Throughout the weekend of the 21st and 22nd, persistent southwesterly upper-level flow brought a series of strong short waves across the region. The atmosphere over central Georgia was unseasonably warm and unstable with strong low and mid-level shear.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS FFC wrote it up.
Throughout the weekend of the 21st and 22nd, persistent southwesterly upper-level flow brought a series of strong short waves across the region. The atmosphere over central Georgia was unseasonably warm and unstable with strong low and mid-level shear. The first short wave generated a wave of severe thunderstorms across central and south Georgia through the morning and into the afternoon of the 21st that produced numerous tornadoes. Twenty three tornadoes were confirmed in the WFO Peachtree City warning area with 27 total tornadoes confirmed in the state of Georgia, both records for the number of tornadoes in a single day. A second, stronger short wave swept through during the late morning and afternoon of the 22nd bringing another round of severe weather to central and south Georgia. Additional tornadoes confirmed brought the 2-day total to 27 for the WFO Peachtree City warning area and 41 for the state of Georgia, both a record number for a 2 day period.
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 Jan 21, 6:35 AM EST, 2 hours 10 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...Updated National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 635 AM EST Sat Jan 21 2017 .SHORT TERM /Today through Sunday/... Short wave lifting out of the lower Mississippi Valley will be the main driving force today. Models continue to show moderate instability spreading across the forecast area ahead of this feature this morning. Moderate shear also expected to accompany this short wave providing a slight to enhanced risk of severe weather this morning into the afternoon. We should see a bit of a lull in activity later this afternoon and evening as the initial short wave lifts out but another good shot of short wave energy pushes into the state tonight ahead of the main upper-level low which sweeps across Sunday. Each of these features are expected to provide a good shot of lift and shear and combined with the ambient warm and moderately unstable atmosphere in place over the region will keep the slight to enhanced risk of severe weather in place through the day Sunday. Forecast storm total precipitation amounts are generally around 2-3 inches across our central Georgia counties and 1.5-2 inches across the north. Spread over the next 36 to 48 hours this is not likely to produce any widespread flood/flash flood issues. However, localized heavier amounts may lead to a few isolated problems. I am not planning on issuing any flood/flash flood watches at this time. 20 .LONG TERM /Sunday Night through Friday/... Models in better agreement at the start of the period with the closed upper low vicinity of the TN valley. The low moves across the Appalachians into Monday. Extensive wrap around associated with this cold core low should give a chance of showers across the forecast area on Monday...mainly northeast Monday night. Ridging dominates the southeast on Tuesday but another short wave brings moisture and a chance of showers back Wednesday into Thursday. The short wave looks like it will move east of the area by Thursday night. However moisture on the back side of this wave will push into TN and move rapidly eastward. Models suggest this moisture will stay mainly north of the forecast area...but there could be enough cold air advection to bring a few snow showers to the far northeast. A slight chance has been included in that area for Thursday night. Friday looks dry. Temperatures will be on a cooling trend by late next week. 41 && AVIATION... 12Z Update... Mainly IFR or lower conditions across the forecast area at this time. Will see some improvement 14-20Z, but will still see a mixture of MVFR/IFR conditions in that time frame. Mainly MVFR conditions after 20Z deteriorating back toward widespread IFR conditions between 00Z and 06Z. Large area of showers with embedded thunderstorms spreading northeast across the forecast area currently. Best coverage will be moving out of the area from west to east between 18Z and 22Z. Southeast winds 3-7kt through 14Z, increasing to 5-10kt after. //ATL Confidence...12Z Update... Medium confidence on all elements. 20 && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Athens 67 58 69 47 / 90 90 80 80 Atlanta 69 58 67 48 / 90 90 80 70 Blairsville 64 53 63 44 / 80 90 80 90 Cartersville 68 56 67 46 / 90 90 80 70 Columbus 71 60 69 48 / 90 80 70 50 Gainesville 67 57 66 48 / 90 90 80 80 Macon 72 60 73 48 / 90 90 80 60 Rome 67 56 67 47 / 80 90 80 80 Peachtree City 71 58 68 46 / 90 90 80 70 Vidalia 73 62 75 51 / 80 80 90 50 && .FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NONE. && SHORT TERM...20 LONG TERM....41 AVIATION...20
