Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Georgia, January 2, 2017

Name: Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Georgia, January 2, 2017
Start: 2017-01-02T21:12
End: 2017-01-02T23:20
Location: Georgia

January 2, 2017 · NWS TAE · 70 events in 18 counties and zones

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: 1
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $20 million
Crop damage: $7.5 million
Events: 70

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 TAE wrote it up.

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms affected the region to start the year. Two day rainfall totals in excess of 8 inches were common across portions of the Florida panhandle with several roads flooded. Severe weather, including tornadoes and significant straight line wind damage, also occurred across the tri-state area with most of it in southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. Albany was particularly hard hit with significant wind damage. There were a total of 5 fatalities across the tri-state area from straight line winds. There was also 1 fatality in Florida due to river flooding.

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 Tallahassee, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 2, 6:22 PM EST, 2 hours 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 2, 6:22 PM EST, 2 hours 50 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
622 PM EST Mon Jan 2 2017

.UPDATE...

There are no big changes to the previous forecast. Expect strong
to occasionally severe convection to continue into at least the
first half of the night along with the potential for flash
flooding, especially in portions of southeast AL, the Florida
panhandle, and adjacent sections of SW GA.

&&

.AVIATION...

[Through 00z Wednesday] Poor flying conditions are expected
through tonight with strong to severe convection in the area
ahead of a cold front. Improving conditions are expected behind
the front on Tuesday afternoon.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION [334 PM EST]...

.NEAR TERM [Through Tonight]...

A weak shortwave near the MS/AL line assisted in the development of
convection along a warm front in central/northern MS and AL this
morning. It also forced scattered convection across southern MS/AL,
along with convection initiating along a coastal front along the Gulf
coast. There is good consensus that convection that develops along
the Gulf coast will merge with the developing line across
central/southern AL and consolidate across the Tri-State region.
Favorable shear, instability, and lapse rates would favor all modes
of severe weather as well. Hail would be most likely in any
remaining discrete cells, with tornadoes and damaging winds possible
in both discrete or linear modes. A stronger shortwave moving into
the Mississippi Valley this afternoon has an associated squall line
moving out of LA as of 19z. While we may get some shower and
thunderstorm activity from this line, it seems more likely that our
best threat for severe weather will come with the first wave of
storms and that the environment will stabilize enough in its wake
that the squall line will gradually weaken. Regardless of how many
rounds of severe weather we get, the SPC has outlooked part of
southeast Alabama and the Florida panhandle in an Enhanced risk for
severe weather, with a Slight risk through southwest Georgia and the
western Big Bend of Florida. Thus, there is a greater than usual
threat for severe weather this afternoon/evening. A tornado watch is
likely a little later this afternoon. In addition to the severe
threat, a threat for flash flooding exists across extreme southwest
Georgia, the Florida panhandle and southeast Alabama. Especially
sensitive are the bordering counties between Alabama and Florida
where up to 8 inches of rain have fallen over the past 36 or so
hours. As of last night there were several road closures in parts of
Walton and Holmes counties. With 1-3" of additional rain possible
and isolated higher amounts doubling that, if it were to be realized
in these locations, more substantial and possibly flash flooding
would be possible. The idea now is that within an hour or so after
midnight, the initial wave of storms will be moving out of our
Georgia counties to the northeast, with a line of showers and
isolated thunderstorms (likely sub-severe) moving into southeast
Alabama and the Panhandle to end the night.

.SHORT TERM [Tuesday Through Wednesday Night]...

The heavy rain threat and severe threat will have ended by daybreak
Tuesday. Convection will also end from west to east during the day
with the passage of the cold front. While PoPs will be as high as
likely (60-70%), QPF amounts should be low. A cooler and drier
airmass will filter in late Tuesday with a reenforcement of a colder
and drier airmass behind a secondary cold front Wednesday. After a
brief break in cloud cover, clouds will increase on again on
Wednesday but no rain is expected. High temps will be in the 70s to
around 80 Tuesday and in the upper 60s to lower 70s Wednesday. Lows
will be in the lower to mid 50s Tuesday night and mostly in the
lower to mid 40s Wednesday night.

.LONG TERM [Thursday Through Monday]...

The latest global models continue to disagree with the timing and
synoptic set up for our next chance of rain. The ECMWF shows a
surface low developing and traversing across the NE gulf Friday
and off the southeast U.S. coast Friday night with a much colder
and drier airmass arriving on Saturday. The GFS shows a more
potent low pressure system (surface and aloft) moving into and
across the southeast CONUS Friday night/Saturday. Will continue
to blend solutions showing chance for rain both days. Temps will
be below seasonal average, especially max temps, each day.

