE LINE. HRRR AND GFS SHOW
THAT THE SYSTEM WILL WEAKEN AS IT CONTINUES TO MOVE EASTWARD.
BASED ON THIS THOUGHT THAT THE SYSTEM WILL WEAKEN AS IT
APPROACHES... CONTINUED THE GENERAL TREND IN THE FORECAST. MADE
MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO POPS TONIGHT TO CUT BACK ON POPS ACROSS
NORTHEAST GEORGIA AND CONFINE THE POPS TO NORTHWEST GEORGIA IN THE
9-12Z RANGE. BEST CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE
AFTER 12Z AND THE BEST CHANCE OF SEVERE STORMS STILL APPEARS TO BE
ACROSS NORTH GEORGIA IN THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS THE LINE
STRENGTHENS. AROUND 25-30KTS OF 0-1 KM SHEAR AND 2000-2500 J/KG
MUCAPE AT THAT TIME. THAT BEING SAID...LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS
AND ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE.

FORECAST TEMPS WERE 8-10 DEGREES TOO COOL ACROSS NORTHEAST GEORGIA
SO ADJUSTED HOURLY AND MIN TEMPS FOR THIS.

11

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 730 PM EDT WED MAY 25 2011/

..SEVERE STORMS LIKELY THURSDAY...

SHORT TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...

LATEST MSAS ANALYSIS SHOWS HIGH PRESSURE REMAINS ANCHORED OFFSHORE
THE SOUTHEAST COAST WITH RIDGING THROUGH THE FLORIDA PENINSULA.
WITH STRONG LOW PRESSURE OVER THE MISSOURI VALLEY...A RESULTANT
SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST FLOW HAS DEVELOPED LOCALLY. THIS HAS ALLOWED
FOR AN INCREASE IN MOISTURE WITH DEWPOINTS PUSHING INTO THE LOWER
60S ALONG WITH VERY WARM TEMPS WITH MID 90S VALUES EXPECTED TO THE
SOUTH. ALTHOUGH MIN RH VALUES MAY END UP BEING A LITTLE LOWER THAN
MODELS HAD INDICATED...STILL FEEL WE WILL REMAIN AT OR ABOVE
CRITERIA FOR FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

FIRST WX SYSTEM OF INTEREST IN QUITE SOME TIME REMAINS TO OUR WEST
FOR THE INITIAL PORTION OF THE FORECAST WITH WIDESPREAD SEVERE
WEATHER EVENT ONGOING OVER THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AND INTO THE
NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. BIG QUESTION INITIALLY WILL BE HOW
FAR AND QUICKLY THIS ACTIVITY TRANSLATES EASTWARD DURING THE
OVERNIGHT PERIOD. MODELS CURRENTLY SHOW HIGH INSTABILITY SHIFTING
INTO NORTHERN ALABAMA AND SOUTHERN TENNESSEE BY 00Z THIS EVENING
WITH SQUALL LINE LIKELY MAINTAINING A GOOD PORTION OF ITS
INTENSITY. MODELS IN AGREEMENT HOWEVER...THAT WITH THE LOSS OF
HEATING...INSTABILITY WILL DROP OFF MARKEDLY THROUGH 06Z AS SQUALL
LINE LOSES INTENSITY AND MOMENTUM TOWARD THE AREA. FEEL THIS MAY
BE TOO ABRUPT AN END TO CONVECTION FOR THE NORTHWEST CORRIDOR AND
WILL INCLUDE LOW END POPS THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT PERIOD.

BETTER CHANCES ARE IN STORE AS UPPER LOW SHIFTS EASTWARD THROUGH
12Z THU. INITIAL LINE OF CONVECTION WILL DEVELOP OVER THE
NORTHWEST PORTION BUT MODELS INDICATE IT WILL TAKE THE HEATING OF
THE DAY ONCE AGAIN TO REALIZE INSTABILITY SUFFICIENT ENOUGH FOR
ROBUST UPDRAFTS. AS ALLUDED TO BY PREVIOUS FORECASTER...MODELS
SEEM TO BE ON THE UPSWING CONCERNING ASSOCIATED SHEAR VALUES WITH
50 KT JET NOW PROGGED TO SKIRT THE NORTHERN ZONES THU AFTERNOON.
THIS ALONG WITH RELATIVELY HIGH SIG SEVERE AND TOR VALUES WARRANT
SVR INCLUSION IN THE ZONES FOR THE ROUGHLY THE AREA OF THE CURRENT
SPC DAY 2.

