The storm system that swept through the South this week killed at least six people, five in Alabama and one person in Georgia. That person died when a tornado touched down in Coweta County early Friday, officials say. The tornado caused significant damage in and around Newnan.
Across Northeast Georgia, power outages, flooding, and road closures affected many throughout the day Friday.
“Thankfully no injuries or fatalities were reported,” says White County Public Safety Director David Murphy who spent much of the day Friday assessing the damage. Murphy says most of the damage was caused by heavy rain which poured down over a short period of time. The rain flooded roads, caused landslides, and prompted calls for assistance near streams and rivers due to high water.
First responders in White County spent most of Thursday evening and Friday morning responding to calls about downed trees and power lines, blocked roads, and flooded cabins and vehicles. There were also reports of gas leaks caused by overturned propane tanks.
Farther north, in Union County, part of State Route 180 near Vogel State Park had to be closed after the shoulder of the road collapsed due to heavy rain.
Sections of Shoal Creek and Odis Barron roads in Habersham were washed out and the Soque River overflowed its banks, once again, flooding Clarkesville’s Pitts Park.
Lightning sparked three house fires in Habersham. Tallulah Falls School canceled classes due to power outages. And the annual Helen Trout Tournament was postponed a week over safety concerns.
The forecast calls for more rain Saturday with another round of possible severe weather on Sunday.
This article has been updated
