Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Across Southwest Georgia Communities
Powerful storms with 50-mph winds and hail are moving east across 20 southwest Georgia communities, weather officials warn.
BAINBRIDGE, GEORGIA — Strong thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail moved across southwest Georgia Tuesday morning, leading weather officials to issue warnings for multiple communities in the region.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement at 9:24 a.m. EDT after Doppler radar detected the storm system moving east at 50 mph along a line from near Newton to near Donalsonville.
“Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” according to the weather service alert. “Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Affected Communities
The weather service identified 20 locations in the storm’s path, including Colquitt, Newton, Donalsonville, Pelham, Camilla, Bainbridge, and Moultrie. Other communities at risk included Doerun, Schley, Funston, Sale City, Iron City, Brinson, Capel, and Harrells Still.
The alert also covered Donaldsonville Airport, Greenough, Bellview, Vada, and Akridge as the storm system continued its eastward trajectory across the region.
Storm Hazards and Impacts
Weather officials warned residents to secure outdoor objects and avoid areas with large trees as the storms approached. The combination of 50-mph wind gusts and small hail posed risks to property and vegetation throughout the affected areas.
The radar-indicated storms developed Tuesday morning and maintained their intensity as they moved across the agricultural communities of southwest Georgia. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida, monitored the system’s progress and issued updates as conditions changed.
Residents in the storm’s path were advised to move indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak intensity period. The fast-moving nature of the system meant conditions could deteriorate rapidly as the storms approached each community.
