A deadly Georgia storm claims several lives. The tornado leveled a southern Georgia mobile home park killing at least seven people in the park. Overall, the storm that raged through the weekend killed at least 18 people in the Southeast including 14 in Georgia. The names of the victims were not released by authorities. According to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, seven people died in Cook County and there were two deaths each in Brooks and Berrien counties and three in Dougherty.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal had declared a state of emergency in seven south Georgia counties. The state will seek federal assistance as well according to the governor. According to Deal, these storms have destroyed communities and homes in South Central Georgia and all resources will be made available to the impacted areas.
Deal also urged all Georgians to exercise caution and vigilance in order to remain safe and prevent injuries and further loss of lives. According to Deal, the storm have resulted in numerous injuries, extensive property damage and loss of life. Thoughts and prayers are with Georgians who are suffering the effects of the storm’s impact.
President Donald Trump have offered condolences to Deal and Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Trump had talked to Deal and would soon be speaking to Scott. He also acknowledged that Alabama was hit hard. The National Weather Service has issued a rare high risk alert for strong tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and evening for Northern Florida and Southern Georgia. The last time a high-risk alert was issued was in June of 2014. A tornado watch was issued for parts of Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The cities of Atlanta, Georgia, Tallahassee and Panama City in Florida were included in the watch. This remained in effect until Sunday night according to a report by CNN.
In Cook County two shelters has been established, Adel First assembly of God at 1601 Massee Post Road and at the First Baptist Church of Adel at 200 East 5th Street. For families in Adel, Georgia who are seeking information regarding missing persons, they are urged to contact the Adel First Assembly at 229-896-3935 or 229-561-2875. They can also call the First Baptist Church of Adel at 229-561-1201. Residents of Florida were advised to have disaster kits ready. Residents were also reminded about the dangers of flash flood. They were advised to have their National Oceanic and Atmosphere Association weather radios programmed as reported in an article by News4Jax.