Crime & Safety

Despite Severe Weather, Cherokee 'Fared Well'

The Waleska and Salacoa areas received the brunt of the damage.

8:30 a.m. Thursday: Lt. Jay Baker issued the following statement to Holly Springs-Hickory Flat Patch editor Jessie Gable: "With all things considered, Cherokee County fared well during Wednesday’s storms. We monitored the weather and the public safety response from the EOC () at Headquarters. There were reports of downed trees in Cherokee but almost no structural damage has been reported. Most importantly there have been no reports of injuries or death in Cherokee County. The Waleska and Salacoa area received the brunt of the damage in Cherokee but as previously mentioned, it was mainly downed trees."

12:05 a.m. Thursday: Overheard on sheriff's scanner: Tree down on Cumming Highway, just east of Free Home.

11:56 p.m. Wednesday: Overheard on sheriff's scanner: Tornado warning canceled.

Find out what's happening in Canton-Sixeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

11:37 p.m.:  Cherokee Sheriff's Lt. Jay Baker said there's a new tornado warning for northern Cherokee until 12:15 p.m.

11:15 p.m.: Baker said tornado warning was lifted at 10:50 p.m. A tornado watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Thursday.

Find out what's happening in Canton-Sixeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

10:50 p.m.: Dangerous and life threatening tornado in extreme northwest part of the county, director Robby Westbrook said.

10:39 p.m.: As sirens blared in Canton, Westbrook said a new tornado warning had been issued until 11:30 p.m. 

10:22 p.m.: Take cover now, Westbrook said.

10:20 p.m.: More trees down in Cherokee, Canton-Sixes Patch Twitter follower Reg Griffin wrote. (Univeter Road at New Life.)

10:14 p.m.: Several trees down on Fairmont Road, Griffin wrote.

10:07 p.m.: New tornado warning for Cherokee until 10:45 p.m., Westbrook said.

9:36 p.m.: New tornado warning for Cherokee until 10:30 p.m. that affects the northwestern part of the county, Baker said.

9:08 p.m.: Warning sirens activated again in Canton. From Westbrook's Facebook page: "Severe thunderstorm warning for Cherokee County until 9:45 p.m."

8:04 p.m.: From Westbrook's Facebook page: "Tornado watch for Cherokee County and surrounding areas until 2 a.m. This is a PDS watch – particularly dangerous situation."

10:33 a.m.: Warnings lifted in metro Atlanta, according to WSB-TV report.

Original post: 9:04 a.m.

Warning sirens were activated in Cherokee County, which is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 9:30 a.m. and a tornado warning until noon.

The storm is moving at 70 mph and could bring winds as strong as 80 mph, Lt. Jay Baker said.

"Eighty mph winds can cause tornado - like damage and has done so in counties west of us," Cherokee County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management director Robby Westbrook wrote on his Facebook page. "We should be in the clear for now after 9:30."

Stay tuned to canton-ga.patch.com for updates throughout the day.

Prepare for a Tornado

  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify tornado hazards: a tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area; a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in your area, and you need to take shelter immediately.
  • Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
  • Prepare a Ready kit of emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, NOAA Weather Radio and a three-day supply of food and water.

When severe weather threatens, the National Weather Service (NWS) uses EMNet, a satellite-based emergency messaging system, to activate the Emergency Alert System (EAS), a national public warning system that requires broadcasters to deliver important information to the public. GEMA broadcasts these feeds to local emergency management agencies, which in turn activate their local warning systems. When developing local emergency plans, each county determines the best alert for residents (sirens, reverse telephone notifications or email alerts). However, no warning method is perfect, so relying on a NOAA Weather radio can be your best defense.

Plan to Take Shelter

  • If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud, take shelter immediately.
  • Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
  • If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
  • A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
  • If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
  • Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Stay Informed About Tornadoes

  • Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
  • After a tornado, be sure to remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines.
  • Help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

For more information on preparing for severe weather, contact your local EMA or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www.gema.ga.gov.

Source: Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia Campaign


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