Severe Damage Caused by Tornado in Troup County, Georgia
On Sunday, a powerful tornado hit Troup County, Georgia, causing severe damage and posing a potential threat to an automobile plant. The storm struck LaGrange, located about 67 miles southwest of Atlanta, early in the morning. According to reports, numerous homes were flattened, and people were trapped due to the tornado.
Georgia Mutual Aid Group (GMAG) provided updates on their Facebook page, warning of blocked roads, damaged buildings, and vehicles. They also activated all Troup County voles and asked them to stand by for deployment. The GMAG reported that several houses collapsed in West Point, with people trapped inside.
The Troup County Sheriff’s Office reported instances of trees falling, damage to houses, and power lines. As a result, they advised residents to avoid travel, and Verizon cell service was interrupted. The tornado caused significant disruptions, with parts of highways I-85 and 185 being closed due to damage.
Social media users shared videos and photos of the storm, including large golf-ball-sized pieces of hail falling over the area. The Pine Mountain Animal Safari reported a tiger unaccounted for inside the park during the tornado watch, according to a statement from the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.
Meteorologist Jennifer Watson from The Weather Channel tweeted about multiple injuries reported from the tornado that moved south of LaGrange, Ga. She added that homes had been leveled, and highways were closed. While there were reports of injuries, no fatalities were reported.
Some social media users speculated that the Kia Assembly Plant in West Point, GA, could be in the path of the tornado, potentially resulting in severe damage. However, there is no official confirmation of the plant being affected.
Deadly Tornadoes in the Region
This tornado came just days after a deadly tornado struck the Mississippi Delta region, leaving at least 25 people dead and dozens more injured. President Biden declared an emergency for Mississippi on Sunday, making federal funding available to the hardest-hit areas.
In summary, the tornado that hit Troup County, Georgia, on Sunday caused significant damage, with reports of homes flattened and people trapped. The Troup County Sheriff’s Office advised residents to avoid travel, and parts of highways I-85 and 185 were closed due to damage. While there were reports of injuries, there have been no reports of fatalities. The Kia Assembly Plant in West Point, GA, was speculated to be in the path of the tornado, but there is no official confirmation.