National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

 

A North Georgia "Supercell"
July 23, 2000

by Jim Noel, Barry Gooden, Gary Beeley and Terry Murphy

On Sunday, July 23, 2000 a severe thunderstorm moved across Dawson, Hall, and Banks counties. There was considerable wind damage across all three counties along with some large hail. There were also reports of tornadoes. A Storm Survey Team from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City visited the area and reviewed all available data the next day. The following are its findings:

Storm Summary...

Map of storm / damage path:


  • Storm formed 6 miles southwest of Jasper in Pickens County between 1230 pm and 1 pm EDT
  • Brief F0 / F1 tornado touchdown near Murrayville between 200 pm and 210 pm EDT. Path was 50 to 100 yards wide.
  • Reports of highs winds, trees down and golf ball size hail across northern Hall County 200 pm to 250 pm EDT.
  • Second brief F0 / F1 tornado touchdown 3 miles south of Lula around 250 pm. Around half a dozen homes damaged. Path was 50 to 100 yards wide.

     

    Damage Summary...

     

  • Finally, brief tornado touchdown about 5 miles west to southwest of Homer near Welborn Road around 310 pm EDT. Minor damage to one home. Path was up to 100 yards wide and lasted for about 1 to 2 miles.
  • At least one to two dozen homes damaged...mostly from falling trees.
  • Hundreds of trees snapped or uprooted. Several were very large hardwood trees.
  • Damage to power lines and telephone lines.
  • Apparently no deaths and only one unconfirmed injury in Banks County.
  •  

    for damage photos

    A Public Information Statement on this storm was released after the storm survey was completed.

    [ in more detail... ]


    RADAR IMAGES - reflectivity    (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

    RADAR IMAGES - storm relative velocity    (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)