Talking Rock, GA Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Talking Rock is about the same as Georgia average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Talking Rock is about the same as Georgia average and is higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #152
| Talking Rock, GA | 0.08 |
| Georgia | 0.08 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Talking Rock, GA | 0.0000 |
| Georgia | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #333
| Talking Rock, GA | 177.52 |
| Georgia | 179.92 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 4,511 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Talking Rock, GA were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 0 | Cold: | 12 | Dense Fog: | 1 | Drought: | 33 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 235 | Hail: | 1,630 | Heat: | 9 | Heavy Snow: | 27 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 4 | Ice Storm: | 11 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 22 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,967 | Tropical Storm: | 10 | Wildfire: | 2 | Winter Storm: | 16 | Winter Weather: | 19 |
| Other: | 513 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Talking Rock, GA.
Historical Earthquake Events
A total of 2 historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Talking Rock, GA.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Depth (km) | Latitude | Longitude |
| 42.9 | 1984-10-09 | 4.2 | 12 | 34.75 | -85.2 |
| 49.6 | 1979-08-13 | 3.7 | 5 | 35.24 | -84.38 |
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 77 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Talking Rock, GA.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 3.7 | 1985-04-05 | 2 | 34°30'N / 84°36'W | 34°33'N / 84°31'W | 5.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Pickens |
| 6.2 | 1977-03-30 | 2 | 34°37'N / 84°30'W | 2.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Gilmer | |
| 11.3 | 2002-11-11 | 2 | 34°21'N / 84°35'W | 34°23'N / 84°28'W | 6.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.8M | 0 | Cherokee |
| Brief Description: A National Weather Service disaster survey team and the Cherokee county Emergency Manager Director observed a 6-mile long path of damage, beginning near Beasley Gap in northwest Cherokee county, then continuing east-northeast toward the town of Worley Crossroads on the Pickens county border. While much of the damage along the path was determined as straight line wind damage with speeds of at least 70 mph, there was definite indication of a multi-segmented tornado. The most significant tornado damage occurred on Salacoa Road near Beasley Gap, where the tornado damage was classified as F2. The damage path was approximately 627 yards wide at its widest point, but the tornadic portion of this damage was limited to around 100 yards wide. Two homes were completely destroyed, three were severely damaged, and six were moderately damaged. Numerous trees and power lines were down along and near the damage path as well. Some livestock was also killed during the event. Cherokee county was one of five counties declared in a state of emergency by the governor. | |||||||||||
| 12.2 | 2002-11-11 | 2 | 34°21'N / 84°27'W | 34°26'N / 84°16'W | 14.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 10 | 5.6M | 0 | Pickens |
| Brief Description: The tornado that originated in Cherokee county near Beasley Gap, continued into and across Pickens county. Once again, the National Weather Service disaster survey team determined that this was a multi-segmented tornado, with much of the damage along the path caused by straight line winds of at least 70 mph. The tornado entered the county southwest of Cagle, then continued on to just north of Tate roughly paralleling Georgia Highway 108, then turned more eastward along Georgia Highway 53 to near Marblehill, through the Big Canoe golf course and recreation area, then east of Big Canoe into extreme western Dawson county. There was definite evidence of F2 tornadic damage just north of Tate where winds were estimated in the 113 to 157 mph range. Some of the hardest hit areas included homes on Pleasant Union Road near the Cherokee county border; the Mountain Lakes Estates area, where several homes suffered extensive damage; the Bethany-Salem district where at least 56 structures were damaged or destroyed; Refuge Road near Tate, the town suffering some of the greatest damage where several homes and business were destroyed; the Big Canoe area near the Dawson county border, where several homes were damaged and the tennis center suffered extensive damage. All together, a