Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Georgia, March 21, 2017

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Georgia, March 21, 2017
Start: 2017-03-21T15:00
End: 2017-03-21T22:00
Location: Georgia

March 21, 2017 · NWS FFC · 72 events in 31 counties and zones

A large mesoscale convective complex developed along a cold front across central and southern Tennessee in response to a series of short waves sweeping through the region. These thunderstorms encountered an unstable and moderately-sheared atmosphere as they moved south into north Georgia producing numerous, widespread reports of large hail and damaging thunderstorm winds as well as two isolated…

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: 1
Property damage: $3.9 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 72

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.

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 Mar 21, 2:35 PM EST, 25 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 21, 2:35 PM EST, 25 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
335 PM EDT Tue Mar 21 2017

A cold front is currently situated along the GA/TN border. This
boundary will continue to sag southward overnight and Wednesday.
Still monitoring conditions for potentially severe weather late this
afternoon amd evening.

18Z FFC sounding shows very steep mid level lapse rates in place
along with ~1500 j/kg of surface based CAPE. However, moisture is
the column is lacking. Have seen some cu pop this afternoon, and
even with the favorable conditions, convection has not fired. Matter
of fact, weak showers that developed across south central TN
diminished as they moved southward.

The hi-res models are now developing some isold/sct convection out
ahead of the main complex late this afternoon. However, the main
system will be related to the complex currently pushing south across
western TN. Models continue to evolve this into a MCS that moves
across northern GA during the early evening hours. The hi-res models
keep most of the activity north of the Interstate 20 corridor. The
main mode of any severe weather that develops will be large hail and
damaging wind gusts.

Even now, there isn't much convergence along the frontal boundary.
Do expect shra/tsra to diminish overnight with the loss of heating
and any mid level support. With little surface moisture and lacking
frontal forcing on Wednesday, so have removed pops.

NListemaa

.LONG TERM /Thursday through Tuesday/...

Medium-range models continue to show a progressive pattern through
the extended forecast period. General timing of the various features
translating through the flow will vary somewhat from run-to-run,
however 12Z run does not show significant deviation from the
previous cycle, and little change was made to the Long Term Forecast
grids at this time. Please see the previous Long Term Forecast
Discussion below.

20

Previous LONG TERM Discussion /Wednesday Night through Monday/...

A front will cross the region Wednesday with strong high pressure
building in from the north. Given some mid-level impulses and
residual moisture within the column, some model solutions are
hinting at scattered showers through Thursday. Kept a schc pop to
account for this with the understanding that the apparent high
will likely win out, limiting precipitation coverage overall. So,
anticipate cloudy skies and much cooler temperatures Thursday
under northeast/easterly flow. Temperatures may run 10 degrees or
so below normal..in the low/mid 50s in north GA and around 60
within central GA.

Mid-level ridging will cross the region with the surface high
staying locked into place across north/northeast GA through much
of Friday. This will keep temperatures around climo for Friday.
The high will move out to sea Friday night into Saturday allowing
return flow to develop. Given this, we expect dry conditions
Friday through much of Saturday ahead of the next storm system.

A potent closed low will drop out of the Rockies and
quickly move east through the weekend. The models have
started to slow this feature the last couple of runs and also a
weakening trend has been noted. A front will approach from the
west late Saturday and slowly drape across northern GA before
becoming washed out Sunday night. Given the upper level support is
weakening with a broad surface boundary, feeling the overall
coverage and intensity of any thunderstorm activity is waning at
this point.

Another weak impulse will approach Monday afternoon, helping to
initiate shower activity across the residual boundary in north
GA. From this, you might gain the perspective that central
GA will likely see little in the way of precipitation amounts
through the long term...and you would be correct as much of the
dynamics will be lofted to the north.

Above normal temperatures expected through most of the long term,
apart from cooler airmass Thursday into early Friday.

26

&&

.AVIATION...
18Z Update...

Cold front will continue to sag south overnight and into early
Wednesday. A large area of shra/tsra is expected across portions
of north GA late this afternoon and evening. Not confident that
the thunderstorms will make it as far south as ATL, but am
hesitant to remove them from the TAF. MVFR conditions possible
overnight, but VFR cigs/vsbys expected for the afternoon on
Tuesday.

