TROUP COUNTY, Ga. — Following his tour of damage in West Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp confirmed an EF-3 tornado touched down in Troup County.
Early information from the National Weather Service indicates that the storm had winds of roughly 150 mph. A full survey of the damage is still pending, and the full extent of the storm's path is still unclear.
What was clear is the damage the Sunday tornado left behind. In addition to the touchdown, Kemp said that 25 to 30 homes where completely destroyed from the severe storm.
No fatalities in Georgia have been reported, Kemp confirmed.
Currently, the state's main priority, Kemp said, is assessing the damage, getting the roadways clear and regulating flooding in Troup and Spalding counties from the nearly 12 inches of rain that fell from the weekend storm systems, he said.
To alleviate some of the flooding in West Point, Georgia Emergency Management Director James Stallings said the Army Core of Engineers opened all six flood gates at the nearby lake, also named West Point.
Stallings also confirmed that a temporary dam under construction in Spalding County has not failed. Although there was some water reportedly going over it, Stallings said the dam -- which had been installed prior to the storms while crews worked to repair the permanent dam -- is still working.
Meanwhile, the GEMA director urged residents who live in areas affected by the storm to reduce travel as much as possible. Highway 29 is completely closed off to residents as crews work to reopen this roadway and several others, Kemp said.
Stallings also said other risks -- like live wires, gas mains and flooding -- could still potentially pose a danger for travelers. Anyone who needs to get back to the area should bring identification to verify that they are a resident, Stallings recommended.
When recapping his tour, Kemp recalled meeting a woman in Troup County whose home was heavily damaged during the storms.
“I think when you see that house you're thinking, 'Lord how did somebody survive something like that?' and then to get to talk to that person is pretty amazing,” Kemp said.
First Lady Marty Kemp said she had previously met the same woman at a Kia plant.
“You know, that was her mom’s home, and it’s a miracle that she came out of it, that she’s doing well,” she said.
While the governor was able to cover much of West Georgia, weather prevented him from traveling to Milledgeville in central Georgia. Kemp said he plans to visit the area -- in Baldwin County -- on Tuesday.
Kemp thanked the local organizations, elected officials, state agencies and the Red Cross for helping those affected by the storm damage.
Two Red Cross shelters have been opened in areas affected, one in Troup County and the other in Baldwin.
Anyone who wishes to contribute to storm victims is asked to go to the Georgia pages of The Salvation Army or Red Cross.
Red Cross shelters for storm victims
Point University Gym
1201 Avenue D.
West Point, GA 31833
New Beginnings Church (NEW)
200 Southside Drive
Milledgeville, GA 31061