Gordon County was one of the hardest-hit areas on Wednesday after a possible tornado touched down. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency after homes and buildings were destroyed.
Damage from the storm lined Highway 53 in Calhoun as residents began to survey the destruction. Katherine Welsh said that she's grateful her family wasn't home when the storm hit on Wednesday. Her street was closed, but deputies allowed the family back in to see the damage.
"I was at a friend's house, and thank God that I had my kids and my dog this morning, and I just felt like we needed to leave," Welsh said. "We just came by. We have nothing left."
The town was under curfew until dawn, and crews searched for people trapped in debris. The sheriff said they were in the process of going home-to-home in search of injuries. Seven people had been rescued from debris by late Wednesday.
In the Sonoraville community, up to 10 homes were reportedly damaged. One home had its roof torn off, and power lines came down, splitting open at least one tree.
A towing company was also flattened by the possible tornado. The office of the building was ripped apart, and landed on top of a tow truck. The owner was out of town on Wednesday, and was shocked when she saw the damage.
"I am a little bit. I'm not really sure what to think about it, but it's mind-blowing," said owner Samantha Acree.
A curfew was imposed in the area. The downed power lines and phone lines are making it dangerous to move around.
It was not immediately clear if a tornado touched down in the area, or if the damage was caused by straight-line winds.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:35 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:35:39 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:17:23 GMT
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:30:10 GMT
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