total of 26 structures, mostly residential homes were destroyed, 142 structures were partially damaged, 2 businesses were destroyed, and 14 vehicles were totally destroyed. In addition, ten people were injured, primarily in damaged homes or trapped in vehicles on which trees fell. One of the businesses destroyed was the popular Davis's Barbeque on Georgia Highway 108. The restaurant was completely blown away, including the 20-foot white columns that stood in front of the restaurant. Three of the injuries in the county occurred in new mobile homes behind the Barbeque restaurant when their homes were flattened by the winds and other debris from the restaurant. One of the children injured, a 4-year old girl, was found by a nearby pond. The Refuge Baptist Church suffered extensive damage and was left in shambles. The historic Big Canoe chapel was also among the structures suffering damage. The steeple and all of the windows were lost from the church along with other structural damage to both the exterior and interior walls. Numerous trees were uprooted and many power lines were damaged along the path. Thirty people had to be put up in shelters and at least 6000 people were left without power for an extended period. Pickens county was the hardest hit of five counties declared in a state of emergency by the governor. | |||||||||||
| 14.2 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°22'N / 84°20'W | 34°27'N / 84°15'W | 7.60 Miles | 200 Yards | 1 | 17 | 2.5M | 0 | Pickens |
| 15.3 | 2002-11-11 | 2 | 34°25'N / 84°16'W | 34°27'N / 84°14'W | 3.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 3 | 200K | 0 | Dawson |
| Brief Description: The Dawson county Emergency Management Director reported that the tornado that originated in Cherokee county and traveled across Pickens county, entered Dawson county in the Big Canoe area and continued to just east-northeast of the Big Canoe area before dissipating. Two double-wide mobile homes were completely destroyed just east of the Big Canoe area as large trees fell on the structures. While the contents of one were salvagable, those of the other were destroyed. Three injuries occurred at one of these mobile homes as the residents were trapped by the downed trees on the structure. In addition, there were four other homes that received minor damage in the Big Canoe area. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down in the area of the tornado and some roads were temporarily blocked as a result. Dawson county was one of five counties declared in a state of emergency by the governor. | |||||||||||
| 15.4 | 1977-03-30 | 2 | 34°33'N / 84°51'W | 34°36'N / 84°40'W | 11.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Gordon |
| 15.8 | 1974-04-03 | 2 | 34°41'N / 84°30'W | 34°49'N / 84°21'W | 12.60 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 3 | 2.5M | 0 | Gilmer |
| 17.1 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°27'N / 84°15'W | 34°30'N / 84°09'W | 6.80 Miles | 200 Yards | 5 | 13 | 2.5M | 0 | Dawson |
| 20.3 | 1962-04-11 | 2 | 34°14'N / 84°30'W | 1.00 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Cherokee | |
| 20.5 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°30'N / 84°09'W | 34°32'N / 84°07'W | 3.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Lumpkin |
| 21.2 | 1965-04-26 | 2 | 34°15'N / 84°20'W | 0.50 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Cherokee | |
| 22.3 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°46'N / 84°46'W | 34°48'N / 84°42'W | 4.70 Miles | 200 Yards | 1 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Murray |
| 22.7 | 1985-04-05 | 2 | 34°14'N / 84°21'W | 34°14'N / 84°17'W | 3.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Cherokee |
| 22.9 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°36'N / 84°56'W | 34°46'N / 84°46'W | 14.90 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 15 | 2.5M | 0 | Murray |
| 23.0 | 1974-04-03 | 2 | 34°49'N / 84°21'W | 34°51'N / 84°19'W | 3.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | Fannin |
| 25.2 | 1957-04-08 | 2 | 34°26'N / 85°00'W | 34°32'N / 84°52'W | 10.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Gordon |
| 25.3 | 1962-03-21 | 3 | 34°10'N / 84°25'W | 10.00 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Cherokee | |
| 25.9 | 1970-04-02 | 3 | 34°14'N / 84°11'W | 34°19'N / 84°08'W | 6.50 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Forsyth |
| 26.1 | 1973-03-16 | 2 | 34°34'N / 84°57'W | 2.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Gordon | |
| 26.2 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°34'N / 84°58'W | 34°36'N / 84°56'W | 3.30 Miles | 150 Yards | 2 | 25 | 2.5M | 0 | Whitfield |
