Weather service confirms tornado in Jenkins County
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

This sign at Jenkins County Farm Bureau notes the storm damage claims filed thus far by customers as a result of the Mother's Day storms. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

Mother's Day 2008 will be remember in Jenkins County, and much of the state, as the day that Mother Nature unleashed its fury in the form of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that resulted in severe damage to many areas of the county.

The website of the National Weather Service, Charleston, SC, updated May 17, confirms that an EF-1 tornado struck the Emmalane area of Jenkins County on May 11 causing severe damage. The estimated path of destruction was reported as being 1,200 yards wide for approximately one mile with peak winds between 95-110 miles per hour.

Significant straight-line wind damage occurred in other areas of the county resulting in significant damage to many homes, mobile homes and two local churches. Downed trees and power poles blocked roadways and electric service was disrupted to approximately 2,500 consumers of Planters Electric Membership Corporation.

On May 16, Gov. Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration for several counties in the state, including Jenkins, to assist residents and local governments in their clean-up efforts.

"These tornadoes devastated businesses, homes and families - disrupting lives across the state," said Gov. Perdue. "I am optimistic that our federal partners will recognize the dramatic extent of this damage and will render the appropriate assistance to help Georgians recover and rebuild in the aftermath of this severe weather."

Fifteen tornadoes were confirmed across the state with several injuries and three deaths reported. A man was killed in Laurens County when his home was destroyed by a tornado; a woman was killed in Duluth by a falling tree limb; and another man died after being struck by a toppled tree in Winder. Locally, two minor injuries were reported.

Local clean-up efforts are continuing with insurance companies reporting significant claims due to storm damage.