//ATL Confidence...18Z Update...

High confidence all elements.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Athens          57  71  43  54 /  60  10  20  20
Atlanta         57  72  47  54 /  40  10  20  20
Blairsville     50  66  38  51 /  70  10  20  20
Cartersville    54  68  45  55 /  50  10  20  20
Columbus        60  79  54  61 /  10  10  20  20
Gainesville     55  70  43  52 /  60  10  20  20
Macon           60  76  50  57 /  10  10  20  20
Rome            54  67  44  57 /  50  10  20  20
Peachtree City  55  73  48  55 /  20  10  20  20
Vidalia         62  75  51  58 /  10  10  20  20

&&

.FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11 PM EDT this evening for the
following zones: Banks...Barrow...Bartow...Catoosa...Chattooga...
Cherokee...Clarke...Clayton...Cobb...Dade...Dawson...DeKalb...
Douglas...Fannin...Floyd...Forsyth...Gilmer...Gordon...Greene...
Gwinnett...Hall...Henry...Jackson...Lumpkin...Madison...Morgan...
Murray...Newton...North Fulton...Oconee...Oglethorpe...
Paulding...Pickens...Polk...Rockdale...South Fulton...
Taliaferro...Towns...Union...Walker...Walton...White...
Whitfield...Wilkes.

&&

SHORT TERM...NListemaa
LONG TERM....20
AVIATION...NListemaa

Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 21, 11:00 AM EST, 4 hours before

Hazardous Weather Outlook...Updated
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1200 PM EDT Tue Mar 21 2017

GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-
089>098-102>113-221115-
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-
1200 PM EDT Tue Mar 21 2017

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

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight...

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are likely across portions
of north Georgia this afternoon through the evening hours. A few of
these storms could produce large hail and damaging winds.

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

There is a chance of thunderstorms across north Georgia Saturday
through Sunday.

Otherwise, no hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.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.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 21, 2:40 PM EST, 20 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
340 PM EDT TUE MAR 21 2017

GAZ016-023-024-212030-
Banks GA-Hall GA-White GA-
340 PM EDT TUE MAR 21 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN BANKS...NORTHEASTERN
HALL AND SOUTHERN WHITE COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM EDT...

At 339 PM EDT...a strong thunderstorm was over Clermont, or 7 miles
south of Cleveland...moving southeast at 10 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
Cleveland, Lula, Clermont, Gillsville, Leaf, Mossy Creek and
Hollingsworth.

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 3458 8364 3455 8362 3454 8362 3451 8367
      3443 8361 3449 8354 3448 8347 3447 8342
      3428 8358 3442 8386 3452 8384 3453 8383
      3453 8384 3464 8382
TIME...MOT...LOC 1939Z 296DEG 10KT 3449 8373

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

The radar

The Greer radar (KGSP), 145 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:58 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

37 thunderstorm wind, 32 hail, 2 tornado, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, White

When: March 21, 3:00 PM EST to 3:10 PM EST
Where: White County, 1.71 mi E of Oculus
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.530, -83.750

A trained spotter reported walnut size hail.

Hail, White

When: March 21, 3:00 PM EST to 3:45 PM EST
Where: White County, 1.84 mi ESE of Oculus
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.520, -83.750

A business in the 5300 block of U.S. Highway 129 reported that hail up to the size of golf balls had been falling for almost an hour at their location.

Hail, White

When: March 21, 3:10 PM EST to 3:20 PM EST
Where: White County, 1.71 mi E of Oculus
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.530, -83.750

A trained spotter reported quarter size hail covering the ground.

Hail, White

When: March 21, 3:23 PM EST to 3:33 PM EST
Where: White County, 2.36 mi SSW of Benefit
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $432,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.520, -83.740

The White County Fire Department reported golf ball size hail along Old Highway 75 near the Hall County line.

Hail, White

When: March 21, 3:50 PM EST to 4:00 PM EST
Where: White County, 1.33 mi ESE of Oculus
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.520, -83.760

A report was received over social media of ping pong ball size hail.

Hail, Whitfield

When: March 21, 4:09 PM EST to 4:19 PM EST
Where: Whitfield County, 1.79 mi SE of Gordon Spgs
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.810, -84.950

The public reported quarter to half dollar size hail on the north side of Dalton.

