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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:23:15 GMT
Robert Champion's parents said Tuesday that Florida A&M University's band shouldn't march next year, even though they've already hired a new band director.
Robert Champion's parents said Tuesday that Florida A&M University's band shouldn't march next year, even though they've already hired a new band director.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:45:59 GMT
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next.
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next. With a tight job market, many new grads are getting a dose of reality when it comes to trying to land their first job.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:56 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:56:14 GMT
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
Police are investigating a suspected rape at North Atlanta High School. Authorities say a male at the school raped a female student on campus during school hours.