| 27.5 | 1974-04-03 | 2 | 34°08'N / 84°40'W | 34°10'N / 84°38'W | 3.30 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Cherokee |
| 27.8 | 1992-11-22 | 4 | 34°05'N / 84°31'W | 34°10'N / 84°26'W | 7.00 Miles | 867 Yards | 0 | 12 | 2.5M | 0 | Cherokee |
| 28.0 | 2002-11-11 | 2 | 34°18'N / 84°59'W | 34°19'N / 84°50'W | 12.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.5M | 0 | Bartow |
| Brief Description: A National Weather Service disaster survey team and the Bartow county Emergency Management Director confirmed a 12 mile long west-east path of damage beginning on Barnsley Garden Road near Barnsley Gardens in northwest Bartow county continuing east to just south of Halls Station crossing U.S. Highway 41, then east across Pleasant Valley Road, to just east of Interstate 75 on Crowe Spring Road. The path of damage, up to 500 yards wide in some area, consisted mostly of damage caused by straight line winds with speeds of 80 to 100 mph, but there was definite evidence of tornadic damage of F2 intensity in an isolated area on Clear Creek Road. This portion of the tornado had a path length of 500 yards with a path width of 100 yards. Tornadic damage of F1 intensity was evident along a secondary segment of the damage path at the intersection of Cedar Creek Road and Hazel Road about 3 miles north of Cassville. This portion of the torando had a path length of 500 yards with a path width of 100 yards. Twelve to 15 residental homes suffered major structural damage, seven chicken houses were destroyed, including 7500 chickens, and a barn was completely destroyed. There were also numerous downed trees and power lines along and near the the damage path. Bartow county was one of five counties declared in a state of emergency by the governor. | |||||||||||
| 29.2 | 1965-04-15 | 2 | 34°23'N / 84°07'W | 34°22'N / 83°55'W | 11.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Pickens |
| 29.3 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°30'N / 85°03'W | 34°34'N / 84°58'W | 6.60 Miles | 150 Yards | 6 | 25 | 2.5M | 0 | Gordon |
| 30.5 | 1974-04-03 | 2 | 34°06'N / 84°43'W | 34°08'N / 84°40'W | 3.80 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Bartow |
| 31.2 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°06'N / 84°37'W | 34°04'N / 84°34'W | 3.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Cherokee |
| 32.0 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°06'N / 84°42'W | 34°05'N / 84°40'W | 2.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bartow |
| 32.2 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°05'N / 84°40'W | 34°05'N / 84°40'W | 1.00 Mile | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Cobb |
| 32.4 | 1970-07-19 | 2 | 34°12'N / 84°54'W | 0.50 Mile | 20 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Bartow | |
| 32.6 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°57'N / 84°18'W | 34°58'N / 84°13'W | 5.10 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Fannin |
| 32.7 | 1982-04-26 | 2 | 34°08'N / 84°51'W | 34°09'N / 84°48'W | 5.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Bartow |
| 32.7 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°25'N / 83°59'W | 34°30'N / 83°52'W | 9.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Hall |
| 32.9 | 1974-04-03 | 2 | 34°05'N / 84°44'W | 34°06'N / 84°43'W | 2.30 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 7 | 0K | 0 | Cobb |
| 33.0 | 1956-04-15 | 2 | 33°54'N / 84°52'W | 34°12'N / 84°08'W | 46.80 Miles | 67 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Paulding |
| 33.1 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°04'N / 84°34'W | 34°02'N / 84°31'W | 3.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Cobb |
| 35.7 | 1974-03-21 | 2 | 35°00'N / 84°45'W | 0.80 Mile | 300 Yards | 0 | 7 | 250K | 0 | Polk | |
| 36.3 | 1992-11-22 | 3 | 34°34'N / 83°56'W | 34°41'N / 83°48'W | 10.00 Miles | 867 Yards | 1 | 7 | 2.5M | 0 | Lumpkin |
| 36.9 | 1992-11-22 | 4 | 33°55'N / 84°40'W | 34°05'N / 84°31'W | 13.00 Miles | 867 Yards | 0 | 34 | 25.0M | 0 | Cobb |
| 37.0 | 1986-03-19 | 2 | 33°58'N / 84°32'W | 34°01'N / 84°29'W | 5.70 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 15 | 25.0M | 0 | Cobb |
| 37.3 | 1957-11-18 | 2 | 34°28'N / 85°16'W | 34°33'N / 85°02'W | 14.50 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Chattooga |
| 37.9 | 1968-05-29 | 2 | 34°18'N / 85°06'W | 0.80 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Floyd | |
