TAE Severe Weather of February 26, 2008

Severe Weather of February 26, 2008

A quick moving pre-frontal squall line swept across the NWS Tallahassee County Warning Area during the mid morning to early afternoon hours. A total of 16 warnings were issued, including 14 severe thunderstorm warnings, once tornado warning and one special marine warning. There were a couple of hails reports. However, wind damage reports were widespread, mainly in the form of downed trees and power lines that were felled by 35 to 45 mph wind gusts, which is well below severe limits. This is likely due to the flooding heavy rains that fell less than a week earlier that loosened soils, allowing trees and utility poles to topple over much easier than if the ground was more solid. The most significant wind damage occurred in Thomas County, GA, where an NWS survery crew estimated 70 to 75 mph straight line winds. Figure 1 shows the areas in Thomas County where most of the damage occurred. Figure 2 shows a reflectivity image from the Warner Robbins GA radar (KJGX) as a severe thunderstorm destroyed a grain silo and knocked several buildings off their foundations in Ashburn (Turner Co.). Figure 3 shows damage that occurred in Lowndes County, GA, near Clyattsville a little after noon. Figure 4 shows a clickable map where detailed damage can be viewed.

Figure 1. Damage areas surveyed on Thomas County, GA, from severe thunderstorms of February 26, 2008. Click on the image for a larger view.

Figure 2. Reflectivity image from the Warner Robins WSR-88D at 1621 UTC 26 February (11:21 am EST). Click on the image for a larger view.

Figure 3. Damage to a home near Clyattsville, GA, from a severe thunderstorm that moved through the area around midday on February 26, 2008. Click on the image for a larger view.