Georgia, 2017

Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Georgia, April 5, 2017

April 5, 2017 · NWS FFC · 65 events in 39 counties and zones

S. A deep surface low and strong cold front moved through the state combining with moderate instability and strong low-level shear to produce another round of widespread severe weather across north and central Georgia, including several tornadoes.

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
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$8.3 million
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
65

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.

Another strong short wave, the second in three days, rotated through a large and deep upper-level trough over the eastern U.S. A deep surface low and strong cold front moved through the state combining with moderate instability and strong low-level shear to produce another round of widespread severe weather across north and central Georgia, including several tornadoes.

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 Apr 5, 2:48 AM EST, 1 hour 12 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 5, 2:48 AM EST, 1 hour 12 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
348 AM EDT Wed Apr 5 2017

.SHORT TERM /Today through Thursday/...
Severe weather is expected across much of Georgia today. Be ready
to execute your severe weather plan in case a Severe Thunderstorm
Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for your location. Keep a
way to receive weather warnings nearby - such as a NOAA weather
radio or your smart phone. Please stay weather aware today, and
stay safe out there.

A very vigorous storm system will impact the CWFA today. There
could be several rounds of severe thunderstorms today, so don't
let your guard down if you experience relatively quiet conditions
for a period of time. The first round of severe weather is
currently impacting portions of southern Alabama and the Florida
panhandle. This activity is associated with a northward moving
warm front. This warm front is expected to move into SW GA early
this morning and keep moving to near the I-20 corridor by
daybreak. South of the warm front, the airmass is very unstable
and lapse rates are very steep for this time of the morning.
Reports of up to half dollar sized hail have been reported across
portions of SE AL. With this first round of thunderstorms, expect
the primary modes of severe weather to be large hail (up to 2
inches possible) and damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 MPH. An
isolated tornado cannot be ruled out either, as the front will
provide an excellent source of low level shear.

The warm front may end up settling somewhere in the vicinity of
the northern 'burbs of Atlanta by mid morning. This means that
most of the CWFA will be in the warm sector for the afternoon. The
atmosphere should have enough time to recuperate from the morning
storms, and become very unstable during the peak heating of the
afternoon - especially if the clouds begin to break. All the
ingredients for severe weather will be present: strong mid and
upper level forcing, strong surface instability, plenty of deep
level shear, a 40-50kt 850mb jet, etc. This will be the time that
discreet cells ahead of the front are expected to develop and
supercells will be likely. (Prime time for tornado development.)

The actual cold front isn't expected to move through until later
in the evening and into the overnight hours. The actual front will
provide enough focus for additional storms well into the evening
and overnight. However, the atmosphere *may* be worked over enough
by the time the front moves through that the coverage and
*possibly* severity of the storms may decrease. However, not
entirely confident on this situation - so continue to stay weather
aware even after the sun sets.

There is plenty of much cooler air behind this system and
Thursday's will be a (relatively) cold and windy day. A Wind
Advisory will likely be needed, but don't want to over complicate
the headlines for today.

NListemaa

.LONG TERM /Thursday Night through Tuesday/...
Extended period largely overshadowed by short term severe threat.
Following the aforementioned system, wrap around moisture will
linger over the northeast Georgia mountains through Friday morning,
with the potential for some mixed precip as temperatures drop into
the low to mid 30s. For now, have limited the p-type to rain or
snow, and will need to revisit this in subsequent forecast packages.
Not expecting any accumulations at this time. Will also need to
consider issuing a Freeze Warning for this area given the expected
low temperatures.

Below normal temperatures expected Friday will slowly warm through
the weekend, with highs in the 60s on Saturday and the mid to upper
70s on Sunday with sunny skies. High pressure will hold through the
weekend and into next week, with the next system approaching late
Tuesday - a tad slower than the previous model runs. GFS and ECMWF
differ in timing by 6-12 hours, with the better activity currently
timed for Wednesday. For now have limited pops to good chance.
Temperatures will generally stay in the mid 70s to near 80 through
next week.

31

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Widespread QPF amounts of 1.5 to 2.25 inches still look to be
handled well across middle Georgia today. Flash Flood Guidance
suggests that the area can handle these rainfall amounts, even if
they were to fall in a one to three hour time frame. WPC does have
the area outlooked for a slight risk of flash flooding, and isolated
flash flooding cannot be ruled out, particularly as storms train
over the same area, or where localized rainfall amounts are higher.
Site specific headwater forecasts are largely keeping river gage
locations at or below action stage following the precipitation
today. Modeled precipitable water values remain near seasonal
maximums, and expect high rainfall rates from efficient storms. Have
opted to issue a Flash Flood Watch mainly along the Interstate 20
corridor for the heaviest QPF axis.

