High winds, hail and possible tornadoes expected in Macon this afternoon. What to know
Crews are still working to restore power and clear roads in Macon and Houston County, but more severe storms are already on their way.
High winds, hail and a potential tornadoes are in the forecast for this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Most of Middle Georgia is under a tornado watch until 10 p.m., including Baldwin, Bleckley, Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Monroe, Peach, Putnam, Twiggs and Washington counties.
“The Macon area is at an enhanced risk for severe weather, with this afternoon and evening being the prime time hours for that,” said Nikole Listemaa, lead forecaster for the NWS (Peachtree City). “Macon can expect the primary hazard to be wind gusts and you could see those up to 60 mph. We are also expecting some large hail, and tornadoes can’t be ruled out. So, a mixed bag, essentially.”
NWS personnel are surveying damage in Middle Georgia to determine if tornadoes touched down.
“We don’t have any specifics yet. We are doing surveys, but with another round of severe weather today, it is hard to get those done,” Listemaa said.
Hundreds of Bibb and Houston county residents are without electricity. Georgia Power crews are working to restore power in the area, but the next round of storms will complicate those efforts.
All Bibb County School District athletic events and practices scheduled Wednesday afternoon have been canceled, the district announced.
Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller declared a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon, a move indented to streamline recovery aid from the state.
“We want to get our neighbors the help they need immediately,” Miller said. “Tuesday’s events should be a reminder to everyone to have a plan in case of any emergency. We’re not out of the woods yet.”
Macon-Bibb County residents can sign up for text and phone alerts about severe weather online.
This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 11:01 AM.
