Storm Damage Up-Date

The violent storm that quickly moved through Gilmer County today at approximately 2:00 p.m. left wide spread damage in its wake. Gilmer County Commission Chairman, Mark Chastain referred to the storm as “either a micro burst or an F-1 tornado”. Regardless, it left major damage to trees and facilities at River Park on Old Highway 5 South. As shown in the pictures below, there were approximately 18 large trees that lined the walking trail that were either blown down or substantially damaged. In addition, the facilities at the Saddle Club were damaged and repairs were already underway at 7:00 p.m. One side of the roof on the old Fire Station #1, located adjacent to the Civic Center was blown off with such force that it blew metal roofing over the fire station and over the Civic Center. Pieces of metal roofing were lying against the outfield fences of two baseball fields. There was reported one minor injury of a worker at the Park.

Chairman Chastain and Sheriff Stacy Nicholson reported that there would be an inmate clean-up crew at the Park tomorrow doing community service. The Road Department will be on hand with chippers and chain saws.

As reported earlier there was other damage along Highway 52 East and power, phone & cable t.v. outage in sporadic locations in the storm’s path.