&&

AVIATION... 06Z Update... Main changes to the TAF this cycle were
to tweak the timing for the early morning shra/tsra and change
the prob group to a tempo. Several rounds of shra/tsra expected
for the afternoon. Will likely have to tweak the prevailing tsra
wording at later updates.

//ATL Confidence...12Z Update...
Medium confidence all elements.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Athens          73  50  57  41 /  80  60  20   5
Atlanta         73  48  56  42 /  80  60  20   5
Blairsville     67  44  49  34 /  70  60  40  30
Cartersville    75  48  55  41 /  70  60  30  10
Columbus        78  51  63  45 /  80  60  10   0
Gainesville     71  47  53  40 /  80  60  30  10
Macon           78  51  62  43 /  80  70  10   0
Rome            77  48  56  41 /  70  60  30   5
Peachtree City  74  49  58  41 /  80  60  20   0
Vidalia         82  54  64  45 /  80  70  10   0

&&

.FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flash Flood Watch from 8 AM EDT this morning through late
tonight for the following zones: Baldwin...Barrow...Bibb...
Butts...Carroll...Clarke...Clayton...Cobb...Coweta...Crawford...
DeKalb...Douglas...Fayette...Glascock...Greene...Gwinnett...
Hancock...Haralson...Harris...Heard...Henry...Jackson...Jasper...
Jones...Lamar...Madison...Meriwether...Monroe...Morgan...
Muscogee...Newton...North Fulton...Oconee...Oglethorpe...
Paulding...Pike...Polk...Putnam...Rockdale...South Fulton...
Spalding...Talbot...Taliaferro...Troup...Upson...Walton...
Warren...Wilkes.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 AM EDT this morning for the
following zones: Chattahoochee...Harris...Macon...Marion...
Meriwether...Muscogee...Pike...Schley...Stewart...Sumter...
Talbot...Taylor...Troup...Upson...Webster.

&&

SHORT TERM...NListemaa
LONG TERM....31
AVIATION...NListemaa
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 4, 9:54 PM EST, 6 hours 6 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1054 PM EDT Tue Apr 4 2017

GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-
089>098-102>113-060300-
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-
1054 PM EDT Tue Apr 4 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North and Central Georgia.

.DAY ONE...Tonight...

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible south of Interstate 20
late tonight and especially into Wednesday morning. Damaging
winds and large hail are the most likely hazards along with
frequent lightning. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out with
this activity.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday...

Scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms are expected on Wednesday
into Wednesday night. Damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, large
hail to tennis ball size, and several tornadoes will be main
hazards. A few of the tornadoes could be of the strong and long
track variety producing extensive damage. Heavy rain can also be
expected with minor flooding possible.

Strong and gusty winds can be expected on Thursday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time Friday through Monday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight. However...
spotter activation may be needed Wednesday morning.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 5, 2:57 AM EST, 1 hour 3 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
357 AM EDT WED APR 5 2017

GAZ091-092-102-103-050830-
Schley GA-Stewart GA-Marion GA-Webster GA-
357 AM EDT WED APR 5 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WESTERN SCHLEY...NORTHEASTERN
STEWART...SOUTHERN MARION AND NORTHWESTERN WEBSTER COUNTIES UNTIL 430
AM EDT...

At 357 AM EDT...a strong thunderstorm was over Brooklyn, or 10 miles
southeast of Cusseta...moving northeast at 45 mph.

  HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind...up to penny sized hail and frequent
           cloud to ground lightning.

  IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
           light...unsecured objects.

Some locations in the path of this storm include
Buena Vista, Ellaville, Richland, Putnam, Brantley, Seminole,
Brooklyn, Draneville, Zellobee, Tazewell, Doyle, Church Hill and
Walls Crossing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

LAT...LON 3221 8482 3223 8478 3223 8466 3231 8466
      3245 8444 3224 8426 3204 8471
TIME...MOT...LOC 0757Z 237DEG 40KT 3218 8470

HAIL...0.75IN
WIND...50MPH
Special weather statement, Apr 5, 3:25 AM EST, 35 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
425 AM EDT WED APR 5 2017

GAZ090-091-050900-
Chattahoochee GA-Marion GA-
425 AM EDT WED APR 5 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN CHATTAHOOCHEE AND
NORTHERN MARION COUNTIES UNTIL 500 AM EDT...

