A severe thunderstorm on Sunday afternoon wreacked havoc across the city of Sandersville and Washington County.
According to the Washington County Emergency Management Agency, Sandersville and the portions of Washington County just north of the city limits were the areas most affected by the brunt of the passing storm before 7:00 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the western and southwestern parts of Washington County. In typical unpredictable weather nature, the central portion of the county never escalated from a watch to a warning despite straight line winds causing extensive damage.
“It is very important to adhere to all watches, warnings, and statements so no one is ever caught off guard,” said Washington County EMA Director Russell Riner. “Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in regards to the storm, but several properties and structures sustained minor to moderate damage.”
The severe storm caused a large portion of Sandersville residents to experience loss of power to their homes.
“Several partners collaborated throughout the event to restore power, clean streets and roadways of debris, direct traffic, respond to fires, answer numerous 911 calls, and so much more,” said EMA Director Riner. “Washington County is very fortunate to have the resources to mitigate all types of hazardous events and we all work together as a team to keep the public safe and at ease.”
Detailed partners in restoring power and mitigating further disaster include: Washington County EMA, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County E911, Washington County Road Department, Sandersville Police Department, Sandersville Fire Department, Sandersville Public Works Department, Sandersville Electric Department, Washington EMC, Helton Electrical Services, and Georgia Department of Transportation.
The City of Convington also sent crews to work throughout the night in Sandersville to repair power lines.
According to Washington EMC and the City of Sandersville, with the exception of a select few residences where the power lines were ripped from the structures, all reporting customers have seen their power resorted.
All previously closed roads, made impassable by downed trees and power lines, have also been reopened.
Photos Courtesy: Washington County Emergency Management Agency