| 38.6 | 2008-03-15 | 3 | 34°06'N / 85°02'W | 34°07'N / 84°51'W | 11.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3.0M | 0K | Bartow |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A storm survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia in cooperation with the Georgia State Patrol confirmed that the EF3 tornado, that originated in Polk county just east of Seney, and continued across extreme southeast Floyd county, continued into southern Bartow county. The tornado entered the county about 3 1/4 miles west-northwest of Taylorsville and finally lifted about four miles southwest of Cartersville. The tornado tracked approximately 11 miles across southern Bartow county. While no deaths or injuries were reported from the tornado in Bartow county, several mobile homes were heavily damaged and hundreds of trees and several high voltage power transmission lines were knocked down and there was damage to the Georgia Power Plant on Georgia Highway 113. In addition, the Taylorsville Elementary School sustained significant damage. Several homes sustained roof damage along Popum Road just north of Taylorsville, a number of trees were down along Euharlee Road, and several bulidings, a number of trees, and several street signs were down in the area of Woodland High School about three miles southwest of Cartersville. All together, there were approximately 55 homes damaged, six of which were destroyed, and 30 homes with minor damage. Two schools, as noted above Taylorsville Elementary and Woodland High School suffered heavy damage. Some Georgia Power high transmission towers were also down. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The pattern that began to evolve on March 14th continued and intensified on March 15th. A stationary front remained draped across north Georgia from near Atlanta to Athens. South of this front, the air mass was becoming increasingly warm, moist and unstable. Meanwhile, aloft, a low amplitude, yet vigorous short wave embedded within a fast zonal flow, was tracking rapidly eastward from the mid south into the southeast. Strong shear and high helicity combined with the unstable air mass and the frontal boundary to allow repeated severe thunderstorms to develop and track eastward along the boundary across north Georgia. The activity began early in the day as a complex of thunderstorms moved into the area from Alabama and continued until nearly midnight. As the day progressed, especially during the afternoon, the development of the activity gradually progressed further south and by midnight had reached the south and southeast parts of the state. Numerous severe thunderstorms and tornadic supercells were observed throughout the day. Historical records indicate that this was one of the most significant severe weather days for the Peachtree City Weather Forecast Office with more events and warnings than had been observed since May 2003. | |||||||||||
| 39.0 | 1953-12-04 | 2 | 33°58'N / 84°25'W | 1.00 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Cobb | |
| 39.0 | 1954-12-05 | 2 | 34°05'N / 85°00'W | 34°07'N / 84°53'W | 7.10 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Bartow |
| 39.1 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°10'N / 84°00'W | 34°09'N / 83°57'W | 3.30 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Hall |
| 39.1 | 1956-02-18 | 2 | 34°42'N / 85°17'W | 34°52'N / 84°56'W | 22.90 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Walker |
| 40.4 | 1984-11-10 | 2 | 34°01'N / 84°09'W | 1.50 Miles | 127 Yards | 0 | 8 | 2.5M | 0 | Gwinnett | |
| 40.6 | 1973-03-16 | 2 | 34°30'N / 85°15'W | 34°35'N / 85°10'W | 7.60 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Chattooga |
| 41.4 | 1998-04-08 | 2 | 33°57'N / 84°20'W | 33°57'N / 84°16'W | 4.00 Miles | 800 Yards | 1 | 0 | 25.0M | 0 | De Kalb |
| Brief Description: The damage path began just northeast of Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody and extended well into Gwinnett county. There was significant widespread damage to trees and homes. One person was killed when a tree fell on his home. DeKalb College's north campus was closed after several buildings sustained major damage. M72PH | |||||||||||
| 41.5 | 1974-04-03 | 2 | 33°54'N / 84°55'W | 34°05'N / 84°44'W | 16.50 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 8 | 0K | 0 | Paulding |
| 42.6 | 1993-02-21 | 3 | 33°56'N / 84°42'W | 33°54'N / 84°30'W | 8.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 3 | 50.0M | 0 | Cobb |