CONSIDERABLE DISAGREEMENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SHORT TERM AS
GFS SHUNTS BULK OF THE MOISTURE AND INSTABILITY TO THE EAST WHILE
UPPER RIDGE BUILDS IN QUICKLY FOR FRIDAY AFTERNOON. NAM12 NOT
NEARLY AS EAGER TO DRY THINGS OUT AND GIVEN THE TIME OF YEAR WE
ARE GETTING INTO...PREFER A LESS CLEAN FRONTAL PASSAGE AT THIS
POINT WITH CONTINUED MID RANGE POPS THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...GIVEN THE CONTINUED
DISPARITY BETWEEN THE GFS AND THE ECMWF ON THE PLACEMENT OF MID
LEVEL HIGH THROUGH THE EXTENDED PORTION...CURRENT SLIGHT CHANCE
POPS LOOK ON TARGET AND NO MAJOR CHANGES ARE PLANNED AT THIS TIME.

AVIATION...
00Z UPDATE...
ANOTHER VFR NIGHT FOR THE TAF SITES. GFS INDICATING SOME SCT-BKN
MVFR CIGS MOVING INTO WESTERN GA TONIGHT HOWEVER NAM IS NOT.
WILL COMPRISE AND CONTINUE WITH THE SCT020 LATE TONIGHT FOR ATL AND
CSG. MOISTURE INCREASES THURSDAY WITH CIGS BETWEEN 040-060. PRECIP
CHANCES INCREASE FROM WEST TO EAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON WITH THE BEST
CHANCES COMING IN AFTER 22Z THU IN THE ATL/CSG AREAS. WINDS WILL
REMAIN SOUTH SOUTHWEST DIMINISHING TONIGHT AND INCREASING AGAIN
THURSDAY WITH A FEW GUSTS OF 20 TO 25KTS IN THE AFTERNOON.

//ATL CONFIDENCE...
00Z UPDATE...
HIGH ON ALL ELEMENTS.

17

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
ATHENS          63  92  64  85 /  10  20  50  30
ATLANTA         66  83  65  82 /   5  30  60  30
BLAIRSVILLE     62  83  57  80 /  10  70  60  30
CARTERSVILLE    62  86  59  84 /  10  50  40  20
COLUMBUS        67  89  67  86 /   5  20  40  30
GAINESVILLE     65  85  64  83 /  10  40  60  40
MACON           65  93  65  87 /   5  20  30  30
ROME            62  89  60  85 /  20  60  30  20
PEACHTREE CITY  60  87  60  84 /   5  20  60  30
VIDALIA         70  92  69  87 /  10  20  30  30

&&

.FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NONE.
&&
Hazardous weather outlook, May 25, 5:45 AM EST, 19 hours 5 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
645 AM EDT WED MAY 25 2011

GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-
089>098-102>113-261045-
BALDWIN-BANKS-BARROW-BARTOW-BIBB-BLECKLEY-BUTTS-CARROLL-CATOOSA-
CHATTAHOOCHEE-CHATTOOGA-CHEROKEE-CLARKE-CLAYTON-COBB-COWETA-
CRAWFORD-CRISP-DADE-DAWSON-DEKALB-DODGE-DOOLY-DOUGLAS-EMANUEL-
FANNIN-FAYETTE-FLOYD-FORSYTH-GILMER-GLASCOCK-GORDON-GREENE-
GWINNETT-HALL-HANCOCK-HARALSON-HARRIS-HEARD-HENRY-HOUSTON-JACKSON-
JASPER-JEFFERSON-JOHNSON-JONES-LAMAR-LAURENS-LUMPKIN-MACON-
MADISON-MARION-MERIWETHER-MONROE-MONTGOMERY-MORGAN-MURRAY-
MUSCOGEE-NEWTON-NORTH FULTON-OCONEE-OGLETHORPE-PAULDING-PEACH-
PICKENS-PIKE-POLK-PULASKI-PUTNAM-ROCKDALE-SCHLEY-SOUTH FULTON-
SPALDING-STEWART-SUMTER-TALBOT-TALIAFERRO-TAYLOR-TELFAIR-TOOMBS-
TOWNS-TREUTLEN-TROUP-TWIGGS-UNION-UPSON-WALKER-WALTON-WARREN-
WASHINGTON-WEBSTER-WHEELER-WHITE-WHITFIELD-WILCOX-WILKES-
WILKINSON-
645 AM EDT WED MAY 25 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT
ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT OVER EXTREME
NORTHWEST GEORGIA.

