Severe storms on Sunday confirmed three tornadoes in CSRA, with damage observed in Barnwell and Burke Counties. An EF-1 tornado also struck South Carolina. Notable destruction occurred across Georgia, particularly in Paulding and Mitchell Counties. Alabama experienced tornado-related fatalities and damage, highlighting the significant impact of the severe weather.
On Sunday morning, severe storms led to the confirmation of three tornadoes in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of Georgia. The National Weather Service conducted damage surveys through Barnwell and Burke Counties on Monday, establishing that Burke County experienced two EF-0 tornadoes, while Barnwell County had one, with all tornadoes categorized as weak but capable of causing damage.
The confirmed tornadoes in Burke County occurred east of Girard. The Barnwell County tornado, also assessed as EF-0, was located between Snelling and Barnwell. Early warnings had been issued via radar prior to these confirmations as part of the storm’s intensity. Additionally, other regions in Georgia, including Paulding and Mitchell Counties, reported tornado activity.
In South Carolina, a tornado touched down in Chapin at 7:38 a.m., causing significant damage for a duration of ten minutes. This EF-1 tornado tracked across Lake Murray, impacting neighborhoods before dissipating. The tornado exhibited peak wind speeds of approximately 90 mph, spanning 125 yards wide and covering a path of 5.8 miles.
Paulding County faced substantial damage from an EF-1 tornado that resulted in extensive tree falls, damaging at least 14 homes. Reports indicated destroyed business signage and damage to local establishments, such as a Kroger store. One resident, Zach Burgess, described the terrifying moment his family experienced when trees fell into their home, saying, “A lot of loud booms, almost kind of like explosions.”
In Mitchell County, the Pebble City Baptist Church experienced modest damage, including a displaced steeple, while the community center was devastated. Pastor Ronnie Kinsaul expressed gratitude for the church’s survival, stating, “The Lord was with us. He caused it to possibly jump over or go around us.” Neighbors and community members rallied to support those affected by the tornadoes, showcasing the resilience of the community.
In Alabama, tornadoes also caused damage near Troy, with power lines down and roads obstructed. Further reports indicated fatalities in Dallas County, while the small town of Gordo faced substantial damage from another tornado. The aftermath of these events underscores the significant impact of severe weather across various regions.
In conclusion, the severe weather spanning Sunday resulted in the confirmation of three tornadoes in the CSRA, with additional reported tornado activities in Georgia and Alabama. Despite being categorized as weak, these tornadoes caused notable damage to homes and infrastructure. Community members demonstrated resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity, as residents helped each other recover from the devastation caused by these storms.
Original Source: www.wrdw.com
