Arrest Report - Thursday - September 24, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 24, 2026:
Thursday Weather: First Real Taste Of Fall Arrives
A noticeable change in the weather settles into Northwest Georgia today as cooler and much drier air moves into the region, bringing what will feel like the first real taste of fall.
Today will be partly sunny with a high near 78 degrees. An easterly breeze around 5 mph will accompany the cooler air. Dew points will continue dropping, making conditions feel considerably less humid than earlier this week.
Tonight, look for partly cloudy skies and a low around 59.
The pleasant weather continues Friday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 79. Friday night could be one of the coolest we’ve seen in months, dropping to around 55 degrees.
The weekend looks excellent. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 81, followed by a low around 56 Saturday night. Sunday will be mostly sunny and near 81, with another overnight low around 56.
Temperatures begin warming again next week. Monday should reach 84, with Tuesday climbing to around 87. Rain chances remain very low until Tuesday night, with a better chance of showers and thunderstorms arriving Wednesday.
The cooler weather is the result of a wedge of cooler, drier air moving south along the Appalachians, with significantly lower humidity spreading into Georgia. Dew points could fall into the 40s in parts of the region by Friday morning.
For Chattooga County, that means several days of comfortable temperatures, cool mornings and very little chance of rain — a welcome early taste of fall.
Chattooga County Millage Rate To Be Set Friday; School Board Rate Drops To 8.518 Mills
Chattooga County property owners now know one major part of their 2026 property tax calculation, while another will be determined Friday.
The Chattooga County Board of Education has set its 2026 millage rate at 8.518 mills, a reduction of 1.531 mills from last year’s rate of 10.049 mills.
The school system’s five-year tax history shows the rate has declined considerably in recent years. The net school millage was 12.404 mills in 2021, 12 mills in 2022, 10.898 mills in 2023, 10.597 mills in 2024 and 10.049 mills last year before dropping to 8.518 mills for 2026.
However, the value of property on the school tax digest has increased substantially. The school system’s net digest value increased from approximately $727.9 million in 2025 to $928.5 million this year.
As a result, even with the lower millage rate, the school system’s notice projects $7,908,923 in maintenance and operation property taxes, compared with $7,314,460 last year — an increase of approximately $594,462, or 8.13 percent.
Attention now turns to the Chattooga County government’s millage rate.
Sole Commissioner Andy Allen will set the county government’s 2026 millage rate during a public meeting Friday at 1 PM at the Hurley Community Development Center, 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville. The county will also adopt its 2026 Tax Levy Resolution.
Allen has not released the county’s proposed rate ahead of Friday’s meeting.
The school and county millage rates are separate components of a property owner’s tax bill. The amount an individual property owner ultimately pays also depends on the property’s taxable value and applicable exemptions and rollbacks.
WZQZ News will have the county’s new millage rate following Friday’s meeting.
Man Arrested After Returning To Sixth Avenue Home Despite Trespass Warning
A Summerville man was arrested after police say he returned to a Sixth Avenue residence despite having previously been told by law enforcement not to return.
According to a Summerville Police Department report, an officer was dispatched to 409 Sixth Avenue at approximately 2:19 PM on September 18 regarding a domestic incident in progress.
Police identified the man as 55-year-old Torre Perez Darden. E-911 advised the officer before arrival that Darden had previously been verbally trespassed from the residence.
When police arrived, Darden was reportedly on the front porch throwing clothing onto the ground. He told the officer he was trying to get his mother to wash his clothes.
The officer then spoke with Darden’s mother, Bertha Lee Darden, and asked whether she had invited him to the residence or allowed him to stay there. According to the report, she said she had not allowed him back at the residence since the previous incident.
Police arrested Torre Darden for criminal trespass.
During a search before transport, the officer reported finding two small rolled-up joints in Darden’s right front pocket. Darden allegedly admitted the joints contained marijuana and also told the officer he was on probation.
Darden was transported to the Chattooga County Jail and booked without incident.
Man Arrested After Allegedly Ignoring Ban From Summerville Housing Authority Property
A man was arrested on a criminal trespass charge after Summerville Police say he returned to a Summerville Housing Authority property despite previously being banned from the property.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, an officer was called to the Housing Authority’s Scoggins Street property at approximately 11:22 AM on September 18 after staff reported that Timothy Swann was inside one of the units.