| Brief Description: The tornado touched down near Lost Mountain in Western Cobb County and proceded on an east southeat path across rural portions of the county, initially uprooting mainly trees and downing power lines. As the tornado moved over Marietta it touched down and caused severe damage to two condominium complexes, a large strip shopping center, and several apartment complexes. Over 400 condominiums, apartments, businesses, and mobile homes sustained damage from the tornado. Of the 400 structures damaged, 113 were mobile homes. In Marietta, several mobile home parks were severely damaged near Dobbins Air Force Base. Several businesses and industrial parks in Marietta sustained major damage. Box cars were pushed off railroad tracks. Numerous trees, poles, and power lines were downed which caused extensive power outages. Many of the trees were twisted or snapped in half. Over 9,100 Marietta Georgia Power customers lost their power as a result of the tornado. | |||||||||||
| 42.7 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°13'N / 85°11'W | 34°16'N / 85°08'W | 4.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Floyd |
| 43.0 | 1977-04-04 | 3 | 34°10'N / 85°12'W | 34°15'N / 85°05'W | 8.80 Miles | 400 Yards | 1 | 15 | 2.5M | 0 | Floyd |
| 43.4 | 1974-04-03 | 4 | 34°58'N / 84°13'W | 35°09'N / 83°57'W | 18.90 Miles | 33 Yards | 4 | 26 | 25.0M | 0 | Cherokee |
| 43.4 | 1973-12-13 | 3 | 34°18'N / 83°52'W | 34°18'N / 83°42'W | 9.50 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 21 | 2.5M | 0 | Hall |
| 43.7 | 2008-03-15 | 3 | 34°06'N / 85°05'W | 34°06'N / 85°02'W | 3.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 1 | 1 | 1.0M | 0K | Floyd |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A ground and aerial storm survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City Georgia in cooperation with the Georgia State Patrol confirmed that the EF3 tornado, that first touched down in extreme north central Polk county just east of Seney, continued on an east-northeastward track across extreme southeast Floyd county. Approximately three miles of the 16-mile long path of this tornado was within Floyd county. The maximum path was once again estimated to be approximately 1/2 mile. Despite the relatively short time frame and small area of the county affected, considerable damage was inflicted to the far southeast part of the county. A home was destroyed on Old Wax Road, resulting in additional fatality and injury. Dozens of trees and several power lines were also down in this part of the county. Overall damage consisted of 20 homes, 10 of which were destroyed, and 10 with minor damage. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The pattern that began to evolve on March 14th continued and intensified on March 15th. A stationary front remained draped across north Georgia from near Atlanta to Athens. South of this front, the air mass was becoming increasingly warm, moist and unstable. Meanwhile, aloft, a low amplitude, yet vigorous short wave embedded within a fast zonal flow, was tracking rapidly eastward from the mid south into the southeast. Strong shear and high helicity combined with the unstable air mass and the frontal boundary to allow repeated severe thunderstorms to develop and track eastward along the boundary across north Georgia. The activity began early in the day as a complex of thunderstorms moved into the area from Alabama and continued until nearly midnight. As the day progressed, especially during the afternoon, the development of the activity gradually progressed further south and by midnight had reached the south and southeast parts of the state. Numerous severe thunderstorms and tornadic supercells were observed throughout the day. Historical records indicate that this was one of the most significant severe weather days for the Peachtree City Weather Forecast Office with more events and warnings than had been observed since May 2003. | |||||||||||
| 44.1 | 1998-04-08 | 2 | 33°56'N / 84°14'W | 34°01'N / 83°59'W | 15.00 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 10 | 50.0M | 0 | Gwinnett |
| Brief Description: Significant widespread damage continued into Gwinnett county in a path from Norcross through Duluth and Suwanee to north of Lawrenceville. Large trees were knocked down or snapped. Many of them fell on homes and apartments causing damage. Roofs were torn off of houses. At least 5000 homes were affected. Ten people at an apartment complex were treated for minor injuries. | |||||||||||
| 44.1 | 1967-12-18 | 2 | 34°13'N / 85°12'W | 34°14'N / 85°09'W | 3.30 Miles | 27 Yards | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Floyd |
| 44.5 | 1998-04-08 | 2 | 33°53'N / 84°31'W | 33°53'N / 84°28'W | 3.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 15.0M | 0 | Cobb |