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA 837 AM EST SAT JAN 21 2017 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086- 089>098-102>113-221345- 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- 837 AM EST SAT JAN 21 2017 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT... ...CHANCE INCREASING FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS MORNING THROUGH MID AFTERNOON AND AGAIN TONIGHT... SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL SPREAD INTO GEORGIA THIS MORNING AND CONTINUE INTO THE MID AFTERNOON. THE MAIN THREATS WILL BE DAMAGING WIND GUSTS...ISOLATED TORNADOES AND LARGE HAIL. THE GREATEST CHANCE SHOULD BE MAINLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF A LAGRANGE TO MACON LINE...THOUGH COULD SPREAD FARTHER NORTH INTO PORTIONS OF NORTH GEORGIA. ANOTHER ROUND OF SEVERE WEATHER IS POSSIBLE FOR LATER TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING AS ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM MOVES ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST. DAMAGING WINDS...LARGE HAIL AND ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL AGAIN POSE THE MAIN THREATS. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY... THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP FROM SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING. THE MAIN STORM SYSTEM SHOULD BE MOVING ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST STATES DURING THAT TIME FRAME. THE THREAT OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SHOULD HAVE MOVED EAST OF THE FORECAST AREA BY SUNDAY AFTERNOON. IN ADDITION...STORM TOTAL RAINFALL TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY WILL EXCEED 3 INCHES IN SOME LOCATIONS. GIVEN THESE HEAVY RAINFALL AMOUNTS SOME LOCALIZED FLOODING WILL BE POSSIBLE. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT REQUESTED BUT SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT REPORTS OF SEVERE WEATHER THROUGH THE WEB BY GOING TO WEATHER.GOV/ATLANTA.
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 526 AM EST Sat Jan 21 2017 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>060-211500- Dade-Walker-Catoosa-Whitfield-Murray-Fannin-Gilmer-Union-Towns- Chattooga-Gordon-Pickens-Dawson-Lumpkin-White-Floyd-Bartow- Cherokee-Forsyth-Hall-Banks-Jackson-Madison-Polk-Paulding-Cobb- North Fulton-Gwinnett-Barrow-Clarke-Oconee-Oglethorpe-Wilkes- Haralson-Carroll-Douglas-South Fulton-DeKalb-Rockdale-Walton- Newton-Morgan-Greene-Taliaferro-Heard-Coweta-Fayette-Clayton- Spalding-Henry-Butts-Jasper-Putnam- 526 AM EST Sat Jan 21 2017 ...LOW CLOUDS AND FOG EXPECTED THIS MORNING... FOG...LOW CLOUDS AND PATCHY DRIZZLE WILL AFFECT MUCH OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA THIS MORNING. THE FOG WILL DENSE IN SPOTS...WITH VISIBILITIES REDUCED TO LESS THAN 1/2 MILE AT TIMES. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO SLOW DOWN AND USE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE FOG IS EXPECTED TO LIFT SOMEWHAT THROUGH MID MORNING AS SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BEGIN TO OVERSPREAD THE AREA FROM THE SOUTH AND WEST.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
752 AM EST SAT JAN 21 2017
GAZ052-066-067-078-211330-
Harris GA-Troup GA-Heard GA-Meriwether GA-
752 AM EST SAT JAN 21 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN HARRIS...TROUP...
SOUTHERN HEARD AND SOUTHWESTERN MERIWETHER COUNTIES UNTIL 830 AM
EST...
At 751 AM EST...a line of strong thunderstorms was extending from
near Lafayette to Jones Crossroads to near Cataula...and moving
northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Frequent cloud to ground lightning and heavy rain.
IMPACT...Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. If you can
hear thunder...you are close enough to be struck by
lightning. Heavy rain may cause temporary street flooding
especially in poor drainage areas.
Some locations in the path of these storms include
Lagrange, Hamilton, Franklin, Greenville, West Point, Hogansville,
Pine Mountain, Corinth, F.d. Roosevelt State Park, Southern Harbor,
Mountville, Cannonville, Louise, Odessadale, Rocky Point, Stovall,
Piedmont Heights, Harrisonville, Hillcrest and Big Springs.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. Electrical
appliances should not be used unless in an emergency. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.