Hail, Fannin

When: March 21, 4:15 PM EST to 4:25 PM EST
Where: Fannin County, 2.15 mi NNE of Swan
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.780, -84.170

Quarter size hail was reported at a campground along Skeenah Gap Road.

Hail, Dade

When: March 21, 4:20 PM EST to 4:30 PM EST
Where: Dade County, 1.49 mi SSW of Trenton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.850, -85.510

The public reported quarter size hail.

Hail, Hall

When: March 21, 4:40 PM EST to 4:50 PM EST
Where: Hall County, 2.15 mi NNW of Bellton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $1.8 million
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.430, -83.660

An amateur radio operator reported golf ball size hail.

Hail, White

When: March 21, 4:50 PM EST to 4:55 PM EST
Where: White County, 4.75 mi WNW of Yonah
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.650, -83.830

An amateur radio operator reported quarter size hail.

Hail, White

When: March 21, 5:05 PM EST to 5:15 PM EST
Where: White County, 0.57 mi W of Cleveland
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $432,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.600, -83.760

The White County Emergency Manager reported golf ball size hail in Cleveland.

Hail, Banks

When: March 21, 5:05 PM EST to 5:15 PM EST
Where: Banks County, 3.25 mi NNW of Silver Shoal
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 34.410, -83.560

A report of quarter size hail was received on social media.

Hail, Union

When: March 21, 5:11 PM EST to 5:16 PM EST
Where: Union County, 1.15 mi SSE of Blairsville Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.834, -83.994

The Union County Emergency Manager reported hail up to the size of quarters broke a window in a home on Mulky Gap Road.

Hail, Dade

When: March 21, 5:15 PM EST to 5:20 PM EST
Where: Dade County, 1.08 mi N of Trenton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.886, -85.503

Quarter size hail was reported at a restaurant along Barton Avenue north of Trenton.

Hail, Jackson

When: March 21, 5:18 PM EST to 5:25 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 1.26 mi S of Red Stone
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.102, -83.596

Quarter size hail was reported at Jackson County High School.

Hail, Jackson

When: March 21, 5:25 PM EST to 5:30 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 1.34 mi ESE of Jefferson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.110, -83.550

The public reported quarter size hail.

Hail, Union

When: March 21, 5:29 PM EST to 5:35 PM EST
Where: Union County, 1.03 mi N of Choestoe
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 34.795, -83.877

The Union County 911 center reported nickel size hail around the intersection of Highway 180 and the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway.

Hail, Union

When: March 21, 5:36 PM EST to 5:45 PM EST
Where: Union County, 2.15 mi SSE of Owltown
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.770, -83.920

The Union County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail covering the ground at the Vogel State Park.

Hail, Catoosa

When: March 21, 5:44 PM EST to 5:50 PM EST
Where: Catoosa County, 1.33 mi WSW of Dietz
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.920, -85.220

A trained spotter reported hail up to the size of half dollars near Ft. Oglethorpe.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dade

When: March 21, 6:00 PM EST to 6:15 PM EST
Where: Dade County, 1.39 mi N of West Brow to 1.15 mi NNW of West Brow
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.940, -85.425

The Dade County Emergency Manager reported a tree blown down onto a house on Creek Road and three houses with significant roof damage from winds on Sims Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dade

When: March 21, 6:05 PM EST to 6:10 PM EST
Where: Dade County, 1.3 mi NW of New England
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 34.936, -85.483

The Georgia Department of Transportation reported multiple trees blown down blocking all lanes of I-59 around mile marker 17.

Hail, Jackson

When: March 21, 6:10 PM EST to 6:15 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 0.66 mi NNW of Center
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.059, -83.422

Quarter size hail was reported at a farm between Shilo Road and U.S. Highway 441.

Hail, Fannin

When: March 21, 6:11 PM EST to 6:15 PM EST
Where: Fannin County, 0.89 mi SW of Kyle
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.940, -84.360

The Fannin County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail at the intersection of Kelly Ridge Road and Galloway Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Catoosa

When: March 21, 6:12 PM EST to 6:27 PM EST
Where: Catoosa County, 0.57 mi E of Ft Oglethorpe to 0.81 mi SE of Ringgold
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.950, -85.260

The Catoosa County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down from Fort Oglethorpe to Ringgold. Over 3000 customers were without power in the Fort Oglethorpe area.

