Columbus area could see tornadoes, hail as severe weather strikes overnight
Columbus residents should begin preparing now for severe weather expected to hit the area late Sunday evening and continue into early Monday, forecasters say.
Muscogee County is expected to see heavy rainfall, winds topping out at 60 to 70 mph that could bring down trees, and the possibility of quarter- to half-dollar-sized hail, NWS Peachtree City meteorologist Sid King said. The most severe weather is expected between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. Monday.
Additionally, west Georgia is facing a high threat of long track tornadoes, which are storms that stay on the ground for a longer distance and period of time, King said.
Golf-ball-sized hail is a possibility if the right elements are in the mix but that threat is relatively low, WRBL meteorologist Bob Jeswald said. The main concerns for residents are the wind and tornado possibilities.
Residents should start formulating a plan of action now in case severe weather strikes, King and Jeswald said. That includes ensuring they have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts (through a cellphone app, a radio or other form of media) and having adequate shelter. This is especially crucial for residents who live in mobile homes or other unsecured structures.
“Everybody should know their shelter, everybody should know their safe spot, and no one should be in a manufactured (mobile) home tonight. Nobody,” Jeswald said.
If residents need to enter a more secure structure during the storm, they should follow coronavirus precautions like wearing a mask and keeping six feet away from others at all times, Jeswald said. The safest place to hide during a storm is on a low level away from windows and doors.
HOW TO PREPARE
Georgia Power is reminding customers to be aware of social distancing guidelines as workers make their way through communities to repair any storm damage. This includes:
- Keeping six feet between you and utility crews at all times
- No treats or special gifts for workers. April is lineworker appreciation month, according to Georgia Power, and customers can show appreciation on social media by using the hashtag “ThankALineman.”
- Don’t touch trucks or equipment
Additionally, Georgia Power reminds residents to check their emergency kits, charge cell phones in case of loss of power and take shelter in a sturdy building away from windows and doors.
After a storm, never touch downed or low-hanging wires and do not pull tree limbs off of power lines.
Customers can find outage alerts and maps by visiting www.georgiapower.com/storm or on the Georgia Power mobile app.
Chattahoochee Valley residents can use the United Way 211 service to find shelters and other storm-related resources.
This story was originally published April 12, 2020 at 5:08 PM.