LAT...LON 3326 8495 3322 8494 3322 8489 3302 8472
3277 8481 3286 8519 3336 8528
TIME...MOT...LOC 1251Z 208DEG 66KT 3287 8542 3285 8504 3268 8483Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
828 AM EST SAT JAN 21 2017
GAZ066-211400-
Troup GA-
828 AM EST SAT JAN 21 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR TROUP COUNTY UNTIL 900 AM EST...
At 827 AM EST...a strong thunderstorm was over Amity Park, or near
Lanett...moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...40 to 50 mph wind...frequent cloud to ground lightning
and heavy rain.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light...unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.
Some locations in the path of this storm include
Lagrange, West Point, Hogansville, Corinth, Mountville, Cannonville,
Louise, State Line Park, Abbottsford, Piedmont Heights,
Harrisonville, Hillcrest, Big Springs, Wares Crossroads, Baughs
Crossroads, Smiths Crossroad and Long Cane.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.
LAT...LON 3317 8511 3318 8509 3317 8508 3318 8506
3318 8505 3319 8503 3323 8493 3322 8486
3295 8487 3287 8516 3287 8518 3306 8522
TIME...MOT...LOC 1327Z 233DEG 41KT 3297 8520
WIND...50MPHThe Atlanta radar (KFFC), 60 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:47 UTC.
34 tornado, 17 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The Troup County Emergency Manager reported trees and large limbs blown down on the southwest side of LaGrange.
A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 90 MPH and a maximum path width of 200 yards occurred along I-85 south of LaGrange, GA. The damage path began just west of the interstate and crossed the highway near mile marker 13 where several trees were snapped and a metal building had part of its roof pulled up and an overhead garage door blown in. The tornado track continued northeast with several trees uprooted or snapped around a large retail distribution warehouse before ending in the vicinity of Upper Springs Road. [01/21/17: Tornado #1, County #1/1, EF1, Troup, 2017:002].
The Muscogee County 911 center reported numerous trees blown down in the Laurel Hills area near the Columbus Airport.
A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 100 MPH and a maximum path width of 400 yards occurred in southern Harris County. The damage began just northwest of Fortson where several homes between Daniel Drive and Gail Drive sustained significant roof damage. The tornado moved northeast where numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along West Bonacre Road and Grey Smoke Trail. Around Grey Smoke Loop several homes had roof damage and large trees were uprooted. As the tornado approached the town of Cataula more large trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado then continued moving northeast across mainly wooded areas before ending around State Highway 208 west of Waverly Hall in the Turntime Crossroads area. [01/21/17: Tornado #2, County #1/1, EF1, Harris, 2017:003].
The Talbot County Emergency Manager reported that an EF0 tornado with maximum winds of 80 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards occurred in northwest Talbot County. This tornado was produced by the same storm that produced the tornado in southern Harris County. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted in a wilderness area southwest of Woodland along Bonnie Dixon Road. [01/21/17: Tornado #3, County #1/1, EF0, Talbot, 2017:004].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards began in Talbot County northeast of Woodland around Ellison Pound Road. The tornado moved northeast crossing Chalybeate Springs Road snapping and uprooting trees and destroying a small shed. The tornado continued northeast across a heavily wooded portion of Talbot County snapping or uprooting trees before crossing the Flint River into Upson County in the Sprewell Bluff State Park. The total path length of this tornado was nearly 10 miles across Talbot and Upson Counties. [01/21/17: Tornado #4, County #1/2, EF1, Talbot-Upson, 2017:005].
The Meriwether County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees blown down along Shirey Road, LL Revell Road and Cove Road.
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 105 MPH and a maximum path width of 400 yards began in western Taylor County along Highway 96 east of Junction City where a few trees were snapped. The tornado moved northeast snapping and uprooting trees as it crossed Watson Pond Road, North Culverhouse Road and Suddeth Road. As the tornado crossed Wilson Road it destroyed two metal barns and a small silo that was ripped from the ground and thrown at least 300 yards. This is where the tornado reached its maximum estimated strength blowing windows out of a home and causing significant roof damage. The tornado then continued northeast snapping and uprooting trees. Just northeast of Highway 19 along Montford Road a trailer sustained significant damage to the roof and siding and several large trees were blown down. The tornado weakened quickly after this as it moved northeast across a wooded area and ended in a pasture before reaching County Road 108. [01/21/17: Tornado #5, County #1/1, EF1, Taylor, 2017:006].
