The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado struck Pickens County, Ga., during a round of severe thunderstorms that swept through the state on Tuesday night.
The agency announced on Thursday that its investigators verified an EF-0 tornado formed near East Price Creek Road. The confirmation comes two days after the storm system moved through metro Atlanta and North Georgia, leaving behind a trail of damage.
How strong was the tornado
Tornado intensity is measured using the Enhanced Fujita Scale, a rating system that ranges from 0 to 5 and relies on estimated wind speeds and the extent of the destruction left behind. According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday night’s tornado produced winds estimated between 80 and 85 miles per hour, placing it at the lowest end of the scale.
Officials said the tornado’s path was inconsistent, meaning it did not remain in constant contact with the ground throughout its trajectory. That kind of intermittent touchdown often results in scattered pockets of damage rather than one continuous line of destruction.
- The tornado’s estimated peak wind speed reached 85 miles per hour
- It was classified as an EF-0, the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale
- Most of the visible damage was concentrated along East Price Road
The National Weather Service said it expects to release additional findings as its investigation into the storm continues. Meteorologists typically conduct these follow up surveys by examining fallen trees, structural damage and debris patterns to piece together a tornado’s exact path and strength.
Storm caused damage across the county
The tornado was just one part of a larger, damaging weather event. The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said deputies fielded numerous calls reporting storm related issues throughout the area on Tuesday night. Those reports included toppled trees, pooling water on roadways and power lines that had fallen in or near streets, creating hazards for drivers…