Storm leads to trees in roadway, power outages

A storm that passed across Banks County Monday evening led to downed trees in the road and power outages.

A tornado watch was issued at approximately 1:30 p.m. Monday and was in effect until 8 p.m. A thunderstorm warning was issued at 5:18 p.m. and was in place until 6 p.m.

“At 5:25 p.m., we received the first report of zero visibility, heavy wind and lightening from one of the field units,” 911 director Deidra Moore said Tuesday.

For the next hour, public safety staff received approximately 40 storm-related calls, including 16 trees blocking the roadways, power outages in Maysville and Gillsville and two minor traffic accidents.

Other reports included The Boots Etc. sign was blown into Highway 441 and a storage building from Home Depot was blown into Steven B. Tanger Blvd. No one was injured.

“We really faired well,” Moore said. “I think it quickly reminded everyone that the spring storm season is on the way. I believe everyone, including the public safety group, private businesses and the citizens, worked very well together.”