.MARINE...

Moderate south winds through tonight will veer to the west and
weaken somewhat on Tuesday as a cold front passes through the
region. Winds and seas will possibly increase to advisory levels
by the end of the week into the weekend with the approach and
passage stronger low pressure system.

.FIRE WEATHER...

Hazardous fire weather conditions are not expected over the next
several days.

.HYDROLOGY...

Four to eight inches of rain has fallen in parts Southeast Alabama,
Panhandle Florida and parts of Southwest Georgia. Another one to
three inches may fall in this area through tonight. Local rivers are
rising quickly. The Choctawhatchee River will reach flood stage near
the Caryville, Geneva, Newton and Bruce points. The Shoal River near
Mossyhead is in moderate flood stage and will likely rise more and
crest a second time as heavy rain returns this evening. Several
other rivers may reach flood stage later this week. The threat for
flash flooding will increase this afternoon/evening as heavy rain
returns to areas that have already received several inches the past
two days. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until late tonight
for Southeast Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and extreme Southwest
Georgia.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...

Tallahassee   67  80  53  71  46 /  60  70   0   0  10
Panama City   67  75  56  69  48 /  60  60   0   0  10
Dothan        64  76  51  67  41 / 100  30   0   0   0
Albany        65  77  52  68  41 / 100  60   0   0   0
Valdosta      66  80  53  70  44 /  60  60   0   0  10
Cross City    66  80  54  73  48 /  20  30   0   0   0
Apalachicola  68  75  56  71  50 /  40  70   0   0   0

&&

.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

FL...Flash Flood Watch until 5 AM EST /4 AM CST/ Tuesday for Calhoun-
     Central Walton-Coastal Bay-Holmes-Inland Bay-Jackson-North
     Walton-South Walton-Washington.

     High Rip Current Risk until 5 AM EST /4 AM CST/ Tuesday for
     Coastal Bay-Coastal Franklin-Coastal Gulf-South Walton.

GA...Flash Flood Watch until 5 AM EST Tuesday for Baker-Calhoun-Clay-
     Decatur-Early-Miller-Quitman-Randolph-Seminole.

AL...Flash Flood Watch until 4 AM CST Tuesday for Coffee-Dale-Geneva-
     Henry-Houston.

GM...None.

&&

UPDATE...DVD
NEAR TERM...Harrigan
SHORT TERM...Barry
LONG TERM...Barry
AVIATION...DVD
MARINE...Barry
FIRE WEATHER...Harrigan
HYDROLOGY...McDermott

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jan 2, 3:15 PM EST, 5 hours 57 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
215 PM CST MON JAN 2 2017

ALZ065-022100-
Coffee AL-
215 PM CST MON JAN 2 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WESTERN COFFEE COUNTY UNTIL 300
PM CST...

At 215 PM CST, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a a
strong thunderstorm near Opp, moving northeast at 45 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Elba, Lee, Kinston, Chestnut Grove, Bluff Spring, Clowers Crossroads,
Zoar, Carl Folsom A/p, Estothel, Danleys Crossroads, Arcus, Wise
Mill, Ino, Camp Humming Hills, Victoria, Jack, Rhoades, Basin, Perry
Store and Lowry Mill.

LAT...LON 3153 8619 3154 8614 3162 8615 3162 8582
      3120 8613 3123 8620
TIME...MOT...LOC 2015Z 222DEG 42KT 3135 8620

ADL

Special weather statement, Jan 2, 5:29 PM EST, 3 hours 43 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
529 PM EST MON JAN 2 2017

GAZ120-122-022300-
Randolph GA-Quitman GA-
529 PM EST MON JAN 2 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN RANDOLPH AND EAST
CENTRAL QUITMAN COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM EST...

At 528 PM EST, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm 9 miles northwest of Cuthbert, moving northeast
at 30 mph.

Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Crossroads and Springvale.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3192 8491 3192 8481 3193 8480 3192 8480
      3192 8469 3181 8483 3183 8503 3193 8493
      3193 8492
TIME...MOT...LOC 2228Z 229DEG 26KT 3187 8491

ADL

Local storm report, Jan 2, 8:18 PM EST, 54 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
818 PM EST MON JAN 02 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0757 PM     TSTM WND DMG     GANER                   31.08N 86.11W
01/02/2017                   GENEVA             AL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            POWER LINE DOWN IN THE WESTERN PART OF GENEVA COUNTY

&&

DVD

Local storm report, Jan 2, 8:54 PM EST, 18 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
854 PM EST MON JAN 02 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0747 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 WNW CLUSTER SPRINGS   30.85N 86.24W
01/02/2017                   WALTON             FL   PUBLIC

            REPORT OF TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN NEAR HIGHWAY 331 AND
            HIGHWAY 2A

&&

DVD

Local storm report, Jan 2, 9:01 PM EST, 11 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
901 PM EST MON JAN 02 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0856 PM     TSTM WND GST     MARIANNA MUNICIPAL A/P  30.83N 85.18W
01/02/2017  M60 MPH          JACKSON            FL   ASOS

            52 KNOT OR 60 MPH GUST MEASURED AT KMAI

&&

DVD

Local storm report, Jan 2, 9:09 PM EST, 3 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
909 PM EST MON JAN 02 2017

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0830 PM     TSTM WND DMG     BONIFAY                 30.79N 85.68W
01/02/2017                   HOLMES             FL   911 CALL CENTER

            MULTIPLE TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN ACROSS HOLMES COUNTY

&&

DVD

The radar

The Ft Rucker radar (KEOX), 47 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 02:08 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

60 thunderstorm wind, 10 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Tornado, Early

When: January 2, 9:12 PM EST to 9:19 PM EST
Where: Early County, 0.82 mi NE of Sawhatchee to 3.25 mi ESE of Luke
Rating: EF2
Path length: 4.34 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.277, -85.009

An EF2 tornado with max winds estimated at 115 mph touched down on Damascus Hilton Road just east of Zion Road and moved NE toward Cedar Springs Road. At the intersection of Cedar Springs Road and Hightower Road, two residences were significantly damaged, with a portion of the roof deck removed. Additionally several farm buildings were damaged or destroyed in the area. The tornado then turned more to the east and eventually lifted when reaching Old Lucile Road. Damage further east on Rock Bluff Road near the intersection of Highway 39 was consistent with straight line wind damage with winds near 80 to 90 mph. Damage cost was estimated.

Tornado, Seminole

When: January 2, 9:14 PM EST to 9:18 PM EST
Where: Seminole County, 1.23 mi NNW of Riverturn to 1.31 mi WSW of Davis Park
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.73 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Property damage: $250,000
Crop damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 30.997, -84.945

An EF1 tornado with max winds near 90 mph touched down on Grant Graham road causing damage to pecan groves, two mobile homes, and one single family home. The tornado tracked northeast for approximately 3.75 miles along Highway 91 before lifting just south of Donalsonville. Damage was estimated.

Tornado, Early

When: January 2, 9:18 PM EST to 9:33 PM EST
Where: Early County, 1.22 mi SW of Centerville to 2.02 mi NNW of Old Damascus
Rating: EF2
Path length: 10.87 mi
Path width: 1,000 yd
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.257, -84.904

An EF2 tornado with max winds near 115 mph initially touched down on the Early County side of the Early-Miller County line near Three Notch Road. Damage in this area was mainly limited to trees and a few farm buildings that were destroyed. Damage in this area was generally consistent with EF1 damage. The tornado moved NE toward US-27 near the intersection with Bates Road. A mobile home suffered roof damage and numerous pines were snapped or uprooted on the west side of US-27. The tornado continued northeast and intensified before reaching Middleton Road. Many trees were snapped, with a few debarked in this area. One farm building was completely destroyed in this area. The tornado continued moving to the east-northeast and ultimately lifted near Old Damascus Road where a few trees were snapped and a pivot irrigation system was overturned. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Decatur

When: January 2, 9:25 PM EST
Where: Decatur County, 0.69 mi N of Bethany
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 30.860, -84.730

A survey team found a small area of damage to trees and outbuildings in western Decatur county consistent with straight line winds around 80 mph.