Police said Housing Authority staff had previously banned Swann from the property and that he had also received a verbal trespass warning from city officers during an earlier incident.
After receiving no response at the door, Housing Authority staff used a key to enter the unit so police could determine whether anyone was inside. According to the report, officers found Swann in a bedroom on the left side of the hallway.
Swann reportedly told officers he had not known he was banned from the property and said he had not heard Housing Authority employees knocking because dogs were barking.
Police said Housing Authority staff confronted Swann outside the residence about the previous ban. While Swann continued to deny knowing about the ban, E-911 confirmed that a trespass warning had been issued to him on August 24, 2025.
Based on the active Housing Authority ban and confirmation of the previous warning, police arrested Swann on a charge of criminal trespass.
He was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident.
Former Hays State Prison Officer Faces New Federal Drug And Gun Charges
A former corrections officer who previously served time in federal prison for smuggling methamphetamine into Hays State Prison in Trion is facing new federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Mark Edward Jeffery, 41, of Calhoun, appeared in federal court Tuesday following his arrest on the new charges. A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Jeffery on September 8.
Jeffery formerly worked as a Georgia Department of Corrections officer at Hays State Prison. Federal prosecutors say that in February 2018, he was caught smuggling cell phones, chargers and methamphetamine into the prison. Jeffery pleaded guilty to a federal methamphetamine trafficking charge in April 2019 and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
The new case stems from an incident in Gordon County on February 11, 2025.
According to federal prosecutors, a Gordon County Sheriff’s Office deputy encountered Jeffery sleeping in a vehicle. During a subsequent search, the deputy allegedly found a clear bag containing multiple-colored pills in Jeffery’s pocket.
Authorities allege that multiple bags of methamphetamine, a baggie of heroin, two loaded handguns, a digital scale and multiple empty bags commonly used for packaging narcotics were found inside the vehicle.
Jeffery has now been federally charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said Jeffery faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison if convicted.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cartersville Resident Agency, with assistance from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Vehicle Trade Dispute Leads To Stolen Vehicle Investigation And Arrest
A dispute over a vehicle trade led Summerville Police to a damaged pickup truck connected to a separate stolen vehicle investigation earlier this month.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to the area of Highland Avenue and Fifth Street around 8:13 AM on September 18 following a report of a domestic-related incident connected to a motor vehicle accident.
Before officers arrived, E-911 advised that a man had reportedly been chasing another man before returning to the vehicles.
Police made contact with Jesse Powell, who said he had previously met with Evan Adams in Ingles parking lot to trade vehicles. Powell told police he was meeting Adams to retrieve the title to a Dodge pickup he had received in the trade. According to the report, Adams was unable to produce the title, and Powell told him he intended to take back the vehicle he had traded.
Police said the two later left Ingles, with Powell following Adams through several streets connected to Highland Avenue until both vehicles became involved in a minor accident at Highland Avenue and Fifth Street.
Officers were told Adams left the scene and fled north toward Fourth Street. Police searched the area but were unable to locate him at that time.
A detective with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office subsequently arrived because Adams was also involved in a separate stolen vehicle investigation. Police said the Dodge pickup involved in the dispute was confirmed to be stolen.
During a search of the damaged vehicle, police reported finding a Georgia driver’s license belonging to Adams, miscellaneous bank cards and several tools that Powell said did not belong to him.
According to the report, Adams was arrested about six hours later on warrants stemming from the stolen vehicle investigation being handled by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.
Rome Police Identify Pedestrian Killed In Shorter Avenue Crash
A 70-year-old Rome woman was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle on Shorter Avenue, according to the Rome Police Department.
Police identified the victim as Sandra Lee Fincher, 70, of Rome. The crash occurred shortly before 7 AM Tuesday in the 1900 block of Shorter Avenue and involved Fincher, who was a pedestrian, and a white passenger car.
Fincher was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash.
The crash caused traffic delays along Shorter Avenue Tuesday morning while investigators worked at the scene.
The Rome Police Department’s Accident Investigation Team is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Police had not released additional information about the driver or what led to the collision as of the latest update.