Hail, Fannin

When: March 21, 6:15 PM EST to 6:20 PM EST
Where: Fannin County, 0.69 mi S of Blue Ridge
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.860, -84.320

Quarter size hail was reported in Blue Ridge.

Hail, Madison

When: March 21, 6:15 PM EST to 6:20 PM EST
Where: Madison County, Danielsville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 34.120, -83.220

A report of quarter size hail in Danielsville was received over social media.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fannin

When: March 21, 6:19 PM EST to 6:29 PM EST
Where: Fannin County, 2.28 mi SW of Curtis to 1.41 mi N of Greens Mill
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.895, -84.356

The Fannin County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees blown down from northwest through southeast of Blue Ridge including along Scenic Drive from Tom Boyd Road to Cox Road, Sugar Creek Road and Meadow Lane. Trees were also blown down at the intersection of Sugar Creek Road and Chestnut Gap Road, and along Aska Road from Eagle Rock Road to Weaver Creek and Whispering Pines Road.

Hail, Clarke

When: March 21, 6:20 PM EST to 6:25 PM EST
Where: Clarke County, Winterville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.970, -83.280

A report of quarter size hail in Winterville was received over social media.

Hail, Clarke

When: March 21, 6:25 PM EST to 6:30 PM EST
Where: Clarke County, 3.49 mi ESE of Whitehall
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.885, -83.312

A nursery at Barnett Shoals Road and Hancock Lane reported quarter size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: March 21, 6:25 PM EST to 6:40 PM EST
Where: Union County, 1.2 mi ENE of Lance Mill to 1.17 mi ESE of Lance Mill
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.958, -84.111

The Union County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down across the roadway around John Smith Road at John Smith Way and along Nottely Dam Road at Boy Scout Road and Chrisman Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitfield

When: March 21, 6:26 PM EST to 6:36 PM EST
Where: Whitfield County, 0.93 mi SSE of Trickum
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.768, -85.073

The Whitfield County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down around the 1400 block of LaFayette Road. .

Hail, Barrow

When: March 21, 6:30 PM EST to 6:35 PM EST
Where: Barrow County, 4.18 mi N of Statham
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.030, -83.610

Quarter size hail was reported on a farm along Finch Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Whitfield

When: March 21, 6:30 PM EST to 6:40 PM EST
Where: Whitfield County, 0.9 mi S of Union Point
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.757, -84.920

The Whitfield County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down around U.S. Highway 41 and Airport Road. Over 10000 customers were without power in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: March 21, 6:35 PM EST to 6:45 PM EST
Where: Union County, 2.84 mi W of Rogers
Measured: 45 kt (52 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.850, -84.130

The Union County Emergency Manager reported a tree blown down across the road around the intersection of Jones Creek Road and Elisha Payne Circle.

Hail, Gwinnett

When: March 21, 6:39 PM EST to 6:44 PM EST
Where: Gwinnett County, 2.69 mi SW of Dacula
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.950, -83.930

The Gwinnett County Emergency Manager reported quarter size hail on the south side of Dacula.

Thunderstorm Wind, Chattooga

When: March 21, 6:40 PM EST to 6:55 PM EST
Where: Chattooga County, 1.23 mi ESE of Teloga to 0.69 mi N of Trion
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.566, -85.399

The Chattooga County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down between Teloga and Trion.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gordon

When: March 21, 6:43 PM EST to 6:55 PM EST
Where: Gordon County, 0.57 mi W of Damascus to 1.41 mi NW of Redbud
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.550, -84.940

The Gordon County Emergency Manager reported damage from thunderstorm winds from Damascus to Redbud including numerous trees and power lines down as well as a church and apartment complex damaged along Tate Bend Road. A home had a roof damaged as well as a tree downed along Hunts Gin Road.

