Two weak tornadoes clipped rural Upson County during a fast-moving line of storms on March 16, snapping trees and causing minor structural damage along the way. Survey teams rated both twisters EF-0 and found damage largely confined to wooded and farmland areas, with one instance of minor damage to a home near a county road. The touchdowns were logged near Sunset Village and Yatesville, north of Thomaston.
In its damage survey, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City said two additional tornadoes spun up in Upson County on Monday and were confirmed after ground inspections. The preliminary surveys assigned both touchdowns EF-0 ratings and documented path lengths, peak wind estimates and track endpoints.
Sunset Village touchdown and damage
The stronger of the two tornadoes touched down in the Sunset Village area, where surveyors traced a 3.02-mile path that began near Hendricks Church Road at about 7:00 a.m. Peak winds were estimated around 78 mph, and roughly 20 to 30 trees were reported toppled on private farmland along Hurricane Creek. A home near McCard Road and Highway 74 sustained minor structural damage, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Yatesville touchdown was brief
The second touchdown occurred southwest of Yatesville and tracked about 1.65 miles. Surveyors and radar data indicated a brief velocity couplet northwest of Grays Chapel Road and Grady Pennyman Road, along with debris signatures over Grays Chapel Road at about 7:24 a.m., before the circulation weakened over Israel Creek, the National Weather Service in Peachtree City said.
Regional impacts and warnings
The same storm line triggered numerous tornado watches and warnings across central Georgia, and survey teams also confirmed an EF-0 in DeKalb County that caused more significant impacts, including a teenager trapped by a fallen tree, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Emergency crews worked through the day to clear downed trees and assess isolated damage across the region.
The survey findings are preliminary and subject to revision as teams complete their reviews. Residents with storm damage should check with Upson County emergency management and their utility providers for cleanup and safety guidance.