Tornado, Early

When: January 2, 9:34 PM EST to 9:41 PM EST
Where: Early County, 0.95 mi SW of Rowena to 0.84 mi NE of Nicholasville
Rating: EF2
Path length: 4.43 mi
Path width: 500 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.369, -84.720

An EF2 tornado with max winds near 120 mph touched down just west of Highway 45 north of Billy Newberry Road. The tornado lifted just north of Newton Road. There was significant tree damage along with some structural damage along the periphery of the path. Damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Decatur

When: January 2, 9:37 PM EST to 9:42 PM EST
Where: Decatur County, 1.91 mi ESE of Hanover to 1.15 mi NW of West Bainbridge
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 30.920, -84.610

Damage to a farm equipment dealer and automobile dealer in the West Bainbridge area was determined to be associated with straight line winds around 80 mph. Trees were also blown down in West Bainbridge including Donald Dr, Hawk St, Dennard St, Miller Ave, Bethel Road, Newton Road, Spring Creek Road, Hales Landing, and John Sam Road. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Randolph

When: January 2, 9:38 PM EST
Where: Randolph County, Coleman
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 31.670, -84.890

A few trees were blown down in southwestern Randolph county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Decatur

When: January 2, 9:40 PM EST
Where: Decatur County, 2 mi SE of Recovery
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 30.730, -84.696

Power lines were blown down in southwestern Decatur county.

Tornado, Miller

When: January 2, 9:41 PM EST to 9:45 PM EST
Where: Miller County, 1.66 mi SW of Cooktown to 1.04 mi NE of Cooktown
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.7 mi
Path width: 1,000 yd
Continued into: Baker, Ga (TAE)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.184, -84.571

An EF1 tornado touched down near Albany Highway and Kimbrel Road in eastern Miller County. The tornado traveled northeast, doing heavy damage to trees in along the path. A home and outbuildings were damaged near Highway 200 in Baker County before the tornado lifted. Max winds were estimated at 105 mph.

Tornado, Baker

When: January 2, 9:45 PM EST to 9:53 PM EST
Where: Baker County, 2.88 mi SSW of Mimsville to 1 mi N of Hawkinstown
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.21 mi
Path width: 1,000 yd
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.211, -84.538

Tornado, Calhoun

When: January 2, 9:52 PM EST to 9:54 PM EST
Where: Calhoun County, 0.54 mi NW of Leary to 0.89 mi N of Leary
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.66 mi
Path width: 400 yd
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.485, -84.517

An EF0 tornado with max winds near 85 mph touched down along Mercer Ave and lifted near Bray St in the town of Leary. Damage consisted of numerous uprooted trees and minor damage to several roofs. Several outbuildings were also damaged, and numerous power lines and power poles were blown down. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Baker

When: January 2, 9:54 PM EST
Where: Baker County, Newton
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.310, -84.330

There was significant damage to trees and a few structures in the town of Newton. A survey determined that the damage was consistent with straight line winds near 85 mph. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Terrell

When: January 2, 10:00 PM EST
Where: Terrell County, Dawson
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 31.770, -84.440

A tree was blown down along Highway 82.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dougherty

When: January 2, 10:05 PM EST
Where: Dougherty County, Ducker
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 31.520, -84.360

The Georgia Automated Environmental Monitoring site at Ducker measured a wind gust of 60 mph.

Tornado, Mitchell

When: January 2, 10:08 PM EST to 10:16 PM EST
Where: Mitchell County, 2.82 mi N of Baconton to 5.56 mi NE of Baconton
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.97 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $100,000
Crop damage: $7.5 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.411, -84.164

An EF1 tornado with max winds near 95 mph touched down near Flint River just west of US 19 and north of Baconton in Mitchell County. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped. In fact, there were estimates of around 3,000 pecan trees destroyed. There was roof damage to several mobile homes off Stage Coach Road. The tornado may have touched down a bit further west and lifted a bit further east. However, these areas were inaccessible to the survey team. Damage cost was estimated. An article from Texas A&M states that a mature pecan tree is worth around $2,500, bringing the estimated crop damage total to around $7.5 million.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: January 2, 10:10 PM EST
Where: Grady County, 2 mi NE of Elpino
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 31.011, -84.206

Several power lines were blown down north of Cairo. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dougherty

When: January 2, 10:14 PM EST to 10:30 PM EST
Where: Dougherty County, 1.53 mi NNW of Lockett Crossing to 0.45 mi NW of Turner City
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $17 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.571, -84.258

A severe thunderstorm produced a 3 to 4 mile swath of 80 to 85 mph winds across the northern half of Albany proper, causing widespread damage across the city. The NWS damage survey team found hundreds of snapped and/or uprooted trees, minor to moderate roof damage to structures and buildings, and occasional instances of extensive damage to wide-span metal roofs in areas throughout the city. Much of the severe structural damage surveyed was a result of trees falling onto structures and powerlines, especially in the Rawson Circle area, where the roads are canopied by old oak trees. The downed trees across the city were oriented in the same direction. This, along with examination of radar data from the event suggests that the damage was caused by straight line winds. Dougherty county received FEMA aid for this event due to damage cost exceeding the local threshold of $16 million.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grady