At 424 AM EDT...a strong thunderstorm was over Cusseta...moving
northeast at 50 mph.

  HAZARD...Up to 40 mph wind...pea sized hail and frequent cloud to
           ground lightning.

  IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
           light...unsecured objects.

Some locations in the path of this storm include
Cusseta, Brantley, Christopher, Tazewell, Marion Estates,
Jamestown/south Fort Benning and Oakland.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

LAT...LON 3233 8489 3255 8453 3254 8453 3254 8451
      3239 8440 3226 8483
TIME...MOT...LOC 0824Z 240DEG 45KT 3233 8480

HAIL...0.25IN
WIND...40MPH

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

32 hail, 18 thunderstorm wind, 10 tornado, 5 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Muscogee

When
April 5, 4:00 AM EST to 4:10 AM EST
Where
Muscogee County, 1.36 mi WNW of Avondale
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
32.460, -84.990

Several social media reports of quarter size hail were received from the downtown Columbus area.

Hail, Muscogee

When
April 5, 4:00 AM EST to 4:10 AM EST
Where
Muscogee County, 1.36 mi WNW of Alta Vista
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
32.490, -84.940

The public reported nickel size hail in the Columbus area.

Hail, Muscogee

When
April 5, 4:00 AM EST to 4:10 AM EST
Where
Muscogee County, 1.26 mi S of Glenns
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
32.512, -84.954

The public reported penny size hail along Armour Road in Columbus.

Thunderstorm Wind, Troup

When
April 5, 6:35 AM EST to 6:40 AM EST
Where
Troup County, 1.65 mi NE of Trimble
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$6,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.214, -84.876

The Troup County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down along Buck Smith Road.

Hail, Fayette

When
April 5, 7:06 AM EST to 7:16 AM EST
Where
Fayette County, 1.5 mi NNE of Starrs Mill
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
33.350, -84.510

A National Weather Service employee reported penny size hail in the Whitewater area.

Hail, Heard

When
April 5, 7:10 AM EST to 7:20 AM EST
Where
Heard County, 2.22 mi NW of Elery
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.370, -85.100

The public reported nickel size hail in Centralhatchee.

Hail, Fulton

When
April 5, 7:44 AM EST to 7:54 AM EST
Where
Fulton County, 1.38 mi N of Goodes
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$4.1 million
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.550, -84.670

The Fulton County Emergency Manager relayed a report from the Fire Chief of golf ball size hail in Chattahoochee Hills area around the intersection of Wilkerson Mill Road and Cascade-Palmetto Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gwinnett

When
April 5, 9:00 AM EST to 9:05 AM EST
Where
Gwinnett County, 1.13 mi S of Trickem
Measured
45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.804, -84.096

The Gwinnett County Emergency Manager reported a large tree blown down blocking Deshong Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Warren

When
April 5, 9:40 AM EST to 9:50 AM EST
Where
Warren County, 0.58 mi E of Jewell to 0.31 mi E of Camak
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.300, -82.770

The Warren County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down across the county.

Hail, Douglas

When
April 5, 10:00 AM EST to 10:10 AM EST
Where
Douglas County, 2.74 mi WNW of Winston
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
33.739, -84.866

A report was received on social media of quarter size hail between Villa Rica and Douglasville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gwinnett

When
April 5, 10:50 AM EST to 10:55 AM EST
Where
Gwinnett County, 0.81 mi N of Gloster
Measured
40 kt (46 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.912, -84.069

The Gwinnett County Emergency Manager reported a tree blown down near the intersection of Castle Drive and Gloster Road.

Hail, Wilkes

When
April 5, 10:55 AM EST to 11:05 AM EST
Where
Wilkes County, 0.74 mi WSW of Tignall
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.865, -82.742

The Wilkes County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail in Tignall.

Tornado, Coweta

When
April 5, 11:03 AM EST to 11:09 AM EST
Where
Coweta County, 2.24 mi SSE of Thomas Xrds to 2.76 mi NE of Turin
Rating
EF1
Path length
3.98 mi
Path width
350 yd
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
33.370, -84.665

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado touched down north of Sharpsburg just west of Highway 154 and tracked southeast snapping both|hardwood and softwood trees as it crossed Willis Road and Highway 54. The greatest damage occurred north of Keg Creek along Reese Road where a swath of 10 to 15 trees were snapped. The tornado turned eastward snapping several trees along its path until it lifted near the intersection of Christopher Road and McIntosh Trail. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #1, County #1/1, EF-1, Coweta, 2017:060].