A National Weather Service survey team found that the EF1 tornado that began in Talbot County moved into Upson County with maximum winds of 105 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards. The tornado crossed the Flint River into Upson County in the Sprewell Bluff State Park where it snapped and uprooted trees and overturned a small outbuilding. At this point the tornado, which had been moving northeast, turned more easterly crossing Double Bridges Road, where at least 3 dozen trees were downed across the roadway, before crossing Roland Road north of Highway 36 downing more trees and damaging the roof a home. Further east the tornado crossed Hollman Drive and Sunnyside Road where it crossed the path of another tornado that had passed just minutes before. The tornado ended near Highway 36 just northeast of Roland. This tornado followed a path nearly 10 miles long across Talbot and Upson Counties. [01/21/17: Tornado #4, County #2/2, EF1, Talbot-Upson, 2017:005].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF2 tornado with maximum winds of 115 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards began in Talbot County just east of Highway 36 near the Flint River where hundreds of trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado moved north-northeast over a hill and into the river's floodplain. A home was severely damaged along the river and one person was trapped inside for a time but not injured. After travelling only around a half of a mile from its beginning point, the tornado crossed the Flint River into Upson County. [01/21/17: Tornado #6, County #1/2, EF1, Talbot-Upson, 2017:007].
A National Weather Service survey team found that the EF2 tornado with maximum winds of 115 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards which began in Talbot County just east of Highway 36 near the Flint River and moved north-northeast into Upson County near the Riverbend Restaurant along Riverbend Road snapping trees and power lines. The tornado continued north-northeast along Highway 36 crossing Roland Road continuing to down trees and power lines. As the path of the tornado reached the Sunnyside Road and Holman Road area several homes sustained severe roof damage. A second tornado crossed the path of this tornado in this vicinity just minutes later. The path continued north-northeast along Sunnyside Road causing damage to the roofs of several homes before crossing Crest Highway and Pickard Road and downing numerous additional trees before ending in the vicinity of Old Alabama Road. [1/21/17: Tornado #6, County #2/2, EF1, Talbot-Upson, 2017:007].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 200 yards began in western Upson County near Roland Road south of Highway 36. In this area numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, power lines were downed and a home sustained significant roof damage. The tornado moved northeast Crossing Reid Place Road and snapping or uprooting more trees. Just before crossing Highway 36 near the intersection with Goshen Road the tornado blew the porch off of a house and continued to down trees and power lines as it moved into the western side of Thomaston. More trees and power lines were downed across western parts of Thomaston along Peachbelt Road and in the Highway 74 and West Main Street areas where the tornado ended. [01/21/17: Tornado #7, County #1/1, EF1, Upson, 2017:008].
A National Weather Service survey team found that a brief EF0 tornado with maximum winds of 75 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards began in northern Upson County along Baker Britt Road southwest of Hannahs Mill. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted as the tornado moved northwest for less than a mile before ending along Basin Creek northeast of Kings Mountain. [01/21/17: Tornado #8, County #1/1, EF0, Upson, 2017:009].
A National Weather Service survey team found that a brief EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 100 MPH and a maximum path width of 175 yards began in northern Upson County near Del Ray Road northeast of Hannahs Mill. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted as the tornado moved north close to two miles before ending along Jug Town Road. [01/21/17: Tornado #9, County #1/1, EF1, Upson, 2017:010].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards began southwest of Marshallville near Highway 49 in Macon County and travelled east-northeast for around 9 miles crossing Felton Road, BP Turner Road, Marshallville Road and Harbuck Road before ending along Camp John Hope Road just west of the Peach County line. Mostly tree damage was noted with this tornado, however minor roof damage occurred to a few homes and three large irrigation systems were overturned south of Marshallville. [01/21/17: Tornado #10, County #1/1, EF1, Macon, 2017:011].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and a maximum path width of 250 yards began in southern Monroe County near the intersection of Zebulon Road and Shi Road. The tornado moved north-northeast crossing Hill Road, King Road, U.S Highway 41, Boling Broke Road, I-75, Rumble Road and Deer Creek Road before ending along Jenkins Road south of Lake Juliette after travelling around 9 miles. Mainly tree and power line damage was reported with this tornado. [01/21/17: Tornado #11, County #1/1, EF0, Monroe, 2017:012].
