NAHUNTA, Ga. — The National Weather Service has confirmed an ef2 tornado hit Brantley County in Georgia Saturday.
Using the Enhanced Fujita Scale, an ef2 indicates 3-second gusts of winds clocked between 111-135 mph. The EF scale still is a set of wind estimates rather than measurements based on damage, the NWS said. The tornado's estimated peak wind tracked at 130 mph, according to the agency.
The NWS said the tornado occurred for approximately 2.5-3 miles, with a path length of 4.72 miles, and a width of 400 yards, causing "extensive damage to mobile homes with evidence of homes being flattened and wrapped around trees."
Emergency response officials in Brantley County say several people are hurt and at least five or six homes are damaged from storms that struck the area Saturday.
In Nahunta's Long Lake Road area, multiple homes were damaged and trees uprooted. Two homes were destroyed, a official with the Nahunta Fire Department told First Coast News. Matthews Circle was also hit hard.
Resident LaDonna Maddox said she heard the wind picking up outside. As she was trying to find safety, the wind ripped off a part of her roof. Now, she's grateful people are helping her cleanup.
“All I had to know was make a phone call and everyone was here, that’s what matters in this world. Family and friends," Maddox said.
Crews are still assessing damage.