| Brief Description: The same supercell that had tracked from Alabama across Haralson and Paulding counties spawned another tornado in Smyrna. The touchdown was along Windy Hill Road just west of Cobb Parkway where a commercial building sustained heavy damage. A filling station and car dealership less than a block east also sustained heavy damage. There was $500,000 to $750,000 in damage to new cars. Trees over a foot in diameter were snapped or uprooted. In total, 59 buildings were damaged, but no injuries were reported. Aerial and ground surveys by NWS employees showed the path varied from 100 to 200 yards wide with a length of about 3 miles. The tornado crossed just into Fulton county near I-285 and the Chattahoochee River. Dime to quarter size hail and other wind damage were also reported in north and central Cobb county. | |||||||||||
| 44.8 | 2008-03-15 | 3 | 34°05'N / 85°06'W | 34°06'N / 85°03'W | 3.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 1 | 1 | 3.5M | 0K | Polk |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A ground and aerial survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, GA in cooperation with the Georgia State Patrol and local emergency managers confirmed that an EF3 tornado had touched down in extreme north central Polk county, just east of the town of Seney near the intersection of Georgia Highway 101 and the Floyd county line. The tornado then tracked approximately 16 miles across extreme northeast Polk, extreme southeast Floyd, and into southern Bartow county before lifting southwest of Cartersville. The tornado had a maximum path width of 1/2 mile with maximum wind speeds estimated at 150 mph. EF3 damage was noted at three locations along the path of the tornado as it tracked across the three counties. The tornado made an approximate 3-mile track across far northern Polk county. Within Polk county, four homes were destroyed, two sustained major damage, five had minor damage, and 5 others were minimally impacted. All of these were in the far north central and northeast part of the county between Georgia Highway 101 and the Floyd county line where Bon Loop Road intersects the Floyd county line. One fatality and one injury occurred on Bon Loop Road where a home was destroyed. In addition, several county outbuildings, barns, shops, vehicles, one motor home, one travel trailer, one dog kennel business, several fences were heavily damaged. Several livestock were either injured or killed. Hundreds of trees and power lines were down in the area, including several high tension power lines support structures, which were heavily damaged. EPISODE NARRATIVE: The pattern that began to evolve on March 14th continued and intensified on March 15th. A stationary front remained draped across north Georgia from near Atlanta to Athens. South of this front, the air mass was becoming increasingly warm, moist and unstable. Meanwhile, aloft, a low amplitude, yet vigorous short wave embedded within a fast zonal flow, was tracking rapidly eastward from the mid south into the southeast. Strong shear and high helicity combined with the unstable air mass and the frontal boundary to allow repeated severe thunderstorms to develop and track eastward along the boundary across north Georgia. The activity began early in the day as a complex of thunderstorms moved into the area from Alabama and continued until nearly midnight. As the day progressed, especially during the afternoon, the development of the activity gradually progressed further south and by midnight had reached the south and southeast parts of the state. Numerous severe thunderstorms and tornadic supercells were observed throughout the day. Historical records indicate that this was one of the most significant severe weather days for the Peachtree City Weather Forecast Office with more events and warnings than had been observed since May 2003. | |||||||||||
| 45.2 | 1989-04-04 | 2 | 34°25'N / 83°46'W | 34°22'N / 83°40'W | 7.50 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Hall |
| 45.9 | 2010-11-30 | 2 | 34°02'N / 83°57'W | 34°04'N / 83°55'W | 2.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 5.0M | 0K | Gwinnett |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that an EF2 tornado touched down near Holland Park Drive in east central Gwinnett county, or about five miles northwest of Dacula. The tornado then tracked slightly over two miles to the north-northeast between Mountain View High School and Twin Rivers Middle School before lifting just east of the intersection of Gravel Springs Road and Interstate-85. The tornado was determined to have a path width of 300 yards with maximum wind gusts of 130 mph. Extensive damage was observed to homes mainly in the Kirkstone Subdivision of Buford. A total of 56 homes and one business along the path of the tornado sustained at least minor damage. Of these, 15 to 20 homes sustained major damage or were destroyed and thus were declared uninhabitable. One of these homes collapsed on itself. Damage to homes and property was estimated by the state insurance commissioner to exceed $5 million. