Home Other Officials Confirm EF1 Tornado

    Officials Confirm EF1 Tornado

    (Last Updated On: December 21, 2017)

    Officials from the National Weather Service confirmed today that a tornado was responsible for the damage that occurred in Carrollton on Monday. David Nadler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, visited Carrollton Fire Station 22 on Brumbelow Road—one of the hardest hit areas in the city—to assess the damage.

    “After surveying some of the damage from this area, I think we are definitely looking at some tornadic damage that occurred,” said Nadler. “With the roof being uplifted [at the fire station], and the walls being knocked out, we are estimating winds between 80 and 90 miles per hour. There was definitely a tornado that came through here yesterday morning.”

    Nadler confirmed that the tornado was an EF1 which produced winds of approximately 90 miles an hour.

    Nadler worked alongside Carroll County Emergency Management Association officials to assess the damage. Carroll EMA Director Tim Padgett noted the sudden nature of yesterday’s weather event.

    “It happened very quickly—which is usually the case around here when we deal with weather events like these,” said Padgett. “We were issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch at 10:50. At 10:52, they actually issued us a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, and at 10:57, they issued us a Tornado Warning. That’s just how fast it went. If you look back into Alabama, there were no watches or warnings beforehand.”

    The University of West Georgia campus sustained some damage from the tornado.

    “We are fortunate that no one was injured by today’s storm. The winds knocked down some trees on the northwest side of campus and damaged the fence at Cole Field,” said UWG Director of Strategic Communications Gary Leftwich. “At this point, classes have not been cancelled. Some students might have difficulty making it to class because of the downed trees or other obstacles. We ask that everyone use their own judgement in determining if they feel safe traveling on campus.”

    Officials said more severe weather is expected to impact the west Georgia area tomorrow for a prolonged period.

    “We will likely see some more severe weather tomorrow, so we urge everyone to be prepared, and not be caught off guard,” said Padgett. “As we always say, prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.”

    Stay tuned to The Carrollton Menu for more updates on weather events tomorrow.