Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency after severe storms and tornadoes battered the state, following the deaths of at least 26 people due to extreme weather in Mississippi and Alabama. The declaration, set to expire on April 3, comes as the severe storm system brought thunderstorms, high-velocity straight-line winds, and multiple tornadoes to Georgia.
"As we continue to monitor the weather and work with local partners to address damage throughout the day, I ask all Georgians to join us in praying for those impacted," said Kemp.
The National Weather Service Atlanta forecaster, Nikole Listemaa, reported that radar indicated at least one tornado in LaGrange, Georgia, an hour south of Atlanta. While the rating of the LaGrange tornado remains unknown, images reveal damage and fallen trees in the area.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of central Georgia and southern Alabama, warning of scattered hail potentially the size of tennis balls and isolated gusts of wind up to 70 mph.
In response to the disaster in Mississippi, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster and ordered federal aid to supplement recovery efforts.
A tornado watch remains in effect for 23 Georgia counties, including Macon, Sparta, and Pine Mountain, until 1:00 p.m. ET Sunday. Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain reported that two tigers escaped their enclosures after extensive tornado damage but have since been found, tranquilized, and safely returned to secure enclosures.
The National Weather Service issued a Slight Risk of Excessive Rainfall for central Alabama and Georgia, where conditions are most likely to contribute to flash flooding. Flash flood warnings are in place for several Georgia counties, including Pike, Monroe, and Troup. As of 1 p.m. ET, around 8,190 utility customers were without power in the state, according to poweroutage.us.