Troup County officials to address tornado damage, recovery efforts

TROUP COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia officials addressed damages and recovery efforts after a tornado touched down Sunday morning. In a press conference Sunday, Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff said officials have all the resources in place and that they have not been notified about anyone missing.

“This is the third tornado in the span of two months in West Point. I know people are frustrated and we are doing everything we can,” said Woodruff.

He said that the Sherriff’s Office is working with partners from the Red Cross in case emergency shelters are needed.

Milledgeville Police confirmed to Atlanta News First that anyone whose home has been damaged and is in need of a place to stay, call 1-800-733-2767 (RedCross).

You can also call 478-414-4090 (Police Dispatch) or 478-445-4891 (Sheriff’s Office dispatch) and let them know after you have called RedCross.

“For any elderly residents or residents who are on in-home oxygen or other medical equipment or anyone that needs immediate assistance, please call 911 and we will get someone out to you,” said Major Linc Boyer.

According to the National Weather Service officials, severe weather moved through Georgia on Sunday morning.

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency after severe weather damaged dozens of buildings, and homes and caused damage to power lines and trees.

According to officials, the American Red Cross of Georgia has opened a shelter in West Point due to severe storm damage. People in need of emergency assistance are asked to call 1-800 Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or go to RedCross.org.

According to Troup County EMA officials, “multiple crews are out on search and rescue missions. Reports of multiple buildings destroyed, power lines down, and trees down blocking roads.”

The Spalding County Emergency Management Agency Deputy Chief Glenn Polk spoke to our Chief Meteorologist Jennifer Valdez about the severe weather and tornado warnings issued.

“Our hearts go out to our partners,” Polk said. “We’ve experienced a lot of severe thunderstorms this morning, We’re in our emergency headquarters monitoring everything. We did have a report of a fire that was caused by a lightning strike.”

A Tornado Watch was issued for the Georgia counties of Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Troup & Upson.

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