MACON, Ga. — Central Georgia remains in a level 3 threat for severe weather today and tonight for two waves of storms rolling through. The latest timing on this forecast allows for some wiggle room with the speed of the storms.
Everyone will have a wind threat that is higher than a tornado threat. These winds will be capable of causing damage. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if the damage is from a tornado or straight-line winds. Damaging winds are damaging winds.
Here is a look at damages, power outages and more as a result of severe storms moving through the area.
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SCHOOL DISMISSALS:
Wilkinson County Schools:
Here is what they emailed to 13WMAZ:
"Due to the ongoing power outage affecting our schools, all students will be released at 3:00 P.M.. Families should expect students to arrive home earlier than usual today. Please get in touch with the Wilkinson County Board of Education at (478) 946-5521 if you have any questions."
Twiggs County Public Schools:
- They will be released at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.
13WMAZ will provide updates to this story as additional school districts announce their plans for Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Sirens don't count! They are not designed to be heard inside. You can download the 13WMAZ app for alerts and turn on your weather radios.
POWER OUTAGES:
According to Georgia Power and Flint Energies maps, several customers are seeing power outages.
The areas impacted the most are Laurens and Wheeler County, according to Georgia Power's outage map. As if 4:17 p.m., 842 customers were without power in Laurens County and 811 were without power in Wheeler.
Other counties like Dodge and Telfair Counties have a few hundred without power. Dooly County has roughly 100 customers without power, according to Georgia Power.
However, later in the evening, most of Central Georgia had its power restored. As of 10:15 p.m., there were only 61 customers without power in Laurens County, and 173 were without power in Wheeler County.
IMAGES AND VIDEO OF DAMAGES:
Here is a gallery of images and reports of damages across Central Georgia:
Houston County:
According to GA511, In Kathleen, there are tree limb(s) on SR 127 Eastbound before Wingfield Way. All lanes are closed in the area.
The site also lists flooding on SR 224 both directions past Duke Road. All lanes are closed in the area.
Laurens County:
Significant tree damage is being reported throughout Rentz and a good portion of southern Laurens County, according to the Laurens County Sheriff's Office. They estimate about 25 trees down across roadways. Please avoid these areas if at all possible. They say fire crews and deputies are saturated in these areas right now.
The following streets are currently impacted:
- Church Street - Rentz
- Baker Church Road - Rentz
- Bates Avenue - Rentz
- Reedy Springs Church Road
- Taylor Grocery Road
- Academy Street - Cadwell
- Railroad Street - Cadwell
Dooly County:
According to GA511, All lanes are blocked on SR 230 E/W at Josey Rd. (mm 7.7) due to roadway flooding. They say to expect delays and to consider alternate routes. The estimated clear time is 3:15 p.m.
Effects of Severe Storms throughout Central Georgia
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