Flash Flood, Cobb

When
April 5, 11:04 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where
Cobb County, 10.62 mi E of Vinings to 10.66 mi E of Vinings
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
33.858, -84.285

A local news station broadcast a video of water flowing over the roadway near the intersection of Shallowford Rd and Sherbrooke Drive NE.

Tornado, Newton

When
April 5, 11:09 AM EST to 11:10 AM EST
Where
Newton County, 4.88 mi N of Dialtown to 4.82 mi N of Dialtown
Rating
EF1
Path length
0.24 mi
Path width
350 yd
Continued into
Walton, Ga (FFC)
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
33.720, -83.879

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 88 MPH and a maximum path width of 350 yards touched down in far northern Newton County along the Walton County line. This is where the most damage occurred, mainly along Wapakoneta Trail. Multiple softwood trees were snapped and uprooted with one causing damage to a vehicle. The tornado quickly moved eastward into Walton County. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #2, County #1/2, EF-1, Newton, Walton, 2017:061].

Tornado, Walton

When
April 5, 11:10 AM EST to 11:12 AM EST
Where
Walton County, 1.62 mi WSW of Walnut Grove to 1.78 mi SE of Walnut Grove
Rating
EF1
Path length
2.7 mi
Path width
350 yd
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
33.720, -83.875

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 88 MPH and a maximum path width of 350 yards moved east out of far northern Newton County into Walton County along Wapakoneta Trail. Multiple softwood trees were snapped and uprooted with one causing damage to a vehicle. The tornado continued eastward snapping or uprooting trees as it crossed Hightower Trail, Highway 81 and Old Highway 81 before ending around the intersection of Harris Rockmore Loop and Harris Rockmore Road. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #2, County #2/2, EF-1, Newton, Walton, 2017:061].

Hail, Fayette

When
April 5, 11:10 AM EST to 11:20 AM EST
Where
Fayette County, 0.58 mi E of Tyrone
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.470, -84.590

The public reported half dollar size hail in Tyrone.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clayton

When
April 5, 11:24 AM EST to 11:29 AM EST
Where
Clayton County, 0.58 mi E of Jonesboro
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.520, -84.340

The Clayton County Emergency Manager reported multiple large trees blown down, one on a house. No injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When
April 5, 11:25 AM EST to 11:35 AM EST
Where
Jackson County, 2.57 mi SW of Red Stone to 1.38 mi S of Red Stone
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$8,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
34.089, -83.625

A report was received on social media of trees down along Highway 11 southwest of Jefferson.

Tornado, Stewart

When
April 5, 11:28 AM EST to 11:43 AM EST
Where
Stewart County, 4 mi S of Tilley to 2.67 mi E of Barges
Rating
EF2
Path length
8.42 mi
Path width
1,320 yd
Continued into
Webster, Ga (FFC)
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
31.922, -84.793

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF2 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 120 MPH and a maximum path width of 1320 yards touched down |near the Randolph-Stewart County line along US Highway 27 and quickly moved northeast into Stewart County. The tornado touched down in extreme northwest Randolph County at EF1 strength. The tornado then traveled across southeast Stewart County snapping or uprooting trees. About 5 miles west of Weston, but still in Stewart County, EF2 damage occurred from County Road 91 across County Road 148 to the Freeman Extension south of Goodwins Pond Road. A number of trees were uprooted while most were snapped at the trunk, including trunks with diameters as large as 2 feet. Two chicken houses were destroyed and two trailers suffered roof damage. One of the trailers was largely destroyed, but not moved from its foundation. The tornado weakened to EF1 and continued into Webster County. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #3, County #1/2, EF-2, Stewart, Webster, 2017:062].

