Severe Weather Strikes north and central Georgia - November 16, 2011

Severe Weather Strikes north and central Georgia
November 16, 2011

A surface low tracked across the southeast on Wednesday, November 16th and dragged a cold front through Georgia early on Thursday. An area of showers and thunderstorms ahead of this front moved through north and central Georgia on Wednesday bringing damaging winds, isolated reports of hail, and isolated areas of 2 inches of rain to the area. In Forsyth County, a tree fell on a vehicle near Johns Creek, killing the occupant. In addition, in Johnson County six homes were damaged from falling trees, including one home that was significantly damaged. Visit the Local Storm Reports page for a preliminary list of damage from the severe weather on Wednesday.

Damage Reports from north and central Georgia
for November 16, 2011

24 hour rainfall totals ending at 7am
November 17, 2011

A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF-2 tornado tracked across Harris County the afternoon of Wednesday, November 16, 2011. The peak wind speeds were estimated at 125 mph, mainly around the Hamilton, GA area. The tornado originated in Alabama, crossing the Georgia border near Lake Harding around 135 PM EST. The tornado then traveled 26 miles across Harris County, ending at the Harris/Talbot County line near the town of Shiloh. The average width was estimated at 1/2 mile. A total of 2 injuries were reported in Harris County due to the tornado.

Two structures were destroyed and 30 structures were damaged, including the Harris County School Complex which contains an elementary, middle and high school. Also damaged was the 911 center and an animal shelter in Hamilton, GA. Hundreds of trees were also snapped or uprooted.

Track of Harris County tornado

Reflectivity image from tornado in Harris County

Velocity image from tornado in Harris County

Damage to Harris County High School
Hamilton, GA

Damage to the Public Works Garage
Hamilton, GA

Mobile home destroyed. Two people
inside sustained minor injuries.
near Hamilton, GA