Hail, Catoosa

When: March 21, 6:47 PM EST to 6:55 PM EST
Where: Catoosa County, 0.89 mi SW of Poplar Springs
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 34.890, -85.140

A CoCoRaHS observer reported quarter size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gilmer

When: March 21, 6:50 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where: Gilmer County, 3.08 mi NW of Carlisle
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $6,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.580, -84.620

The Gilmer County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down at the intersection of Highway 382 and Highway 136.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clarke

When: March 21, 6:55 PM EST to 7:25 PM EST
Where: Clarke County, 1.23 mi W of Barretts Mill
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 34.002, -83.391

The public reported wind damage at the Athens Rifle Club on Paradise Valley Road north of Athens. Shingles and roofing material were removed from the clubhouse and the skeet houses. These roofing materials were embedded in the metal roof of a carport that was blown over. A section of safety fencing 10 feet high and 40 feet long that was set in concrete was blown down and outdoor furniture was blown over 100 yards and destroyed. Several shooting stations were destroyed and multiple trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pickens

When: March 21, 6:57 PM EST to 7:15 PM EST
Where: Pickens County, 0.67 mi SW of Ruden to 0.99 mi N of Nelson
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 34.464, -84.439

A trained spotter and the public reported thunderstorm wind damage across Pickens County including roof damage in Jasper, an auto repair garage heavily damaged near the Pickens County Airport and around 25 very large trees snapped or uprooted along Pickens Street in Nelson.

Thunderstorm Wind, Floyd

When: March 21, 7:00 PM EST to 7:20 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, 0.43 mi ESE of Garden Lakes to 0.7 mi E of Rosemont Park
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.278, -85.223

The Floyd County Emergency Manager reported several large trees blown down in and around Rome including one on the grounds of the NWGHA high rise, a tree donw on a house on Armstrong Avenue and a tree down on a trailer in Cherokee Acres.

Hail, Clarke

When: March 21, 7:01 PM EST to 7:10 PM EST
Where: Clarke County, 2.07 mi ENE of Whitehall
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.914, -83.338

The public reported quarter size hail on Lindmar Court.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fannin

When: March 21, 7:08 PM EST to 7:10 PM EST
Where: Fannin County, 0.27 mi NW of Blue Ridge
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.873, -84.323

A Georgia Department of Transportation RWIS sensor measured a 64 MPH wind gust.

Hail, Barrow

When: March 21, 7:11 PM EST to 7:16 PM EST
Where: Barrow County, 0.69 mi N of Winder
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 33.990, -83.720

The broadcast media reported quarter size hail in Winder.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dawson

When: March 21, 7:14 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where: Dawson County, 1.71 mi S of Juno to 1.29 mi SE of Bright
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.446, -84.196

The Dawson County Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines blown down and wind damage to structures across the southern half of the county. A house on Sweetwater Juno Road sustained roof damage, a house along River Valley Road had roof and siding damage and a metal building on Grizzle Road had roof damage.

Hail, Oconee

When: March 21, 7:15 PM EST to 7:20 PM EST
Where: Oconee County, 1.04 mi SE of Westbury
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: State Official
Coordinates: 33.861, -83.416

A report of quarter size hail on VFW Drive in Watkinsville was received over social media.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bartow

When: March 21, 7:15 PM EST to 7:20 PM EST
Where: Bartow County, 0.95 mi W of Mc Callie
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 34.249, -84.797

An amateur radio operator reported trees blown down along Seminole Road north of Cartersville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: March 21, 7:15 PM EST to 7:50 PM EST
Where: Cherokee County, 3.01 mi SSE of Greeley to 0.66 mi W of Arnold Mill
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.360, -84.609

The Cherokee County Emergency Manager reported hundreds of trees and power lines blown down literally across the entire county from Waleska to Woodstock, Holy Springs, Canton, Ball Ground, Lathemtown and Hickory Flat. Numerous trees fell on homes and businesses as well as several on cars. Many roads were blocked by fallen trees and several traffic accidents resulted. No serious injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Bartow

When: March 21, 7:15 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where: Bartow County, 1.47 mi NNE of Oakland
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.169, -84.758

The Bartow County Emergency Manager reported 2 tractor-trailers blown over on I-75 near exit 288. .