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A deep full-latitude upper trough was sweeping from the central into the eastern U.S. The trough brought a quick transition to the eastern U.S. from mild fall temperatures to an extended period of well below normal temperatures. As the trough swept through the southeastern U.S. on November 30th, it took on a significant negative tilt. Although only marginal instability was noted because of extensive pre-frontal cloud cover and light to moderate rain showers, a strong 50-60kt low-level jet accompanied the trough as it rotated through Georgia during the afternoon of November 30th. This was sufficient combined with minimal instability (CAPE) in place at the time to support the development of a fairly well marked, yet very narrow, quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) which spawned two tornadoes, one an EF2 causing extensive damage to homes in Gwinnett county, and another weaker tornado in Henry county. In addition, the squall line or QLCS also produced numerous damaging wind events across north and central Georgia. | |||||||||||
| 46.0 | 1990-02-10 | 2 | 33°52'N / 84°36'W | 1.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | Cobb | |
| 46.1 | 1973-12-13 | 2 | 35°11'N / 84°39'W | 0.80 Mile | 880 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Polk | |
| 46.2 | 1991-03-29 | 3 | 33°50'N / 84°39'W | 33°54'N / 84°35'W | 5.00 Miles | 1320 Yards | 0 | 25 | 25.0M | 0 | Cobb |
| 46.2 | 2005-08-29 | 2 | 34°40'N / 83°42'W | 34°44'N / 83°43'W | 5.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3.0M | 0 | White |
| Brief Description: A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service in cooperation with the White County Emergency Management Director and the White County Sheriff concluded that an F2 tornado had carved a five mile long path of destruction, roughly parallel to Georgia Highway 75, causing major destruction to the town of Helen. Extensive damage was reported to several business in downtown Helen, a Bavarian tourist town in the northeast Georgia mountains. The entire second floor was ripped off the Helen Econo Lodge by the tornado. A nearby chapel was completely destroyed. The roof of Hansel & Gretel's Candy Kitchen, the Alpine Village Shoppes, as well as that of a nearby barbecue company were all ripped off by the tornadic winds. A Circle K grocery store also suffered significant damage. Hundreds of trees were also down. One resident reported losing 200 trees just at his property. Georgia Highway 75 was completely blocked on both the north and south side of Helen from downed trees. Many power lines were also down in the area and power was out to much of the area for at least two days. | |||||||||||
| 46.7 | 1961-03-08 | 2 | 34°54'N / 85°18'W | 34°56'N / 85°02'W | 15.20 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Catoosa |
| 46.7 | 1971-04-28 | 2 | 33°52'N / 84°40'W | 0.30 Mile | 77 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Cobb | |
| 47.1 | 2006-04-08 | 2 | 34°01'N / 85°04'W | 34°01'N / 85°01'W | 3.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 450K | 0 | Polk |
| Brief Description: A survey conducted by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, GA concluded that a second tornado, this one an F2, touched down one mile northwest of Rockmart and traveled to the east approximately three miles, terminating at a point around two miles east-northeast of Rockmart. Over two dozen homes along the path of the tornado were destroyed. A young child was injured at one of the damaged homes when sheet rock and rafters fell on the couch where he was sleeping. Over three dozen outbuildings were also heavily damaged or destroyed. A carport was blown off one home northwest of Rockmart and five coal cars were completely blown off a railroad track in the Rockmart area and left lying on their side, while an 18-wheel truck trailer was also blown over in the same general area. Finally, minor damage was reported to the roof of the Rockmart Highschool and especially to the athletic fields. Hundreds of trees and dozens of power lines were blown down along the path of the tornado. A total of 700 residents were left without power for many hours following the storm. The tornado was determined to have a path length of approximately 3.0 miles with a path width of 50 to 100 yards. Overall tornado damage from the two tornadoes in Polk county netted: 30 homes with minor damage. 2 homes destroyed. 60 outbuildings heavily damaged or destroyed. Minor damage to the Rockmart Highschool and athletic facility. 700 customers without power. Extensive loss to timber in the area | |||||||||||
