EF-1 Tornado Smashes Georgia: Homes Damaged Across Muscogee, Bibb, Twiggs
A powerful EF-1 tornado struck parts of central Georgia on Thursday, hitting Muscogee, Bibb, and Twiggs counties, and leaving behind downed trees, damaged homes, and rattled residents.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado late Thursday evening after storm surveys showed a defined track of damage through these three counties. Winds reached up to 95 miles per hour, enough to uproot trees and peel roofs from houses.
Muscogee County Hit First
The storm first touched down in Muscogee County, near Columbus, during the early evening hours. Witnesses described a loud roaring noise as trees began snapping and debris flew through the air. One resident reported their shed being thrown across the yard like a toy.
Emergency crews responded to several calls about downed power lines and blocked roadways. While no injuries have been confirmed, some neighborhoods were left without power well into Friday morning.
Tornado Cuts Through Bibb County
The tornado then tracked east into Bibb County, including parts of Macon, where it left a visible swath of destruction. Several homes suffered roof and siding damage, and emergency responders worked through the night to assist residents and restore services.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, as debris clean-up and power restoration crews needed space to work.
Local schools opened late on Friday to allow time for damage assessment and safe student transportation.
Twiggs County Feels the Final Blow
The storm’s final leg hit Twiggs County, where mostly rural areas experienced strong winds and intense rain. Numerous trees were uprooted, and barns and outbuildings took heavy damage.
County officials said they’re grateful there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported. “It could’ve been much worse,” one emergency manager said. “We had enough warning to get people to safety.”
Officials Urge Preparedness as Storm Season Continues
This tornado comes as part of a broader weather system that brought strong storms across the Southeast this week. The NWS had issued tornado watches and warnings throughout the day, giving communities time to prepare.
Forecasters warn that more severe weather could return next week and are urging residents to stay weather-aware. Having multiple ways to receive warnings, like a weather radio or alert-enabled smartphone, can be crucial when storms hit at night.