Tornado, Webster

When
April 5, 11:43 AM EST to 11:55 AM EST
Where
Webster County, 2.64 mi SW of Weston to 1.85 mi WSW of Centerpoint
Rating
EF1
Path length
6.26 mi
Path width
880 yd
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
31.956, -84.655

A National Weather Service survey team found that the tornado that began in Randolph County and moved across southeastern Stewart County moved into Webster County at EF1 intensity, with maximum wind speeds of 104 MPH and a maximum path width of 880 yards, south of Goodwins Pond Road. The tornado continued moving east crossing Highway 41 and Highway 520 before ending around the intersection of Hudson Leverette Road and County Road 23. The damage was mostly to trees, power lines, and small farm outbuildings. One peanut farm storage building was destroyed, but fortunately the employees had been sent home earlier in the day due to the threat for severe weather. The owner of the farm had left minutes prior to the arrival of the tornado after receiving a phone call stating that Weston was in the path of the storm. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #3, County #2/2, EF-1, Stewart, Webster, 2017:062].

Flash Flood, Cobb

When
April 5, 11:52 AM EST to 1:42 PM EST
Where
Cobb County, 2.97 mi NNW of Due West to 2.82 mi NW of Due West
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
34.007, -84.697

A USGS stream gage on Allatoona Creek on Stilesboro Road NW near Mars Hill quickly reached flood stage of 11 feet. The creek crest at 13.26 feet at 1:15 PM EST. Minor flooding occurred in the woodlands and fields near the creek upstream and downstream from the gage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When
April 5, 11:55 AM EST to 12:05 PM EST
Where
Madison County, 0.28 mi SW of Diamond Rock to 1.96 mi NW of Transco
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$12,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.027, -83.283

The Madison County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down across the county.

Hail, Greene

When
April 5, 12:30 PM EST to 12:40 PM EST
Where
Greene County, Penfield
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
33.670, -83.180

A trained spotter reported quarter size hail in Penfield.

Tornado, Sumter

When
April 5, 12:40 PM EST to 12:46 PM EST
Where
Sumter County, 1.14 mi SSW of Lebanon to 1.27 mi ESE of Plains
Rating
EF0
Path length
3.16 mi
Path width
150 yd
Property damage
$30,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
32.005, -84.428

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 70 MPH and a maximum path width of 150 yards briefly touched down southwest of Plains along Highway 45 snapping a few trees. The tornado moved northeast crossing N. Carter Fishpond Road and Chavers Drive uprooting a few trees. The tornado continued northeast crossing Highway 308 south of Plains, uprooting a few more trees and causing minor roof damage to a few homes before ending shortly after crossing Wise Road. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #4, County #1/1, EF-0, Sumter, 2017:063].

Hail, Wilkes

When
April 5, 12:44 PM EST to 12:54 PM EST
Where
Wilkes County, 0.57 mi W of Linesville
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$44,000
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
33.830, -82.880

Golf ball size hail was reported by a CoCoRaHS observer near Rayle.

Tornado, Dooly

When
April 5, 12:55 PM EST to 1:13 PM EST
Where
Dooly County, 0.88 mi S of Drayton to 3.29 mi NW of Vienna
Rating
EF1
Path length
8.77 mi
Path width
200 yd
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
32.057, -83.948

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 105 MPH and a maximum path width of 200 yards touched down in far |western Dooly county south of Highway 27 between River Road and Franklin Road. The|most substantial damage occurred to a home along Franklin Road where the 2nd floor was completely destroyed. The portion of the home destroyed was still in the finishing stages of construction. Tree damage was noted in the area around the home and a large irrigation system was flipped over in a nearby field. The tornado continued northeast crossing Highway 27 just east of where Ayers Road intersects and several |trees were snapped and uprooted where it crossed. The tornado continued northeast crossing Slosheye Trail where hundreds of trees were snapped and uprooted in a wooded area on either side of the road. As the tornado continued to the northeast it crossed Highway 90 snapping a few trees before weakening east of Pleasant Valley Road. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #5, County #1/1, EF-1, Dooly, 2017:064].

Thunderstorm Wind, Wilkes

When
April 5, 12:55 PM EST to 1:05 PM EST
Where
Wilkes County, 1.45 mi E of Tyrone to 1.49 mi WSW of Sandtown
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.674, -82.845

The Wilkes County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down across the county.

Flash Flood, Fulton

When
April 5, 1:03 PM EST to 5:41 PM EST
Where
Fulton County, 2.93 mi NNW of Atlanta to 2.8 mi E of Bolton
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
33.811, -84.415

A USGS stream gage on Peachtree Creek at Northside Drive in Atlanta quickly reached Moderate flood stage of 18 feet. The creek crest at 18.24 feet at 3:00 PM EST. A parking lot near the corner of Peachtree Road and Fairhaven Circle experienced flooding. Woodward Way was reportedly covered with a couple feet of water, and approached the foundation of several unelevated homes. Portions of Hanover West Drive and backyards of some residences on Peachtree Battle Avenue were inundated with a few feet of water.