When: January 2, 10:14 PM EST
Where: Grady County, 1 mi WNW of Spence
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 31.035, -84.176

Trees and power lines were blown down in the Macedonia Church area. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dougherty

When: January 2, 10:19 PM EST
Where: Dougherty County, 2.45 mi WNW of Albany
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 31.580, -84.210

A Weatherbug station at Darton State College reported a 68 mph gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:27 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.65 mi E of Liberty Hill
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.401, -83.919

Trees and power lines were blown down along Bridgeboro-Anderson Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Thomas

When: January 2, 10:28 PM EST
Where: Thomas County, 1.82 mi NW of Quality
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 31.060, -84.090

Power lines were blown down near Meigs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lee

When: January 2, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Lee County, Stocks
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.650, -84.090

Scattered trees were blown down in southeastern Lee county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 2.61 mi WSW of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.571, -83.973

Trees were blown down near 200 Henry Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 3.15 mi SW of Sylvester-Worth Arpt
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.512, -83.920

Several power poles were blown down on Spring Flats Road.

Tornado, Dougherty

When: January 2, 10:32 PM EST to 10:35 PM EST
Where: Dougherty County, 6.42 mi NE of Turner City to 6.67 mi N of Acree
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.99 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Continued into: Worth, Ga (TAE)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.642, -84.009

An EF1 tornado touched down just inside the Dougherty County line along Cordele Road before moving east-northeast into Worth County. The tornado lifted just east of Highway 313. A strongly convergent signature was noted in the tree damage which supports the designation as a tornado. Max winds were estimated at 105 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:32 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.54 mi NE of Sylvester-Worth Arpt
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.555, -83.883

The under-skirting of a home was pushed under a home on Ramblewood Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:33 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 1.72 mi NNW of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.604, -83.937

Trees were blown down on Pearson Road at Woodcrest Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:34 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 1.06 mi ENE of Isabella
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.566, -83.833

A tree hit the side of a house on Lakeside Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:34 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 5.58 mi NW of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.626, -84.008

Trees were blown down near Worthy and Rich Roads.

Tornado, Worth

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST to 10:42 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 5.92 mi NW of Red Rock to 1.79 mi SSE of Doles
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.96 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Property damage: $500,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.646, -83.993

An EF1 tornado touched down just inside the Dougherty County line along Cordele Road before moving east northeast into Worth County. The tornado lifted just east of Highway 313. A strongly convergent signature was noted in the tree damage which supports the designation as a tornado. There was significant damage to the Camp Osborn area in far western Worth county where a group of boy scouts were staying overnight. Although thousands of trees were blown down with several buildings in the forest destroyed due to falling trees, the boy scouts remained safe due to receiving the warning with sufficient lead time to take shelter in a safer building. Max winds were estimated around 105 mph. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.69 mi N of Isabella
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 31.570, -83.850

Three trees were blown down onto a house near Sylvester. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Colquitt

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST to 11:05 PM EST
Where: Colquitt County, Bay to Ellenton
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 31.190, -83.920

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across Colquitt county. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.43 mi NNW of Isabella
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.565, -83.854

Two trees were blown down onto a house on Steve Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.34 mi NE of Isabella
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.563, -83.846

A power pole was snapped near 200 Strangward Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 3.98 mi NNW of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.634, -83.955

Trees were blown down on Hillhouse Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.45 mi NNE of Isabella
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.566, -83.847

Trees were blown down onto a house on Boyd Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:35 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 2.25 mi S of Poulan
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.478, -83.785

A power line was blown down on Highway 256 just east of Cotton Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:37 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 3.51 mi SSW of Doles to 4.41 mi NE of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.654, -83.905

Trees and power lines were blown down on Blue Springs Road from Church Road to Jewel Crowe Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:37 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 1.48 mi WNW of Doles
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.706, -83.904

A roof was blown off a farm house on Cleo Boyd Road. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:37 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 1.47 mi W of Doles
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.704, -83.905

Structural damage was reported at the Charity Grove Church. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:37 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 3.1 mi NE of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.615, -83.897

Trees were blown down onto Harris Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:37 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 4.03 mi SW of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.666, -83.935

Trees and power lines were blown down on Ausby Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:37 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 3.84 mi NNE of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.634, -83.916

Trees were blown down on Fowler Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:37 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 4 mi NNE of Red Rock
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.628, -83.892

