Douglas, Georgia – Fast-moving severe thunderstorms swept across southeast Georgia late Sunday afternoon, prompting urgent warnings as damaging winds and hail threatened homes, power lines, and travel corridors.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Coffee, Atkinson, Bacon, Jeff Davis, and Appling counties until 6:15 p.m. Storms were tracking east at nearly 50 mph, producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and penny-size hail. Radar indicated the strongest portion of the storm line stretching from near Lumber City to Alapaha.
Communities including Douglas, Baxley, Hazlehurst, Alma, Pearson, Broxton, and Willacoochee were directly in the path of the storms. Forecasters warned that winds of this strength could damage roofs, siding, and trees, with the potential for scattered power outages. Drivers along U.S. 1, U.S. 221, and local roadways were urged to watch for downed limbs and sudden drops in visibility.
Emergency officials also cautioned that brief tornadoes can develop quickly within intense thunderstorm lines. Residents were advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and remain alert for additional warnings.
Storm activity is expected to continue moving east through the evening. Additional warnings or statements may be issued if storms intensify before clearing the region.