Tornado, Dodge

When
April 5, 2:05 PM EST to 2:14 PM EST
Where
Dodge County, 1.98 mi SSW of Dubois to 2.06 mi NE of Gresston
Rating
EF1
Path length
4.1 mi
Path width
350 yd
Property damage
$200,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
32.276, -83.289

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 105 MPH and a maximum path width of 350 yards touched down West of Hardy Road, damaging a few homes and storage buildings as it crossed Hardy Road. The damage was mostly minor roof damage. Several trees were snapped and uprooted in the area as well. The tornado moved northeast crossing Garrett Oxley road where it |destroyed a travel trailer and a small barn and lofting a metal parking cover that was never found. The van that was parked under the cover was turned sideways and left a scar in the ground about 7 feet in length from the tires dragging in the dirt. The tornado entered the northwest side of Gresston on Gresston Baptist Road where |numerous large pines were snapped and some roof damage was noted to the Baptist Church. Further northeast along Rozar-Goolsby Road, numerous trees were snapped or uprooted and several homes sustained roof damage. Another church along this street also sustained roof damage. The tornado continued northeast along Wilson Woodward Road snapping and uprooting trees before ending shortly after crossing Bell Line Road. No injuries were reported. [04/05/17: Tornado #6, County #1/1, EF-1, Dodge, 2017:065].

Hail, Gordon

When
April 5, 2:16 PM EST to 2:26 PM EST
Where
Gordon County, 0.69 mi N of Fairmount
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.440, -84.700

The public reported half dollar size hail in Fairmount.

Hail, Crisp

When
April 5, 2:20 PM EST to 2:30 PM EST
Where
Crisp County, 0.59 mi E of Arabi
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
31.830, -83.740

The Crisp County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail I'm Arabi.

Tornado, Laurens

When
April 5, 2:38 PM EST to 3:05 PM EST
Where
Laurens County, 1.25 mi NW of Five Points to 3.08 mi ESE of Tweed
Rating
EF2
Path length
17.39 mi
Path width
400 yd
Continued into
Treutlen, Ga (FFC)
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
32.332, -82.986

A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF2 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 115 MPH and a maximum path width of 400 yards touched down in southwestern Laurens County around the intersection of Evan Colter Road and Frog Hollow Road where a house sustained damage and dozens of trees were snapped and uprooted. Just east of this location, a large auto-body repair shop was destroyed along Coleman Register Road some damage occurred to nearby homes. Dozens of trees were also snapped in the area. The tornado continued moving northeast crossing Five Points Road and snapping trees before clipping home along Baker Church road. The second floor on the south side of the house was mostly destroyed. Nearby, a large, triangular radio tower was completely bent over and several outbuildings were completely destroyed. The tornado continued northeast along James Evans Road crossing US Highway 441 snapping trees and damaging the roofs of homes along the way. The tornado continued snapping and uprooting trees as it moved northeast crossing South Poplar Springs Church Road, Greg Couey Road, Hall Road, Captain Debbie Brown Highway, Rock Springs Road and eventually going over a marshy area in eastern Laurens county before crossing into Treutlen County. The team could not access the marshy area between Rock Spring Road and Highway 199 but did find damage to trees along Highway 199 and Thairdell Road indicating a continuous path through the marshy region. The Tornado crossed Mercer Creek into Treutlen County just east of Thairdell Road. No injuries were reported. [04/05/7: Tornado #7, County #1/2, EF-2, Laurens, Treutlen, 2017:066].

Tornado, Treutlen

When
April 5, 3:05 PM EST to 3:07 PM EST
Where
Treutlen County, 2.47 mi SW of Orland to 1.27 mi SE of Orland
Rating
EF0
Path length
2.8 mi
Path width
100 yd
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
32.405, -82.700

A National Weather Service survey team found that a tornado in eastern Laurens County crossed Mercer Creek into Treutlen County just east of Thairdell Road with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards. The tornado moved northeast damaging a few trees along Knox Mill Road and Red Bluff Church Road before ending near Highway 29 and Briarcliff road. No injuries were reported. [04/05/7: Tornado #7, County #2/2, EF-0, Laurens, Treutlen, 2017:066].

