Storms leave behind downed trees and power lines, possible tornado touch-downs in Habersham, Stephens counties

While overnight storms were deadly in Northwest Georgia, the northeastern part of the state fared much better, but there was widespread damage and power outages. 

Banks County

Banks County Emergency Management Agency Director Deidra Moore confirmed Monday morning two homes were destroyed during the storms.

“So far, we’ve found about seven homes that were damaged by the trees,” said Banks County Fire/EMS Chief Steve Nichols. “We’re still evaluating right now and doing a survey of it.”

While National Weather Service officials have not released an official determination about the nature of the early-morning storm that resulted in the damage in Banks County, Nichols said, “It appeared to be a straight-line, high wind, but that will be determined pretty much by the National Weather Service and take a review of it.”

Nichols said one person suffered minor injuries when that individual fell going down the steps into the storm cellar.

Additionally, a Banks County Fire/EMS captain’s quick response vehicle likely was totaled when a tree fell into its path at the beginning of Sunday night’s storms, Nichols said.

Habersham County

Chad Black, director of Habersham County Emergency Services, said a suspected tornado damaged several homes in the Baldwin and Alto area. He said there is no confirmation of a tornado, but based on the damage assessment so far, a tornado appears to be likely. 

"Baldwin Fire Department...their first response was at a house where people said they were sitting and [the wind] sucked the doors from their house and took some of their furniture out through the doors," Black said.

Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep on Ga. 365 and Fieldale Farms in Baldwin reported damage to their businesses. The auto dealership's showroom is closed, but the service department was able to open for the day. 

Hall County

In Hall County, Emergency Management officials reported 12 people were displaced when trees fell on two homes on River Run Circle off Cleveland Highway north of Gainesville, making them unlivable. Hall County Fire Services Division Chief Zach Brackett said three other homes in other part of the county were damaged, as well. Brackett said a number of trees came down all over the county in the overnight storms, pulling power lines down with them.

Hall County School Superintendent Will Schofield said two schools were without power Monday morning so meal delivery for students was be delayed by one hour on Monday. Both the Hall County and Gainesville City School Systems went back to online learning Monday following last week's spring break. 

Stephens County

Stephens County sustained heavy damage in the storms, including broken power poles and downed trees. Emergency personnel continued to respond to individuals having difficulty exiting damaged homes Monday morning. The county also had damage to homes.

National Weather Service officials visited Stephens County on Monday to assess the damage.

“They have some more analysis to do but have stated that they believe the tornado that came through last night was an EF-1 tornado,” a social media post from Stephens County Emergency Management Agency Monday night states. “Wind speeds for EF-1 tornadoes are typically between 86 and 110 mph.”

White County

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said the county experienced widespread damaging winds, heavy rain and lightning during the early storms on Monday. A house on Goat Neck Road was destroyed by fire that was sparked by lightning, but no one was injured. Murphy's report said the storm also caused some issues with the generators at the county detention center and at the E-911 center, but they were able to use back-up equipment. 

Trees and power lines came down across Hall County during overnight storms on Monday. This home in the North Hall area narrowly avoided being hit by a tree that was toppled (Photo: Chris Biddy)

The BP station on Ga. 365 at Charley Davis Road near Baldwin sustained structural damage. (Photo: Habersham County Emergency Services)

The Hayes Dodge Dealership on Ga. 365 sustained damage in the overnight storms. (Photo: Habersham County Emergency Services)

Fallen trees damaged this house along Old 441 between Hollingsworth and Baldwin in Banks County. (Photo: Banks County Fire/EMS)

A chicken surveys the damage left behind by Monday morning storms in Banks County. (Photo: Banks County Fire/EMS)

This photo from Banks County Fire/EMS shows some of the damage along Old US 441 in the Baldwin area.

High winds destroyed this structure in Banks County early Monday morning. (Photo: Banks County Fire/EMS)

Trees down in front of the United Community Bank in Dahlonega. (Photo: Nicole Garbuzovas)

Dozens of trees came down across North Georgia in overnight storms. This tree blocks part of Apple Pie Ridge Road in Alto. (Photo: Rob Moore)

Some damage to structures on the back side of the Fieldale complex in Baldwin is visible from Old Orchard Road. (Photo: Rob Moore)

A section of Wat Lao Buddharam Khambouneheuang in Baldwin is damaged as a result of the overnight storms. (Photo: Rob Moore)

Rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources were deployed across the region to clean up downed trees in state parks. This DNR photo is from Tugaloo State Park in Lavonia.

Personnel from Banks County Fire/EMS and Banks County Sheriff's Office talk at the command post outside the new Station 25 on Old Highway 441 between Baldwin and Hollingsworth.

Baldwin police officers direct traffic while Georgia Power Co. employees work to repair damage at the Fieldale feed mill on Old Gainesville Highway Monday.

Damage at Wat Lao Buddist temple, foreground, and to the roof of this brick home on Hamby Mountain Park Drive are in line with damage on the back of the Fieldale complex (background) and the front of Banks Ridge.

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