A National Weather Service survey team found that a tornado began in southeast Peach County around the intersection of Harper Road and Andel Road just west of the Perry-Houston County Airport. The tornado moved east for around 2.5 miles before crossing into Houston County along Buckeye Road. This tornado was rated EF0 along this portion of its path with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and mainly downed trees and power lines, however some minor damage to shingles on homes was noted in this area. The tornado would eventually travel over 13 miles across portions of Peach and Houston Counties. [01/21/17: Tornado #12, County #1/4, EF0, Peach-Houston-Peach-Houston, 2017:013].
A National Weather Service survey team found that the tornado that began in southeast Peach County briefly crossed into a small portion of western Houston County along Todd Road. The tornado moved east for around a mile crossing I-75 before crossing Mossy Creek back into Peach County west of U.S Highway 41. This tornado was rated EF0 along this portion of its path with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and mainly downed trees and power lines. The tornado would eventually travel over 13 miles across portions of Peach and Houston Counties. [01/21/17: Tornado #12, County #2/4, EF0, Peach-Houston-Peach-Houston, 2017:013].
The public reported a large pecan tree uprooted on South Tamie Circle near Kathleen. The trunk of the tree was 4-5 feet in diameter near the base.
A National Weather Service survey team found that the tornado that began in southeast Peach County and briefly crossed into a small portion of western Houston County, once again moved into a small portion of Peach County along Mossy Creek between I-75 and U.S. Highway 41. The tornado moved east for less than a mile before moving back into Houston County along U.S Highway 41. This tornado was rated EF0 along this portion of its path with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and mainly downed trees and power lines, however one tree did fall on and damage a nursing home along Highway 41. The tornado would eventually travel over 13 miles across portions of Peach and Houston Counties. [01/21/17: Tornado #12, County #3/4, EF0, Peach-Houston-Peach-Houston, 2017:013].
A National Weather Service survey team found that the tornado that began in southeast Peach County and briefly crossed into a small portion of western Houston County before once again moving into a small portion of Peach County, moved back into Houston County along U.S Highway 41. The tornado intensified to an EF2 along this portion of its path with maximum wind speeds of 115 MPH. The tornado tracked east along Sandefur Road causing significant damage to trees and power lines with minor roof damage to homes south of Sandefur Road along Griswold Way. The tornado turned more northeasterly damaging a sports complex and a business along Cohen Walker Road. The tornado crossed Highway 96 near Peach Blossom Road and continued northeast through neighborhoods west of Bonanza Drive causing minor roof damage and downing trees and power lines as it continued across Faegan Mill Road and Moody Drive. At this point the tornado intensified to its strongest level. Brick fences were blown down and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along Sandy Run Road and Echo Lane. The worst damage occurred near the WalMart and adjacent neighborhoods around Windmill Court. Two large HVAC units were tossed around 50 yards from the top of the WalMart. The auto bay garage doors on the back of the store were blown in and the roof lifted. Rafters on the opposite end of the store were twisted. Along Windmill Court and Hidden Creek Circle one house had most if its roof blown off and windows and doors blown in. Across the street, another home had a garage door and windows blown in and parts of its roof blown off. The tornado continued northeast and struck a mobile home park along Maxwell Drive and Sherry Lane where more than a dozen mobile homes were damaged. One mobile home was nearly completely destroyed. The tornado ended in this area. This tornado ultimately travelled over 13 miles across portions of Peach and Houston Counties. [01/21/17: Tornado #12, County #4/4, EF2, Peach-Houston-Peach-Houston, 2017:013].
The Crisp County Emergency Manager reported traffic lights and power lines blown down near Wenona.
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards occurred in southern Twiggs County. The tornado began along Bruce King Road west of Longstreet Road and travelled northeast for a little over 4 miles crossing Carey Road before ending along Bruce Richardson Road. Around 100 trees were downed along the path of this tornado and a section of a large irrigation system was overturned. [01/21/17: Tornado #13, County #1/1, EF0, Twiggs, 2017:014].
The Twiggs County 911 center reported numerous trees blown down from around Marion to Jeffersonville.
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 100yards occurred in eastern Bleckley County northeast of Cochran. The tornado began just west of Churchwell Road where it downed several trees and a fence as well as lifting much of the roof off of a small barn. The tornado continued northeast downing more trees on Butts Road then increased in strength as it snapped 20 to 30 large trees and power poles in a small subdivision on Emergency Road 445A off of Highway 26. The tornado weakened but still damaged an abandoned fire station on Emergency Road 450R at Highway 26 before ending around Cary Salem Road. [01/21/17: Tornado #14, County #1/1, EF1, Bleckley, 2017:015].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards began along the Highway 441 Bypass on the southern edge of Irwinton where several trees were blown down. The tornado moved east-northeast crossing Bear Camp and Water Fork Roads before meeting up with and travelling along Highway 57 into Toomsboro downing several more trees along the way. [01/21/17: Tornado #15, County #1/1, EF1, Wilkinson, 2017:016].