Thunderstorm Wind, Treutlen

When
April 5, 3:28 PM EST to 3:35 PM EST
Where
Treutlen County, 3 mi SE of Five Points to 3.35 mi ENE of Five Points
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.386, -82.439

The Treutlen County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down across the eastern side of the county.

Flash Flood, Fulton

When
April 5, 3:48 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where
Fulton County, 3.85 mi N of Atlanta to 2.9 mi E of Bolton
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
33.826, -84.401

Local news media reported that five City of Atlanta employees were rescued from the roofs of their vehicles after the work trucks, carrying road barricades, were overwhelmed by the flood waters. The rising water was from nearby Peachtree Creek near the intersection of Peachtree Battle Avenue and Woodward Way.

Thunderstorm Wind, Toombs

When
April 5, 4:05 PM EST to 4:10 PM EST
Where
Toombs County, 1.81 mi SE of Cedar Crossing
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.000, -82.380

The Toombs County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down along George Brinson Road.

Flash Flood, Fulton

When
April 5, 4:30 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where
Fulton County, 1.75 mi ENE of Bolton to 1.34 mi NE of Bolton
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
33.828, -84.441

A USGS stream gage on Nancy Creek at West Wesley Road in Atlanta quickly reached flood stage of 12 feet. The creek crest at 12.30 feet at 6:30 PM EST. Minor flooding of residential yards occured along the creek upstream and downstream from the gage, including Nancy Creek Road and Ridge Valley Court. Portions of The Westminster Schools athletic fields upstream from the gage also flooded.

Hail, Haralson

When
April 5, 4:40 PM EST to 4:50 PM EST
Where
Haralson County, 4.19 mi S of Hooper
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
33.670, -85.320

An amateur radio operator reported quarter size hail a half mile south of I-20.

Hail, Haralson

When
April 5, 4:45 PM EST to 4:55 PM EST
Where
Haralson County, 3.46 mi SW of Budapest
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$244,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.684, -85.262

The Haralson County Emergency Manager reported golf ball size hail at the intersection of I-20 and Highway 16.

Hail, Haralson

When
April 5, 4:50 PM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where
Haralson County, 3.47 mi SW of Budapest
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
33.684, -85.263

A report of half dollar size hail at exit 5 on I-20 was received over social media.

Hail, Carroll

When
April 5, 4:58 PM EST to 5:10 PM EST
Where
Carroll County, 1.09 mi N of Bowdon Jct
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$626,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.686, -85.151

The Carroll County Emergency Manager reported golf ball size hail at the intersection of I-20 and US Highway 27.

Hail, Chattooga

When
April 5, 5:00 PM EST to 5:10 PM EST
Where
Chattooga County, 1.33 mi ESE of Summerville
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.470, -85.330

The public reported penny size hail a mile north of the James H. Sloppy Floyd State Park.

Hail, Telfair

When
April 5, 5:04 PM EST to 5:14 PM EST
Where
Telfair County, 7.34 mi WSW of Lumber City
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
31.900, -82.800

The Telfair County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail on Fishing Creek Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Telfair

When
April 5, 5:04 PM EST to 5:09 PM EST
Where
Telfair County, 4.25 mi WSW of Lumber City
Measured
40 kt (46 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
31.896, -82.740

The Telfair County Emergency Manager reported a tree blown down on Highway 117 southwest of Lumber City.

Hail, Toombs

When
April 5, 5:18 PM EST to 5:28 PM EST
Where
Toombs County, 2.14 mi E of Cedar Crossing
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.015, -82.364

The Toombs County Emergency Manager reported quarter to half dollar size hail off of Sam Beasley Road.

Hail, Heard

When
April 5, 5:43 PM EST to 5:53 PM EST
Where
Heard County, 0.69 mi N of Glenn
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.160, -85.200

The Heard County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Coweta

When
April 5, 6:15 PM EST to 6:25 PM EST
Where
Coweta County, 2.03 mi NNW of Grantville to 2.68 mi E of Grantville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.258, -84.839

The Coweta County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down along Grantville Road and Bradbury Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When
April 5, 7:30 PM EST to 7:35 PM EST
Where
Floyd County, 0.67 mi SE of Garden Lakes to 0.71 mi SSE of Fosters Mills
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$12,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.274, -85.221

The Floyd County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down from Garrard Avenue NW to Darlington Way SW.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When
April 5, 8:10 PM EST to 8:15 PM EST
Where
Cherokee County, 1.68 mi W of Canton to 1.15 mi W of Canton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$12,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.227, -84.509

The Cherokee County Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines blown down from Oakdale Road north of Knox Bridge Highway to Riverside Road at Marietta Highway.

