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County confirms EF‑1 tornado touchdown; emergency operations and damage documentation underway
Summary
Henry County officials reported an EF‑1 tornado touched down during severe weather and described EOC activation, debris removal, coordination with utilities and instructions for residents to document damage via the county mass-notification system.
Henry County staff told the Board of Commissioners on April 1 that the National Weather Service had confirmed an EF‑1 tornado touched down during the severe storms the prior day and that emergency operations and damage-assessment activities remained underway.
County staff said the tornado’s path was roughly 6.55 miles long with peak winds of approximately 90 mph, moving from the Eagles Landing area toward Kelly Town and causing downed trees, debris and some houses struck by trees. The county activated its Emergency Operations Center, reported approximately 1,600 customers without power at the storm’s peak, and dispatched DOT and public works crews to clear debris and keep first responders accessible. Staff thanked Georgia Power and other utilities for restoration efforts.
Ryan, the county’s emergency management director, briefed the board on documentation and public reporting. He encouraged residents and businesses to submit photos through the county’s mass-notification/reporting portal (Regroup) and said staff plan drone and aerial imagery to assist damage assessment. Ryan explained photographs and citizen-submitted documentation aid the National Weather Service’s damage verification and also support potential reimbursement under public assistance or other programs.
The county noted Regroup replaced the prior CodeRED system and asked residents to register at regroup.com and to include physical addresses when signing up to ensure targeted warnings. Staff also warned that the spring storm season may continue and urged preparedness.
Ending: Emergency management will continue debris removal and damage assessments, post aerial imagery and share a QR code for residents to report storm damage; the county will coordinate with state and federal partners to pursue any eligible reimbursement.