The Pulaski County Emergency Manager reported damage from thunderstorm winds in the Hawkinsville area including a large tree blown down on Rawls Street and a building on Eastman Highway with roof damage.
The Wilkinson County 911 center reported several trees blown down onto Highway 96.
The Wilcox County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees blown down from Rochelle to Abbeville. Including 2 trees down in Rochelle and 1 down on Wilson Road and another on Owensboro Road between Rochelle and Abbeville.
The Putnam County Emergency Manager reported an EF0 tornado with a maximum path width of 50 yards and maximum wind speeds of 75 MPH in the Lake Sinclair area of southern Putnam County. Several trees were blown down damaging some homes from around Bluegill Road SW and Ford Road across Dennis Station Road to Dennis Way. [01/21/17: Tornado #16, County #1/1, EF0, Putnam, 2017:017].
A National Weather Service survey team found that a brief EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 85 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards began west of Buckeye Road in northern Laurens County. The tornado travelled just over 2 miles crossing Buckeye Road before ending. Several trees were blown down along the path of the tornado. [01/21/17: Tornado #17, County #1/1, EF0, Laurens, 2017:018].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 70 yards began in Hancock County just northeast of Deepstep Road, which is the Hancock/Baldwin County line. The tornado moved northeast parallel to Deepstep Road for less than a quarter of a mile before it turned east and crossed the road into Baldwin County. Several trees were blown down along this portion of the path. The total path length in both counties was around a half mile. [01/21/17: Tornado #18, County #1/2, EF1, Hancock-Baldwin, 2017:019].
A National Weather Service survey team found that the EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 70 yards that began in Hancock County just northeast of Deepstep Road, which is the Hancock/Baldwin County line, turned east and crossed the road into Baldwin County. The tornado travelled around a third of a mile just south of Deepstep Road before ending. Several trees were blown down along this portion of the path. The total path length in both counties was around a half mile. [01/21/17: Tornado #18, County #2/2, EF1, Hancock-Baldwin, 2017:019].
A National Weather Service survey team found that a EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 85 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards began along Moores Chapel Road in central Johnson County. The tornado travelled over 6 miles northeast crossing Highway 57, Leaston Powell Road, Gum Log Road and Blizzard Road before ending near the intersection of Harrison Road and Fortner Road. Several trees were blown down along the path of the tornado. [01/21/17: Tornado #19, County #1/1, EF0, Johnson, 2017:020].
The Johnson County 911 center reported trees and power lines blown down along Highway 15.
A National Weather Service survey team found that a EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 110 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards began around the intersection of Highway 68 and Hayes Road south of Tennille. The tornado travelled north-northeast for around two and a half miles before ending along Boatright Road south of Grady Mertz Road. Numerous trees were downed and two trailers were severely damaged. [01/21/17: Tornado #20, County #1/1, EF1, Washington, 2017:021].
The Telfair County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down in the Workmore area.
The Hancock County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down on the west side of Sparta. One tree fell on and destroyed a home.
A National Weather Service survey team found that a EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 100 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards began along Grady Mertz Road near the intersection with Shurling Davis Road southeast of Tennille. The tornado travelled east along Shurling Davis Road before turning north and moving up Thompson Road, ending at Holmes Cannery Road. Numerous trees were downed and a trailer was rolled and destroyed. [01/21/17: Tornado #21, County #1/1, EF1, Washington, 2017:022].
A National Weather Service survey team found that a EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 100 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards began around the intersection of Sunhill Road and Sunhill Grange Road. The tornado moved northeast across mainly rural areas of eastern Washington County along and near Highway 24, ending northeast of Davisboro. Numerous trees were downed including dozens of pecan trees in a large commercial orchard. [01/21/17: Tornado #22, County #1/1, EF1, Washington, 2017:023].
The Emanuel County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down between downtown Swainsboro and Industrial Way. A large tree fell on power lines near a substation knocking out power to a large portion of Swainsboro.
The Wheeler County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down on St. Paul Church Road.