.SYNOPSIS...
HIGH PRESSURE CENTERED OFF THE SOUTHEAST COAST AND LOW PRESSURE
OVER THE MIDWEST WILL KEEP A SOUTHWEST FLOW OF AIR OVER THE REGION
THROUGH TONIGHT.

.PRIMARY HAZARDS...
THE PRIMARY HAZARDS WILL BE CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING...GUSTY
WINDS AND POSSIBLY SMALL HAIL.

.DISCUSSION...
STRONG LOW PRESSURE ALOFT OVER THE MID WEST WILL BEGIN TO MOVE
EASTWARD TODAY. A COUPLE OF DISTURBANCES AHEAD OF THIS LOW WILL
MOVE THROUGH THE TENNESSEE AND OHIO VALLEYS TODAY AND TONIGHT.
WITH A MODERATELY UNSTABLE AIR MASS IN PLACE...ISOLATED
THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE OVER FAR NORTHWEST GEORGIA AFTER
MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. THE MAIN AREA FOR THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT WILL
BE ALONG AND NORTH OF A ROME TO DALTON LINE. THUNDERSTORMS SHOULD
REMAIN BELOW SEVERE LIMITS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY
THERE IS A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS EACH DAY EXCEPT ON MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED THROUGH TONIGHT.

The radar

The Northeast Alabama radar (KHTX), 100 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:49 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

33 hail, 31 thunderstorm wind, 4 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When
May 26, 12:50 AM EST to 1:00 AM EST
Where
Floyd County, Everett Spgs to Rome
Measured
35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.500, -85.120

The Floyd County Emergency Management Director reported that three trees were down from strong winds associated with a gust front out ahead of a line of thunderstorms moving through Chattooga and Walker counties.

Hail, Dade

When
May 26, 1:09 PM EST to 1:13 PM EST
Where
Dade County, 2 mi W of Trenton to New England
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.870, -85.535

The Dade County 911 Center relayed a report of penny-sized hail on the northwest side of Trenton.

Hail, Gilmer

When
May 26, 1:10 PM EST to 1:47 PM EST
Where
Gilmer County, 2 mi N of Tails Creek to 2.6 mi NE of Cherry Log
Measured
2.75 in hail
Property damage
$775,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.709, -84.620

Numerous reports of large damaging hail from west of Tails Creek to northeast of Cherry Log were received from the Gilmer County Emergency Management Director, the public, and the Gilmer County 911 center. Quarter-sized hail was reported across the western part of the county from Tails Creek to northwest of Ellijay, as well as in Ellijay proper. As the storm moved into the northeast part of the county, the storm intensified producing golf ball to baseball-sized hail from just northeast of Ellijay to Cherry Log. The Gilmer County Emergency Management Director reported that baseball-sized hail caused considerable damage to vehicles along U.S. Highway 76/Georgia Highway 515 between Ellijay and Cherry Log, especially near White Path Road. Damage to homes was reported throughout the county.

Hail, Fannin

When
May 26, 1:47 PM EST to 2:11 PM EST
Where
Fannin County, 3.2 mi N of Blue Ridge to 2.6 mi ENE of Loving
Measured
4.25 in hail
Property damage
$1.3 million
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.916, -84.320

Numerous reports of large to very large damaging hail were received from the Fannin County 911 Center and the public across Fannin county. As the thunderstorm entered Fannin county from the southwest, it produced golf ball-sized hail near Blue Ridge. The hail grew in size to softballs (4.25 inch diameter) as the storm moved over the Morganton area. Extensive damage was reported to vehicles in the Morganton area and adjacent areas in the eastern part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fannin

When
May 26, 1:47 PM EST to 2:11 PM EST
Where
Fannin County, 3 mi SW of Blue Ridge to 5 mi E of Morganton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.839, -84.357

The Fannin County 911 Center reported that several trees and power lines were down from Blue Ridge to east of Morganton.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chattooga

When
May 26, 1:55 PM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where
Chattooga County, 5 mi ESE of Summerville to Tidings
Measured
35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.452, -85.269

The Chattooga County 911 Center reported that up to three trees were down on roads southeast of Summerville.