Trees were blown down on Crowe Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:39 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.65 mi NW of Doles
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.708, -83.886

Damage occurred to a shop on Highway 313 North. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:43 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.88 mi ESE of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.696, -83.866

Trees were blown down on Red Oak Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:43 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 3.72 mi S of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.646, -83.875

Trees and power lines were blown down on Sawyer Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:43 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.67 mi SSW of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.691, -83.883

Numerous trees were blown down on Highway 313.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:44 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 1.16 mi ESE of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.697, -83.861

Trees were blown down with roof damage on Howard Drive. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Colquitt

When: January 2, 10:45 PM EST
Where: Colquitt County, 2.46 mi W of South Moultrie
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 31.143, -83.811

A tree was blown down across a home with power lines also down on Walter Murphy Road. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:45 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 1.19 mi E of Doles
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.703, -83.860

Damage on Highway 32 East consisted of roof damage, pool damage, outbuilding damage, and vehicle damage. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:45 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 2.05 mi ESE of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.688, -83.848

Trees were blown down on Abrams Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:45 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 2.2 mi ENE of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.711, -83.845

Trees were blown down on Eric Alred Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:45 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 3.21 mi SE of Doles
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.673, -83.835

Trees were blown down on Jodie Hobby Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 10:49 PM EST to 10:56 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 3.93 mi SW of Dakota to 2.58 mi ENE of Dakota
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 31.734, -83.742

An NWS survey team determined that straight line winds of 80 mph moved across Turner county. The severe winds downed hundreds of trees, knocked over a church steeple, and removed shingles and metal roofing from mobile homes and well-constructed outbuildings. In addition, a few mobile homes were damaged by falling trees and one outbuilding was destroyed when the wind shifted it off the blocks on which it was located. This resulted in one fatality. The damage was confined to roughly a 6.5 mile by 4 mile box. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:49 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 6.3 mi NE of Doles
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.767, -83.808

A tree was blown down onto a power line on Highway 33 South of Gleaton Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Worth

When: January 2, 10:50 PM EST
Where: Worth County, 0.98 mi NNW of Isabella
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.574, -83.854

The roof to a screened in porch was blown off along Highway 313 North. Damage cost was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 10:52 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 3.23 mi SW of Dakota
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.739, -83.731

Trees were blown down on Warwick Highway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 10:54 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 2.07 mi NE of Dakota
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.789, -83.662

Trees were blown down on Alberson Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 10:56 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 1.37 mi N of Ashburn
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.720, -83.654

Trees were blown down on Highway 159.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 10:56 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 1.25 mi S of Dakota
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.752, -83.694

Trees were blown down on Ireland Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 10:56 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 2.73 mi NE of Worth
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.778, -83.637

Trees were blown down on Hopewell Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 10:56 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 6.69 mi ENE of Ashburn-Turner Arpt
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.705, -83.520

Trees were blown down on Kendrick Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 11:00 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 1.12 mi WNW of Amboy
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.797, -83.597

Trees were blown down on Amboy Farms Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 11:00 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 3.87 mi NNW of Amboy
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.842, -83.604

Trees were blown down on John Pate Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 11:03 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 1.9 mi SE of Amboy
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.770, -83.558

Trees were blown down on Freeman Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 11:04 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 3.89 mi SSW of Rebecca
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.747, -83.502

Trees were blown down on Scott Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Turner

When: January 2, 11:05 PM EST
Where: Turner County, 3.53 mi NW of Rebecca
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 31.839, -83.519

Trees were blown down on Shady Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ben Hill

When: January 2, 11:13 PM EST
Where: Ben Hill County, Lulaville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 31.770, -83.240

A tree was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cook

When: January 2, 11:20 PM EST
Where: Cook County, 3.62 mi SE of Adel
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 31.100, -83.370

Trees were blown down on Livingston Road.

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.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Thunderstorm Wind, Turner	2017-01-02	73	Male	Mobile/Trailer Home	Direct

What these are

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.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Georgia in 2017 Every state in 2017 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Georgia, 2017 Warnings in Georgia, January 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: 670339, 670344, 670341, 671790, 670343, 671791, 671792, 671801, 670334, 670335, 670354, 671793, 671794, 671800, 670348, 671802, 670336, 671803, 671799, 672353, 671805, 671806, 672354, 672355, 670337, 672356, 672357, 672358, 672359, 670338, 671804, 671809, 672360, 672361, 672362, 672363, 672364, 672365, 673271, 673274, and more.