The Power of Katrina Felt in Forsyth County as Tornado Touches Down

Posted Tuesday, August 30, 2005

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Forsyth County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Danny Bowman confirmed Tuesday that a tornado was spotted in Forsyth County on Monday evening, a result of Hurricane Katrina.

The first report of storm-related damage came at 6:33 pm Monday with Forsyth County Engine 12, Rescue 12 and Med 12 dispatched to the area near Jewell Bennett Road and Connor Road in the Silver City community of Forsyth County, near the Dawson County line. Upon their arrival, Fire Department personnel reported significant damage to two Connor Road residences and a large number of trees down throughout the community.

Multiple residents reported the sighting of funnel clouds and officials confirmed there was, in fact, a tornado in the area.

At approximately 8:25 pm simultaneous reports indicated that Forsyth County was under an official tornado warning and the tornado sirens were sounded.

A large number of downed trees were also reported on Dahlonega Highway near A.C. Smith Road; however, no structural damage was noted at that site.

Bands of heavy rain moved into the area, with an estimated three inches of rain measured by the EMA between Monday at 5:00 pm and Tuesday at 10:00 am. No storm-related injuries were reported.

The Forsyth County Fire Department and EMA had been on heightened alert since Friday in anticipation of the possible impact of Hurricane Katrina. And while Forsyth County and metro-Atlanta eluded the brunt of Hurricane Katrina, the county's preparations were not in vain.

We take preparing for storms such as this very seriously, said Bowman. Our personnel were poised to respond to whatever Hurricane Katrina brought our way.

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