Hail, Union

When
May 26, 2:11 PM EST to 2:30 PM EST
Where
Union County, 7 mi WSW of Ivy Log to 3.1 mi ENE of Ivy Log
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
34.931, -84.184

Several reports of half-dollar to golf ball-sized hail were received from the Union County Sheriff's Office and the public across the northwest part of the county near Nottely Lake, from the Fannin county border southwest of Nottely to the Tennessee state line northeast of Ivy Log.

Hail, Gilmer

When
May 26, 2:20 PM EST to 2:30 PM EST
Where
Gilmer County, 3 mi SSE of Ellijay to 5.7 mi ENE of Ellijay
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.660, -84.460

The public reported that yet a third thunderstorm dropped quarter-sized hail mainly on the east side of Ellijay. This thunderstorm was slightly weaker than the previous two storms which tracked across the county.

Hail, Fannin

When
May 26, 2:25 PM EST to 2:45 PM EST
Where
Fannin County, 3 mi SW of Dial to 5 mi NE of Hurst
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$215,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.719, -84.257

The public observed golf ball-sized hail in far southeast Fannin county between Margret, Dial, and Hurst. This was from a separate severe thunderstorm from the one which caused 4.25 inch diameter hail in the north part of the county from Blue Ridge to Morganton approximately one hour earlier.

Hail, Gilmer

When
May 26, 2:57 PM EST to 3:20 PM EST
Where
Gilmer County, 3 mi S of East Ellijay to 3.5 mi N of Pisgah
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.637, -84.470

The public observed quarter-sized hail across the eastern portion of the county, including the east side of Ellijay. This was from a second severe thunderstorm that tracked from south central to northeast Gilmer county.

Hail, Union

When
May 26, 3:16 PM EST to 3:21 PM EST
Where
Union County, 8.4 mi W of Blairsville to 1.5 mi W of Ivy Log
Measured
2.5 in hail
Property damage
$385,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.870, -84.098

The Union County 911 Center reported that tennis ball-sized hail fell across the northwest part of the county between Jones Creek and Ivy Log.

Hail, Gilmer

When
May 26, 3:20 PM EST to 3:27 PM EST
Where
Gilmer County, Tails Creek to 2 mi WNW of Ellijay
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.680, -84.620

The public observed quarter-sized hail west of Ellijay.

Hail, Dawson

When
May 26, 3:23 PM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Dawson County, 1 mi WSW of Amicalola to 3.6 mi NE of Amicalola
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
34.544, -84.266

Amateur radio operators relayed reports of penny to nickel-sized hail near Amicalola Falls.

Hail, Polk

When
May 26, 3:27 PM EST to 3:32 PM EST
Where
Polk County, Esom Hill to 2 mi SW of Cedartown
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.950, -85.380

The public observed nickel to quarter-sized hail between Esom Hill and Cedartown.

Thunderstorm Wind, Polk

When
May 26, 3:27 PM EST to 3:53 PM EST
Where
Polk County, Esom Hill to 2 mi NE of Rockmart
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
33.950, -85.380

The Polk County Fire and Rescue Department reported that many trees and several power lines were down across the county. Some of the worst damage was in the Rockmart area, where three homes sustained minor to moderate damage from downed trees.

Lightning, Union

When
May 26, 3:30 PM EST
Where
Union County, 2 mi ESE of Bethlehem
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.894, -84.035

The Union County 911 Center reported that lightning struck a structure on the northwest side of Blairsville on Jewell Mason Road. The home was destroyed from the resulting fire.

Hail, Lumpkin

When
May 26, 3:30 PM EST to 3:34 PM EST
Where
Lumpkin County, 3.5 mi N of Wier to 7.16 mi NW of Jay
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
34.570, -84.180

Amateur radio operators relayed reports of penny to nickel-sized hail from the extreme northwest corner of the county near the Dawson and Lumpkin county lines.

Hail, Gordon

When
May 26, 3:36 PM EST to 3:48 PM EST
Where
Gordon County, 2 mi SW of Ranger to 3 mi E of Oakman
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.480, -84.725

The Gordon County 911 Center reported quarter-sized hail in the east central part of the county northeast of Sonoraville near Ranger.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fannin

When
May 26, 3:44 PM EST to 3:53 PM EST
Where
Fannin County, 8 mi SSW of Margret to 2.3 mi NE of Margret
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.673, -84.134

The Fannin County 911 Center reported that several trees and power lines were down. An exact number was not provided. This information based on comparison to previous and subsequent storms with similar intensity in this region during this time frame.