Hail, Paulding

When
April 5, 8:29 PM EST to 8:39 PM EST
Where
Paulding County, 0.69 mi N of Union
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$1.4 million
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.840, -84.980

The Paulding County Emergency Manager reported golf ball size hail near the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 120.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
April 5, 8:50 PM EST to 8:55 PM EST
Where
Carroll County, 0.77 mi NNE of Roopville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.460, -85.124

The Carroll County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down across the roadway at the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 5.

Hail, Troup

When
April 5, 9:25 PM EST to 9:35 PM EST
Where
Troup County, 0.9 mi W of Huntington
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
33.021, -85.135

The public reported quarter size hail in the Pyne Road area.

Hail, Gwinnett

When
April 5, 9:58 PM EST to 10:08 PM EST
Where
Gwinnett County, 0.9 mi NE of Dacula
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.990, -83.890

The Gwinnett County Emergency Manager reported nickel size hail in Dacula.

Hail, Gwinnett

When
April 5, 10:00 PM EST to 10:10 PM EST
Where
Gwinnett County, Hog Mtn
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
34.050, -83.930

An amateur radio operator reported quarter size hail around the intersection of Highway 324 and Highway 124.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harris

When
April 5, 10:00 PM EST to 10:05 PM EST
Where
Harris County, 2.16 mi SW of Hog Gap to 1.25 mi N of Hamilton
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$12,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.794, -84.871

The Harris County Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines blown down along Highway 27 north of Hamilton. Power was out in parts of Hamilton.

Hail, Jackson

When
April 5, 10:05 PM EST to 10:15 PM EST
Where
Jackson County, 0.57 mi E of Braselton
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
34.120, -83.760

A report was received of quarter size hail at the intersection of I-85 and Highway 53 on social media.

Hail, Barrow

When
April 5, 10:07 PM EST to 10:17 PM EST
Where
Barrow County, 0.69 mi S of Auburn
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.010, -83.830

The public reported ping pong ball size hail in Auburn.

Hail, Hall

When
April 5, 10:08 PM EST to 10:18 PM EST
Where
Hall County, 1.5 mi NNE of New Holland
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
34.320, -83.790

The Hall County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail at the Hall County EOC in Gainesville.

Hail, Jackson

When
April 5, 10:20 PM EST to 10:30 PM EST
Where
Jackson County, 2.07 mi N of Marcus
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.100, -83.670

The public reported half dollar size hail.

Hail, Jackson

When
April 5, 10:25 PM EST to 10:35 PM EST
Where
Jackson County, 0.34 mi ENE of Red Stone
Measured
2 in hail
Property damage
$739,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
34.122, -83.594

A report of 2 inch hail in the Preserve Neighborhood near Jefferson Middle School was received on social media.

Thunderstorm Wind, Spalding

When
April 5, 10:25 PM EST to 10:30 PM EST
Where
Spalding County, 0.4 mi SW of Griffin
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$4,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
33.246, -84.275

An amateur radio operator reported trees blown down at the intersection of 14th Street and West Poplar Street.

Hail, Banks

When
April 5, 10:30 PM EST to 10:40 PM EST
Where
Banks County, 1.38 mi N of Five Pts
Measured
1.75 in hail
Property damage
$241,000
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
34.250, -83.380

A CoCoRaHS observer reported golf ball size hail.

Hail, Jackson

When
April 5, 10:35 PM EST to 10:40 PM EST
Where
Jackson County, 1.12 mi E of Grove Level
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
34.250, -83.460

The public reported quarter size hail at the QuickTrip gas station near Commerce.

Thunderstorm Wind, Walton

When
April 5, 11:00 PM EST to 11:05 PM EST
Where
Walton County, 0.45 mi NNE of Social Circle
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$15,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
33.656, -83.718

The Walton County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down on a car wash in Social Circle.

What these are

Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Georgia in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Georgia, 2017Warnings in Georgia, April 2017

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: 698353, 698354, 698355, 698601, 698356, 698358, 698359, 698602, 698603, 698361, 698606, 698362, 698320, 699181, 698321, 698322, 698364, 698608, 698607, 698329, 698330, 699296, 698610, 698365, 698333, 698366, 698334, 698611, 699317, 698337, 698368, 698369, 698347, 698349, 698612, 699306, 698613, 699316, 698370, 698371, and more.