Tornado damage: 5-year-old dead in Georgia confirmed as severe weather threatens southeast
According to the report, the only victim of a deadly tornado in Georgia was a 5-year-old boy. At least six people died due to tornadoes in Alabama.
In Butts County, a tree fell on a car carrying a dead boy and an adult who was taken to the hospital in critical condition, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
Butts County is located about 50 miles southeast of Atlanta.
Fox News Digital contacted Lacey Prue County Coroner but no response was received immediately.
CALIFORNIA WEATHER: STATE IS PREPARING FOR MORE LIFE-DANGEROUS RAIN AS STORM DEATH RISES
At least half a dozen tornadoes were reported Thursday in Georgia, as well as areas in Atlanta and DeKalb County. At least 200,000 customers lost power during severe storms, which also caused significant damage, FOX Weather reported.
According to the Georgia blackout map, thousands of people were left without power, including 5,675 people in Henry County, 1,965 people in Liberty County, 1,480 people in Clayton County, 826 people in Morgan County, 721 people in Spaulding County, 712 people in district of Coweta, 664 people in Tift. County, 580 in Monroe County, 471 in Gwinnett County, and 461 in Butts County.
Cobb fire and emergency crews spent most of the day examining damage and clearing roads in an Atlanta metro area blocked by fallen trees.
FOX Weather also reported that about 50 miles south of Atlanta, the Griffin Fire Department reported that several structures were damaged by a confirmed tornado passing through Spalding County.
Video recorded at the Griffin shows the Hobby Lobby store heavily damaged. In the video, the store’s roof is torn off in the corner as items in the store are hurled frantically.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS CONTINUE IN CALIFORNIA AS TENS OF THOUSANDS ARE FORCED TO EVACUATE
Earlier in the day, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency.
“Throughout this evening, Marty and I will be thinking of those affected by today’s severe storms and tornadoes,” Kemp said Thursday afternoon, referring to his wife, Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp.
He added: “I have declared a state of emergency and ordered all relevant agencies to respond to affected communities by taking all possible measures.”
In a tweet, Kemp confirmed that disaster response teams have begun looking into the damage caused by the tornado. He also asked community members to share their thoughts and prayers.
“The crews are actively responding to the damage caused by today’s storms,” he wrote on Wednesday evening. “As we continue to serve the needs of affected communities and citizens, Marty and I ask everyone to remember and pray for their fellow countrymen and first responders.”
ALABAMAM SHERIFF SAYS SIX DIE AFTER SOUTHEAST TORNADO
Destructive weather was felt along the western border of Georgia, and several tornadoes were also reported in Alabama. The storms devastated downtown Alabama, killing at least six people, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said.
“I am saddened to learn that six Alabamas have died in the storms that have raged through our state,” Ivey said. “I pray for their loved ones and communities. We are all too familiar with destructive weather, but our people are resilient. We’ll get through this and get stronger.”
The deaths were reported in Otauga County, the hardest-hit area of the state, outside the capital city of Montgomery.
The Otauga County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed to Fox News Digital that at least six people died as a result of the hurricane. Authorities have not released details of how the people died.
STUNNING IMAGES SHOW THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY SERIOUS WEATHER IN THE SOUTH
A statewide tornado warning has been issued.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado emergency warning, warning people to stay out of the path of the storm and only travel when it is safe to do so.
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“You are in a life-threatening situation,” the NWS said. “Flying debris can be deadly for those without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed. Significant damage to homes, businesses and vehicles is likely, and total destruction is possible.”
Damage from the hurricane was reported in Mississippi, Kentucky and several other states.
Sarah Rumpf of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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