Hail, Fannin

When
May 26, 3:44 PM EST to 3:53 PM EST
Where
Fannin County, 8 mi SSW of Margret to 2.3 mi NE of Margret
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.673, -84.134

The Fannin County 911 Center reported hail of unknown size. However, the storm moving across the far southeast part of the county was of stronger intensity than in a downstream county where it produced golf ball-sized hail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Coweta

When
May 26, 3:44 PM EST to 3:49 PM EST
Where
Coweta County, Madras to 6.3 mi NNE of Madras
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
33.430, -84.730

The Coweta County 911 Center reported that several trees and a few power lines were down across the northern part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton

When
May 26, 3:53 PM EST to 3:57 PM EST
Where
Fulton County, 2 mi W of Fairburn to 3 mi N of Fairburn
Measured
39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.570, -84.615

The public reported that three trees were down around Fairburn.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When
May 26, 4:05 PM EST
Where
Union County, 8.2 mi WSW of Blairsville
Measured
37 kt (43 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.825, -84.084

The Union County 911 Center reported that a tree was down on a home on Jones Creek Road in the west part of the county near Jones Creek.

Lightning, Union

When
May 26, 4:10 PM EST
Where
Union County, 0.63 mi NW of Blairsville
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.876, -83.958

The Union County reported that lightning struck a structure on Everett Box Drive in Blairsville causing damage to the structure. Specific damages were not provided.

Thunderstorm Wind, De Kalb

When
May 26, 4:17 PM EST to 4:40 PM EST
Where
De Kalb County, 3.3 mi SW of Gresham Park to 2.5 mi NE of Stone Mtn
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
33.686, -84.341

WSB Television of Atlanta reported that a number of trees were down across DeKalb county. Two very large oak trees fell through the second story of a home on Mountain Oaks Parkway in Stone Mountain causing major damage to the structure. The second floor of the home was virtually completely destroyed.

Hail, Lumpkin

When
May 26, 4:20 PM EST to 4:40 PM EST
Where
Lumpkin County, 3.5 mi W of Porter Spgs to 4.7 mi NW of Turners Corner
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.630, -83.992

The public observed penny-sized hail on the north side of Dahlonega. WSR-88D radar data suggests that similar, likely even larger-size hail fell northward from this point to the Union county line. However, being that the storm passed over very rural mountainous areas, no reports were received of any larger-sized hail from this portion of the county.

Hail, Towns

When
May 26, 4:25 PM EST to 4:49 PM EST
Where
Towns County, 5.2 mi WSW of Macedonia to Tate City
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$290,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.891, -83.805

Several reports of hail, ranging in size from quarters to golf balls, were received from the Towns County 911 Center and the public across the northern half of the county from near Brasstown Bald to Macedonia. WSR-88D radar data suggests that hail of at least quarter-size likely continued to the northeast corner of the county near Tate City.

Thunderstorm Wind, Haralson

When
May 26, 4:25 PM EST to 4:40 PM EST
Where
Haralson County, 1 mi SW of Tallapoosa to Draketown
Measured
39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
33.740, -85.292

The Haralson County Fire Department reported that up to three trees were down across the county.

Hail, Haralson

When
May 26, 4:25 PM EST to 4:40 PM EST
Where
Haralson County, 1 mi SW of Tallapoosa to Draketown
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
33.740, -85.292

The Haralson County Fire Department and the public observed nickel-sized hail in the Tallapoosa area. WSR-88D radar data suggests that similar-size hail likely fell across the county from the west central areas to the northeast near Draketown.

Hail, Forsyth

When
May 26, 4:30 PM EST to 4:35 PM EST
Where
Forsyth County, 2 mi SW of Cumming to Coal Mtn
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
34.179, -84.175

An amateur radio operator relayed a report of penny-sized hail near Cumming.

Hail, Dawson

When
May 26, 4:40 PM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where
Dawson County, 4.7 mi SE of Dawsonville to 5.9 mi E of Dawsonville
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.372, -84.062

The public observed penny-sized hail near Georgia 400 near Dougherty.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When
May 26, 4:40 PM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where
Douglas County, 2 mi SSW of Winston to 0.5 mi N of Winston
Measured
37 kt (43 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.703, -84.833

The public reported that three trees were down near Winston.

Thunderstorm Wind, Paulding

When
May 26, 4:40 PM EST to 5:03 PM EST
Where
Paulding County, 6.7 mi SSW of Yorkville to 5 mi NNE of New Hope
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$7,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.830, -85.025

The Paulding County Emergency Management Director reported that up to 60 trees were down across the county. No structural damage was reported.