Thunderstorm Wind, Forsyth

When: March 21, 7:28 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where: Forsyth County, 1.31 mi SSE of Cumming
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.184, -84.138

A Georgia Department of Transportation RWIS sensor measured a 61 MPH wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Forsyth

When: March 21, 7:30 PM EST to 7:40 PM EST
Where: Forsyth County, 2.67 mi ESE of Heardville to 2.03 mi ENE of Dunn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.264, -84.188

The Forsyth County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down north of Cumming from Pleasant Grove road to Holtzclaw Road. A barn was destroyed on Holtzclaw road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: March 21, 7:30 PM EST to 7:40 PM EST
Where: Union County, 1.98 mi SE of Blairsville to 1.16 mi ESE of Owltown
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $9,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.851, -83.924

The Union County Emergency Manager reported trees and power lines blown down across the eastern portion of the county from around Town Mountain Road, Trackrock Gap Road, and Town Creek School Road to around the intersection of Wolf Creek Road and Earney Road.

Hail, Oconee

When: March 21, 7:35 PM EST to 7:40 PM EST
Where: Oconee County, 0.9 mi SW of Watkinsville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.860, -83.410

The public reported quarter size hail in Watkinsville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cobb

When: March 21, 7:40 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Cobb County, 1.84 mi ESE of Marietta McColum Arp to 3.04 mi NE of (Mge)dobbins Afb Mar
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.008, -84.571

The broadcast media reported trees and power lines blown down across eastern Cobb County. Power lines were down on Cobb Place Boulevard near Barrett Parkway. A large tree more than 4 feet in diameter was uprooted and fell across the roadway on Grove Parkway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hall

When: March 21, 7:46 PM EST to 7:56 PM EST
Where: Hall County, 0.41 mi ENE of Westside
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 34.282, -83.843

The broadcast media reported that a tree was blown down onto a trailer on Highland Terrace trapping a man inside. The man was taken to an area hospital with unspecified injuries.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: March 21, 7:55 PM EST to 8:15 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 0.96 mi W of Fairview to 1.47 mi NNW of Sells
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.169, -83.747

The Jackson County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down across the far western portion of the county. Trees were snapped at Guy Cooper Road and Highway 60. A tree fell onto a building and the roof was blow off of the building along Highway 332 east of Braselton. On Cambridge Farm Road in Hoschton, a tree fell onto a house killing a 29 year old man inside.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton

When: March 21, 7:55 PM EST to 8:10 PM EST
Where: Fulton County, 2.14 mi ESE of Ocee to 2.81 mi NNE of Warsaw
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.061, -84.184

The Fulton County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down in the Johns Creek area including around the intersection of Findley Road and Findley Chase Drive and around Medlock Bridge Road and Johns Creek Parkway.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gwinnett

When: March 21, 7:55 PM EST to 8:15 PM EST
Where: Gwinnett County, 0.54 mi WSW of Duluth to 3.44 mi NNE of Gloster
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.997, -84.158

The Gwinnett County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down from Duluth to Lawrenceville. A tree fell onto Park Bluff Lane blocking the road, a tree fell on a house on Ferrite Loop, one on Raleigh Way and one on Carlysle Inn Court.

Thunderstorm Wind, De Kalb

When: March 21, 7:58 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: De Kalb County, 1.45 mi ENE of Stone Mtn
Measured: 72 kt (83 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.806, -84.146

The DeKalb County Emergency Manager reported a weather station on the top of Stone Mountain measured a wind gust of 83 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind, De Kalb

When: March 21, 7:59 PM EST to 8:15 PM EST
Where: De Kalb County, 0.76 mi E of North Druid Hills to 0.46 mi WNW of Dunaire
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.828, -84.287

The DeKalb County Emergency Manager reported several trees blown down from North Druid Hills to Clarkston. Trees were blown down on cars and houses on Verona Drive and Tanner Drive and a large tree fell on a home on Coralwood Drive. No injuries were reported.

Tornado, Barrow

When: March 21, 8:03 PM EST to 8:04 PM EST
Where: Barrow County, 0.87 mi E of Winder Arpt to 0.94 mi E of Winder Arpt
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.14 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.981, -83.655

A National Weather Service survey team found that a brief tornado developed along the leading edge of a larger swath of strong thunderstorm winds. The EF-0 tornado with maximum winds of 85 MPH and a maximum path width of 100 Yards began near the Barrow County Airport east of Winder along Sunset Drive. The tornado travelled between .1 and .2 miles along Sunset Drive snapping or uprooting several large trees and destroying a barn. Pieces of the barn were carried nearly a quarter of a mile. [03/21/17: Tornado #1, County #1/1, EF-0, Barrow, 2017:031].

