Tornadoes have been reported in at least three areas in South and central Georgia Thursday afternoon, according to reports.
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The National Weather Service reports a twister landed in Pelham, a town in Mitchell County, Clinch County’s Homerville and Adel in Cook County, between noon and 2 p.m. Thursday, according to news reports.
The tornadoes ravaged historic areas, brought hail-force winds and dismantled buildings and homes across the area.
The first tornado was reported in Pelham, and swiftly began moving east at about 55 miles per hour. Another tornado was confirmed about 1 hour and 45 minutes east of Pelham in the Pearson and Homerville area, along U.S. 441.
A tornado reportedly hit Adel in the Cook County area, after the National Weather Service issued a warning around 1:45 p.m., according to the Valdosta Daily Times. Photos were posted online of damage in areas like downtown Adel, which is about 50 minutes west of Homerville.
The storms reportedly tore off roofs and destroyed buildings, according to witnesses. The Adel-News Tribune reported damage to its downtown building, according to the newspaper’s general manager. Johnny West, Cook County’s emergency management director, told the Valdosta Daily Times that there was damage in the county, but he described the damage in Adel as “heavy” in the city. The city’s old train depot on South Burwell Avenue was heavily damaged as well.
Just two weeks ago, in the wee hours of April 13, at least 15 tornadoes touched down about two hours away from Pelham, with the most powerful twister hitting Upson County, the National Weather Service said April 14.
Investigators believe Upson County was hit by an EF-3 tornado, which typically has 136-165 mph winds. The area is about 70 miles south of Atlanta.
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