Hail, Pickens

When
May 26, 4:43 PM EST to 4:52 PM EST
Where
Pickens County, Nelson to Marblehill
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
34.380, -84.370

An amateur radio operator relayed a report of penny-sized hail in the far southeastern part of the county near the Cherokee county line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lumpkin

When
May 26, 4:45 PM EST to 4:54 PM EST
Where
Lumpkin County, 1 mi SW of Turners Corner to 2 mi NE of Turners Corner
Measured
39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.660, -83.912

The Lumpkin County Emergency Management Director reported that three trees were down in the Turners Corner area.

Thunderstorm Wind, White

When
May 26, 4:45 PM EST to 4:50 PM EST
Where
White County, 8 mi NW of Cleveland to 9 mi NNW of Cleveland
Measured
39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.682, -83.850

The White County Emergency Management Director reported that three trees were down in the northwest part of the county, northwest of Cleveland.

Hail, Lumpkin

When
May 26, 4:45 PM EST to 4:54 PM EST
Where
Lumpkin County, Auraria to Dahlonega
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
34.470, -84.030

An amateur radio operator relayed a report of quarter-sized hail on the south side of Dahlonega. WSR-88D radar data suggests that quarter to penny-sized hail likely fell from this point northward to near Dahlonega.

Lightning, Gwinnett

When
May 26, 4:45 PM EST
Where
Gwinnett County, 1.88 mi NW of Trickem
Property damage
$200,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
33.839, -84.123

WSB Television of Atlanta reported that a home in the 5300 block of Candleberry Drive in Lilburn was struck and set on fire by lightning. The home suffered extensive fire, smoke, and water damage as a result, especially to the roof and backside of the home.

Hail, De Kalb

When
May 26, 4:47 PM EST to 4:50 PM EST
Where
De Kalb County, 3 mi SW of Lithonia to Lithonia
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.689, -84.157

The public observed quarter-sized hail near Lithonia and penny-sized hail in the Avondale Estates area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fayette

When
May 26, 4:48 PM EST to 5:10 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, Peachtree City to 4.7 mi NE of Fayetteville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$35,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
33.400, -84.570

The Fayette County 911 Center reported that several dozen trees and power lines were down across the entire county. Up to 45,000 residents of the county were left without power for several hours, in some cases well into the next morning. The 911 Center estimated that 70 percent of the damage was across the northern part of the county with 30 percent in the southern part. Several roads were blocked from downed trees as well, including parts of Georgia Highways 85 and 92 near and just south of Fayetteville. There were no reports of structural damage, however.

Thunderstorm Wind, Forsyth

When
May 26, 4:49 PM EST to 4:54 PM EST
Where
Forsyth County, 2.2 mi SW of Chestatee to 3 mi NE of Chestatee
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.258, -84.027

The Forsyth County Emergency Management Director reported that six power lines were down, possibly some from downed trees, on A. C. Smith Road in the far northeast part of the county near the Lumpkin county line.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dawson

When
May 26, 4:50 PM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where
Dawson County, 1 mi NE of Lumpkin to 2 mi NE of Lumpkin
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
34.380, -84.018

The Dawson County 911 Center reported that six trees were down in the eastern part of the county near Georgia 400.

Lightning, Fayette

When
May 26, 5:00 PM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.57 mi NNW of Kenwood
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
33.540, -84.443

The Fayette County 911 Center reported that lightning struck a home in Newton Plantation in far north Fayette county near the Clayton county line, just south of the intersection of Georgia Highway 314 and Georgia Highway 138. The home was set on fire and sustained at least moderate damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cobb

When
May 26, 5:10 PM EST to 5:20 PM EST
Where
Cobb County, Mableton to Mt Bethel
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Deaths
0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
33.820, -84.580

WSB Television of Atlanta and the public reported that up to 50 trees and dozens of power lines were down across the county, especially the eastern portion. Damage was quite significant in the Smyrna area, where several roads were blocked form downed trees, including major roads such as South Cobb Drive and Cumberland Parkway. A 19-year male resident of Mableton was killed following the storms when a large tree fell on him while trying to clean up another tree that had fallen during the storms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Henry

When
May 26, 5:10 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where
Henry County, Hampton to Kelleytown
Measured
43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.380, -84.280

The public reported that at least five trees were down in the county. One was down on a home on Wynn Drive in the McDonough area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton

When
May 26, 5:17 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where
Fulton County, 3 mi N of Atlanta to 1 mi SSE of Sandy Spgs
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) estimated gust
Deaths
2 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.813, -84.400

The Fulton County Emergency Management Director and the public reported that at least a dozen trees were down across the north part of the county in the Buckhead and Sandy Springs areas. A number of roads were blocked from downed trees, especially across the northern part of the county. Two females in their 60s were killed when a large tree fell on their Mazda Miata sports car while traveling on West Paces Ferry Road at Nancy Creek Road, approximately four miles west-northwest of Buckhead. A downed tree limb on the MARTA tracks near the Arts Center Station caused delays for southbound trains. Several power lines were also down across the area with thousands of residents across the county left without power for several hours, many even into the next day. In addition, a UPS truck was set on fire when a large tree fell on the vehicle.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gwinnett

When
May 26, 5:30 PM EST to 6:00 PM EST
Where
Gwinnett County, 2.4 mi SW of Lilburn to 4.8 mi NE of Hog Mtn
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$350,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
33.855, -84.160

The Gwinnett County 911 Center, WSB Television of Atlanta, and the public reported that at least 30 trees were down across the county, several of which fell on and caused significant damage to homes. Two homes in Snellville were suffered damage from downed trees on the structures, with one additional incident each in Duluth and Norcross.

Thunderstorm Wind, Newton

When
May 26, 5:35 PM EST to 5:50 PM EST
Where
Newton County, Rocky Plains to 6.5 mi ENE of Covington
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.500, -83.930

The public reports that several trees were down near Oxford, at least six trees were down near Covington, and at least three trees were down near Newton.

Hail, Newton

When
May 26, 5:35 PM EST to 5:47 PM EST
Where
Newton County, 2 mi W of Covington to 5 mi NE of Covington
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.600, -83.905

The public observed half-dollar-sized hail near Convington. WSR-88D radar data suggests that similar-sized hail likely fell from this point to just north of Brick Store in the far east central part of the county.

Hail, Houston

When
May 26, 5:40 PM EST to 5:44 PM EST
Where
Houston County, 1 mi SW of Warner Robins to 1 mi NE of Warner Robins
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
32.610, -83.612

The public observed penny-sized hail near Warner Robins.

Thunderstorm Wind, Walton

When
May 26, 5:45 PM EST to 6:10 PM EST
Where
Walton County, Walnut Grove to Gratis
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
33.730, -83.850

The Walton County 911 Center reported that over 100 trees were down across the county. Other reports from the public were received of downed trees on private property west of Monroe. No specific reports of structural damage were received.

Hail, Baldwin

When
May 26, 5:58 PM EST to 6:10 PM EST
Where
Baldwin County, 1 mi SW of Browns Crossing to 3 mi WNW of Allenwood
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.040, -83.382

The public observed quarter-sized hail near Browns Crossing in the far west central part of the county. WSR-88D radar data suggests that similar-sized hail likely continued to just northwest of Milledgeville. One tree was also down near Browns Crossing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wilcox

When
May 26, 5:58 PM EST to 6:10 PM EST
Where
Wilcox County, Pitts to Rochelle
Measured
35 kt (40 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
31.950, -83.550

The Wilcox County 911 Center reported that four trees were down between Pitts and Rochelle.

Thunderstorm Wind, Morgan

When
May 26, 6:04 PM EST to 6:15 PM EST
Where
Morgan County, 6 mi S of Rutledge to 6 mi S of Apalachee
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.543, -83.620

The Morgan County Emergency Management Director reported that a number of trees and power lines were down across the county, especially the northern part. In addition, a tin roof was blown off a porch near Madison.

Thunderstorm Wind, Barrow

When
May 26, 6:04 PM EST to 6:12 PM EST
Where
Barrow County, 4.8 mi W of Bethlehem to 5.4 mi N of Statham
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
33.930, -83.804

The Barrow County 911 Center reported that at least 25 trees were down across the county.

Hail, Jackson

When
May 26, 6:10 PM EST to 6:12 PM EST
Where
Jackson County, 1 mi SW of Hoschton to 1 mi NE of Hoschton
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
34.090, -83.782

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department observed penny-sized hail near Hoschton.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oconee

When
May 26, 6:12 PM EST to 6:20 PM EST
Where
Oconee County, North High Shoals to 3 mi ENE of Watkinsville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
33.830, -83.500

The Oconee County 911 Center reported that up to 30 trees were down across the southern end of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clarke

When
May 26, 6:15 PM EST to 6:25 PM EST
Where
Clarke County, 4 mi W of Athens to Winterville
Measured
37 kt (43 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.950, -83.450

The public reported that one tree was down in Athens and two in Winterville. Several large tree limbs were also down across the University of Georgia south campus area.

