Storm downs trees, power lines in city
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

This large tree on the lawn of the Jenkins County Hospital was downed during Friday's storm, striking the facility's educational building and blocking traffic on Walnut Street between the hospital and City of Millen Municipal Building. (Staff photos by Deborah Bennett)

A thunderstorm with winds reportedly up to 50 miles per hour moved across the City of Millen Friday evening, May 4, leaving uprooted trees, downed power lines, and startled residents in its wake. Reported rainfall amounts throughout the city varied from ½ inch to 2½ inches.

Several power poles on East Winthrope Avenue were downed in front of the Jenkins County Board of Education, blocking traffic and creating a power outage in a large portion of the city. Due to the lack of electricity, traffic lights were not functioning and law enforcement had to direct traffic at major intersections for several hours. Power was not restored in some sections of the city until early Saturday morning with power company crews working throughout most of the night.

Many of the city's majestic, older oak trees were uprooted during the storm. Jenkins County Extension Service Coordinator Wade Parker commented that the shallow root system, along with the interior rot that he had observed in many of the uprooted trees, made them especially susceptible to the high wind. Pines and pecan trees were also downed by the storm.

A large tree at this Jordan Avenue home, above left, was downed, striking the house. Right, this tree on the lawn of the Millen Community House was snapped by high winds. See additional photos on page 12.

Several residents traveling on U.S. Highway 25 North after the storm had passed through reported that the winds had blown construction barrels marking the correct lanes of travel off the highway, resulting in confused motorists driving on the side of the roadway that was under construction. The roadway has since been remarked.

City of Millen work crews and other volunteers worked throughout the night and weekend to clear roads and assist homeowners with the disposal of downed trees and limbs.

Several power poles on East Winthrope Avenue were downed during Friday's storm, resulting in the blockage of the road and power outages throughout the city. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett) A tree fell through this metal building being used by Sure Word Baptist Church on West Winthrope Avenue. (Photo contributed) This home on Gray Street was also damaged by an uprooted tree. (Photo contributed) A towering tree fell across the chained link fence on property surrounding the old elementary school. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)