Governor Declares State of Emergency in 4 Counties After Storms

Gov. Sonny Perdue has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in four counties affected by severe weather that passed through Georgia on Wednesday evening.

The counties are Hancock, Jasper, Thomas and Warren. The counties requested help from the state after determining that the removal of storm debris exceeded local capabilities.

“Wednesday night’s storms caused one death and 22 injuries across the state. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of the deceased and to those who were hurt. In addition to the human toll, the storms left trees downed, houses damaged and roads blocked across Georgia,” said Gov. Perdue. “As a result, state resources have been requested and are being made available to assist local governments in these counties with cleanup efforts. As always, we will continue to actively work with local officials to support them.”

The executive order allows state personnel and equipment to be used to assist in the response and recovery activities currently underway in these four counties and calls for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to activate the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.

Assessment teams continue to work to determine the full scope of the damage to businesses, residences and public facilities.

Winter Storms Leave 1 Dead, at Least 7 Injured

Wednesday's thuderstorms that moved across the state left one person dead and at least seven injured, according to authorities.

The thuderstorms, which were accompanied by hail, lightning and tornados, were blamed for a fatality in Hancock County. Three people were reported injured in Hancock County from the storms, while two were injured in Spalding County. Officials in Coweta and Putnam counties also reported one injury each.

Today's forecast calls for sunshine, but winds are expected to be strong, with some gusts of 30 mph in the forecast.