Hail, Hall

When
May 26, 6:19 PM EST to 6:21 PM EST
Where
Hall County, 1 mi SW of Clermont to 1 mi NE of Clermont
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.470, -83.782

The public observed penny-sized hail near Clermont.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When
May 26, 6:30 PM EST to 6:45 PM EST
Where
Madison County, 2 mi WSW of Neese to 10 mi ENE of Danielsville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$7,000
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
34.069, -83.352

A CoCoRaHS observer reported that several trees were down across the county, but especially in the Comer area. In addition, minor damage was reported to the tin roof of a barn in Comer.

Thunderstorm Wind, Greene

When
May 26, 6:40 PM EST to 6:50 PM EST
Where
Greene County, Carey to Daniel Spgs
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.550, -83.270

The Greene County Emergency Management Director reported that more than a dozen trees and power lines were down across the county.

Hail, Laurens

When
May 26, 8:17 PM EST to 8:21 PM EST
Where
Laurens County, 2.18 mi NNE of Dublin Muni Arpt to 7.5 mi NNW of Dublin
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
32.599, -82.966

An amatuer radio operator relayed a report of penny-sized hail in the north central part of the county, north of Dublin, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Blackshear Ferry Road.

Hail, Johnson

When
May 26, 8:22 PM EST to 8:26 PM EST
Where
Johnson County, Spann to 1 mi NE of Wrightsville
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.670, -82.750

The Johnson County Emergency Management Director reported penny-sized hail around Wrightsville.

Hail, Montgomery

When
May 26, 8:35 PM EST to 8:45 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 2 mi ENE of Ailey to 3 mi NE of Kibbee
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$65,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
32.191, -82.538

The Toombs County Regional 911 Center relayed a report of golf ball-sized hail from Montgomery county between Ailey and Higgston.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
May 26, 8:35 PM EST to 8:50 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 2 mi ENE of Ailey to 3 mi NE of Kibbee
Measured
39 kt (45 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
32.191, -82.538

The Toombs County Regional 911 Center relayed a report from Montgomery county of three trees down, one of which was on McGregor-Austin Road.

Hail, Wilkinson

When
May 27, 4:10 PM EST to 4:20 PM EST
Where
Wilkinson County, 4.8 mi ENE of Nickelsville to 6 mi ESE of Nickelsville
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
32.707, -83.004

The public observed quarter-sized hail in the far southeast corner of Wilkinson county, east to east-southeast of Nicklesville, near the Laurens county line.

Hail, Laurens

When
May 27, 4:25 PM EST to 4:37 PM EST
Where
Laurens County, 0.5 mi E of Dublin to 6 mi ESE of Dublin
Measured
1.5 in hail
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.530, -82.891

The Laurens County Emergency Management Director observed half-dollar-sized hail in the Dublin area. WSR-88D radar data suggests that hail quarter to half-dollar size likely continued east of Dublin to south of Brewton. Damage was reported to vehicles in the area.

Hail, Washington

When
May 27, 4:45 PM EST to 4:52 PM EST
Where
Washington County, 2 mi S of Riddleville to 3 mi SSE of Riddleville
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
32.871, -82.670

The Washington County 911 Center and the public observed quarter-sized hail in the far southeast part of the county, just south and southeast of Riddleville near the Johnson county line.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

EventDateAgeSexWhereKind
Thunderstorm Wind, Cobb2011-05-2619MaleUnder TreeIndirect
Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton2011-05-2661FemaleVehicle/Towed TrailerDirect
Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton2011-05-2664FemaleVehicle/Towed TrailerDirect

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind
Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Lightning
A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Georgia in 2011Every state in 2011This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, May 2011

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 312134, 311602, 311606, 311611, 312132, 312024, 312044, 312113, 312052, 312112, 314553, 312135, 316271, 314050, 314062, 314556, 316272, 312137, 314546, 314549, 314550, 314551, 314554, 314555, 316671, 316648, 314571, 316630, 316633, 316275, 314587, 314786, 316638, 316276, 314581, 314582, 316654, 316672, 314585, 314588, and more.