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and a maximum path width of 200 yards began along Noonday Church Road in eastern Emanuel County where minor roof damage occurred. The tornado travelled northeast for nearly 5 miles downing numerous trees and destroying a small outbuilding in the Canoochee community. A large metal barn and silo had part of the siding removed along Mt Olivet Church before the tornado ended near Pike Johnson Road. [01/21/17: Tornado #23, County #1/1, EF1, Washington, 2017:024].
The public reported trees blown down along Highway 78 to just east of Highway 17.
The Toombs County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down on Highway 1 near Todd's Fish Farm.
The Crisp County Emergency Manager reported numerous tree blown down across Arabi Warwick Road.
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 87 MPH and a maximum path width of 300 yards began along Pateville Road and moved north-northeast crossing Georgia-Florida Parkway and then the eastern side of the city of Cordele before crossing I-75 and lifting around Highway 257 and Midway Church Road. Roof damage occurred to several homes along this path as well as numerous downed trees. [01/21/17: Tornado #1, County #1/1, EF1, Crisp, 2017:025].
A National Weather Service survey team found that the large tornado that moved across Dougherty, Turner and Wilcox Counties produced damage, mainly downed trees, in the extreme southeast corner of Crisp County along Deep Creek. The main damage path at this time remained in Turner County but was wide enough to extend into this small portion of Crisp County. [01/22/17: Tornado #2, County #1/2, EF1, Crisp-Wilcox, 2017:026].
A National Weather Service survey team found that the large tornado that moved across Dougherty and Turner Counties moved into Wilcox County crossing County Line Road just west of Shady Lane. Damage was seen off Double Run Road and County Road 41 where a small farm building was completely destroyed. Windows were broken at two residences and several small trees were uprooted. Just northeast, significant damage occurred along Crawford Dairy Road between July Road and Loblolly Road. A metal structure was significantly damaged with the several anchored metal trusses completely pulled off the concrete foundation, resulting in a total collapse of the building. Additional farm outbuildings and barns around the property were severely damaged, and hundreds of pines were snapped or uprooted. Farther along Crawford Dairy Road, just before SR 233, several large, wooden, electrical transmission towers were snapped (near the base) or leaning. The width of the tornado around this location is estimated to be at least one half mile. Along American Legion Road, between Bayberry Lane and Elderberry Lane, a large semi-trailer was flattened and moved across a road. The southeast corner of a metal structure was completely destroyed with deep concrete footings ripped out of the ground. Numerous large trees were snapped as well around this location and a small home nearby sustained minor roof and siding damage. Further northeast along Willingham road, trees were snapped or uprooted. As the tornado went over Mount Olive Road, just south of Highway 280, several manufactured homes were completely destroyed with debris moved 50 to 100 yards away from the original foundations. Based on this damage, the tornado is believed to have briefly strengthened to around 135 MPH. A large house just up the hill from this location sustained minor roof damage. The tornado crossed Highway 280 leveling numerous trees and destroying several small wooden sheds and barns. From this point on, the tornado weakened considerably, with only some trees snapped or uprooted along Kingfisher Road, just west of Abbeville where the damage ended. [01/22/17: Tornado #2, County #2/2, EF2, Crisp-Wilcox, 2017:026].
A National Weather Service survey team found that an EF1 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 95 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 yards began along Highway 23 just south of Antioch Road where a few trees were snapped or uprooted. Numerous other trees were snapped or uprooted as the tornado travelled northeast Lucas road to around the intersection of Tom Porter Road and Daisy Adams Road where it ended. [01/21/17: Tornado #3, County #1/1, EF1, Bleckley, 2017:027].
A National Weather Service survey team found that a brief EF0 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 80 MPH and a maximum path width of 50 yards began along Dillard Cary Road and travelled around a half mile northeast snapping or uprooting several trees before ending along Willis Howell Road. [01/21/17: Tornado #4, County #1/1, EF0, Bleckley, 2017:028].
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Georgia, 2017Warnings in Georgia, January 2017
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: 671683, 673664, 671688, 673667, 673669, 673670, 671695, 673672, 673671, 673676, 673681, 673682, 673683, 673684, 673685, 673686, 673689, 673691, 671722, 673696, 673705, 671696, 673708, 671697, 673713, 673717, 671700, 671704, 671709, 673719, 673720, 673724, 673725, 673727, 671710, 673728, 671711, 671712, 673732, 673733, and more.