Tornado, Jackson

When: March 21, 8:03 PM EST to 8:04 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 1.98 mi NNE of Clarksboro to 2.17 mi NNE of Clarksboro
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.44 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 34.058, -83.492

A National Weather Service survey team found an EF-1 tornado that began south of New Kings Bridge Road southeast of Jefferson where it destroyed a home under construction. The tornado then travelled east for just under a half of a mile across an open field where it snapped and uprooted several trees before ending near Jefferson River Road where it caused minor damage to another home. Maximum winds reached 95 MPH and the maximum path width was 100 yards. [03/21/17: Tornado #2, County #1/1, EF-1, Jackson, 2017:032].

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: March 21, 8:05 PM EST to 8:20 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 0.58 mi ESE of Arcade
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 34.076, -83.561

The Jackson County Fire Department reported trees blown down on cars in Arcade. No injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oconee

When: March 21, 8:06 PM EST to 8:35 PM EST
Where: Oconee County, 0.79 mi WNW of Ashland to 2.22 mi SSE of Coventry
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.906, -83.582

The Oconee County Sheriffs Office reported numerous trees blown down across the county from around Birchmore southeast to around Farmington and Elder.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gwinnett

When: March 21, 8:09 PM EST to 8:15 PM EST
Where: Gwinnett County, 1.34 mi NW of Hog Mtn
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.063, -83.947

The Gwinnett County Emergency Manager reported trees blown down along I-85 near mile marker 117.

Thunderstorm Wind, Oglethorpe

When: March 21, 8:35 PM EST to 8:45 PM EST
Where: Oglethorpe County, 1.93 mi NNE of Pt Peter to 2.8 mi SSW of Pt Peter
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 34.026, -83.007

The Oglethorpe County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees blown down along Lexington-Carlton Road.

Flash Flood, Oglethorpe

When: March 21, 8:35 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where: Oglethorpe County, 0.77 mi NNE of Crawford to 0.88 mi NE of Crawford
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.889, -83.143

The Emergency Manager reported that flash flooding from heavy rain overwhelmed a pipe under the a section of roadway near Bunker Rill Road and Athens Road causing erosion under the roadway and an eventual washout.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rockdale

When: March 21, 8:45 PM EST to 8:55 PM EST
Where: Rockdale County, 1.34 mi ENE of Honey Creek
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.610, -84.030

The Rockdale County Emergency Manager reported multiple trees and power lines blown down along Stanton Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wilkes

When: March 21, 8:54 PM EST to 9:20 PM EST
Where: Wilkes County, 0.73 mi NNE of Rayle to 2.93 mi S of Adasburg
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.789, -82.894

The Wilkes County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees blown down across the county from near Rayle to Holiday Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hancock

When: March 21, 9:10 PM EST to 9:30 PM EST
Where: Hancock County, 0.83 mi WSW of Gum Hill to 3.85 mi W of Eureka
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 33.414, -83.042

The Washington EMC reported numerous power poles blown down and snapped across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Washington

When: March 21, 9:30 PM EST to 9:45 PM EST
Where: Washington County, 4.39 mi NW of Chalker to 1.48 mi NNE of Tennille
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $12,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.198, -82.780

The Washington County Emergency Manager reported numerous trees and power lines blown down across the county from Hamburg State Park to Sandersville. In Sandersville, a gas station awning was blown over off of McCarty Street.

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, Jackson	2017-03-21	29	Male	Permanent Home	Direct

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

Every storm in Georgia in 2017 Every state in 2017 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Georgia, 2017 Warnings in Georgia, March 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: 689959, 689966, 689962, 689964, 689967, 689969, 689970, 689972, 689974, 689973, 689975, 689983, 689982, 689984, 689986, 689988, 689989, 689990, 689991, 690018, 690031, 689992, 689994, 690026, 689993, 689995, 690025, 689996, 689997, 690034, 690029, 689999, 690037, 690033, 689998, 690039, 690044, 690001, 690040, 690063, and more.