| 47.6 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 35°06'N / 84°55'W | 35°14'N / 84°42'W | 15.40 Miles | 350 Yards | 1 | 100 | 250K | 0 | Bradley |
| 48.1 | 1975-03-24 | 3 | 33°46'N / 84°32'W | 33°54'N / 84°20'W | 14.80 Miles | 500 Yards | 3 | 152 | 250.0M | 0 | Fulton |
| 48.7 | 1997-03-29 | 3 | 35°09'N / 84°54'W | 35°09'N / 84°54'W | 4.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 50 | 3.2M | 0 | Bradley |
| Brief Description: In Hamilton county...the tornado first touched down in the Tiftonia community just west of downtown Chattanooga around 1:10 am EDT. As the tornado moved due east across the southern part of the county, 50 homes were completely destroyed. Another 600 homes and one business were heavily damaged. Most of the damage was concentrated in the East Brainerd community. There, about half of the 180-unit Hickory Villa apartment complex was destroyed, and 18 of 23 townhomes of the Hickory Trace complex were destroyed. Two more apartment complexes, Hickory Valley and Ledford Apartments, were severely damaged. Around 20000 homes were without electricity after the storm. Most power had been restored by Monday morning. In Bradley county...the tornado destroyed 5 poultry farms, 4 homes, and 4 mobile homes. Another 45 homes, 16 mobile homes and 3 poultry farms were damaged. | |||||||||||
| 49.2 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 35°11'N / 84°52'W | 35°13'N / 84°42'W | 9.70 Miles | 500 Yards | 2 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bradley |
| 49.3 | 2009-04-10 | 2 | 34°29'N / 85°22'W | 34°29'N / 85°21'W | 0 | 0 | 900K | 0K | Chattooga | ||
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia confirmed that a brief EF2 tornado had touched down approximately one mile southeast of Summerville and tracked less than one mile almost due east. The tornado was determined to have a maximum path width of 200 yards with maximum winds estimated to be 120 mph. Considerable damage was noted in the Summerville area. Over 30 homes were damaged along with 10 businesses. Most of the damage to these structures was determined to be minor. The majority of the damage occurred on Commerce Street. The brick wall of a car care center collapsed, the roof was shifted and lifted from a lumber warehouse, and windows were blown out of a barbecue restaurant. All of these events occurred on Commerce Street. At the intersection of Cleghorn and Scoggin Streets nearby, a single-wide mobile home was completely destroyed. Although the mobile home was anchored, the metal frame was ripped from the foundation and the home was tossed on its side. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A vigorous upper closed low was moving from the mid-south and Mississippi valley region into the mid-Atlantic and southeast U.S. A strong cold front accompanied the upper system. A strong low-level jet in advance of these weather systems transported warm, moist Gulf air northward into the region. With strong dynamics, hence shear, combined with an unusually moist, unstable atmosphere, the atmosphere was primed for a major weather outbreak. One round of thunderstorms passed through north Georgia during the early morning hours. A few minor severe weather events accompanied this system in northwest Georgia. Partial clearing followed the morning convection, allowing temperatures to soar into the mid 70s across much of north and central Georgia in advance of the main weather system. Scattered to numerous discrete supercell thunderstorms developed during mid-afternoon in northwest Georgia and progressed east and southeast across the remaining portions of the county warning area during the evening hours. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes lingered into the early morning hours of the 11th across the southern counties of central Georgia. During the eight hour period from 5 pm EDT on April 10th to 1 am EDT on April 11th, a total of 14 tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down in north and central Georgia causing millions in damages. While some injuries were observed, no deaths were observed. | |||||||||||
| 49.8 | 1970-01-29 | 2 | 34°00'N / 83°54'W | 0.50 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Gwinnett | |
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.