Severe Weather Hits Southeast
Release Date: April 16, 1999
Release Number: HQ-99-114
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Weather Service (NWS) reports severe weather struck parts of Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina yesterday. Local officials report a tornado touchdown yesterday in Vienna (Dooly County), Georgia, destroying some homes and shutting down portions of Interstate 75 due to debris on the roadway. Another tornado was reported in Candler County, Georgia. There have been no reported fatalities.
Governor Roy Barnes declared a state of emergency for Dooly County. Minor storm damage has also been reported in Terrell County. Georgia Forestry Commission staff reports a tornado touchdown sighting in Stillmore and Metter in Candler County, with some damage and injuries. One shelter is open at Dooly County High School.
At least 17 counties in Mississippi have been impacted by severe weather in the past two days. An unconfirmed tornado was associated with the storm system that moved through the state yesterday. Local officials report one death and 25 to 30 injuries. As many as 50 families were displaced during the storm in Jones County.
Numerous tornadoes sightings were also reported overnight in North Carolina. As of early this morning, local officials have not reported any critical situations or associated injuries.
Conditions have improved across the region and NWS forecasters do not expect more severe weather today.
FEMA's regional office in Atlanta (Region IV) remains in contact with its state counterparts and will continue to monitor the situation.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-Jan-2004 16:07:06