County Paving Program Moving Forward With William Patty Construction
Chattooga County’s 2026 LMIG and LRA paving program is moving forward under a contract awarded earlier this summer to William Patty Construction, with the work covering 18.54 miles of county roads.
Bid results provided by the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office show that William Patty Construction submitted the low bid of $525,774. Bartow Paving submitted a bid of $550,317.56, while South Georgia Milling submitted a bid of $707,826.36. Bids were opened July 28.
The county’s official paving list divides the work between the 2026 LMIG and LRA programs.
The LMIG portion includes:
- Perennial Springs Road/Owens Dairy Road — 3.3 miles
- Yarbrough Road — 1.96 miles
- Henderson Circle — 1.1 miles
- Hidden Brow Road — 0.6 miles
- Mitchell Circle — 2.1 miles
- Spraggins Hill Road — 0.77 miles
- Spring Creek Road, from Alexander Road to Butler Dairy Road — 1.18 miles
The LRA portion includes:
- Stamper Drive — 0.31 miles
- Renee Road — 0.24 miles
- Scenic View — 0.11 miles
- Sling Alley Road — 2.68 miles
- Hickory Hills Lane — 0.33 miles
- Cofield Circle — 0.14 miles
- Elsie Street — 0.29 miles
- Ragland Road — 1.46 miles
- Silver Hill Road — 1.97 miles
Stamper Drive, Renee Road and Scenic View are identified by the county as dirt roads, meaning the project will bring pavement to those roads as part of the LRA work.
Under the county’s arrangement, Chattooga County is providing the asphalt material from Blount Construction, while the contract covers the labor to resurface the roads. The bid specifications called for labor to be priced on a per-ton basis for asphalt and a per-gallon basis for tack, along with a total project cost.
William Patty Construction’s $525,774 bid came in $24,543.56 below Bartow Paving and $182,052.36 below South Georgia Milling.
The combined LMIG and LRA program represents a substantial round of road improvements across Chattooga County, ranging from resurfacing several miles of existing county roads to paving three roads that are currently unpaved.
Pirelli Announces $1.2 Billion Rome Expansion, 1,000 New Jobs Expected
One of Northwest Georgia’s largest economic development announcements in recent years is coming to neighboring Floyd County, where Pirelli plans to invest approximately $1.2 billion in a major expansion of its Rome manufacturing operation.
Pirelli’s Board of Directors formally approved the multi-year investment Tuesday. The project is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs and dramatically increase production at the Rome plant.
Pirelli has operated its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Rome since 2002 and currently employs 234 people in Georgia. The expansion will be carried out in two phases, beginning with the installation of the company’s latest robotic manufacturing equipment. A second phase will add a more traditional, fully automated manufacturing operation and account for much of the additional hiring.
The company says the investment will eventually increase annual production capacity at the Rome facility to approximately 6 million tires by 2033. The expanded plant will manufacture Pirelli’s premium tire products and incorporate newer technology, including the company’s Cyber Tyre system.
While the project begins in 2027, state officials say the bulk of the hiring is expected to begin in 2029, with the expanded facility expected to reach full operation in 2033.
The expansion is significant not only for Rome and Floyd County but for the broader Northwest Georgia labor market, potentially providing new employment opportunities for workers throughout surrounding counties, including Chattooga County.
Governor Brian Kemp announced the project Tuesday, saying discussions with Pirelli included meetings with company executives during a state economic development mission to Italy in 2024. The Georgia Department of Economic Development worked on the project with the Rome-Floyd Development Authority, Georgia Quick Start and Georgia Power.
Pirelli says the expansion is intended to increase U.S. production, strengthen its domestic supply chain and meet growing demand for technologically advanced tires manufactured in the United States.
Chattooga County Young Farmers Taking Orders For BBQ Lunch Fundraiser
The Chattooga County Young Farmers are taking orders for an upcoming BBQ lunch fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s scholarship fund.
BBQ plates will be available on Friday, October 16, and organizers are asking those interested in purchasing a meal to place their orders in advance.
The Young Farmers say all proceeds from the BBQ lunch will go toward the scholarship fund, which helps support local students as they continue their education.
Orders can be placed through an online Google form provided by the Chattooga County Young Farmers.
The fundraiser is another way the organization supports agricultural education and young people in the community while giving local residents an opportunity to enjoy a BBQ lunch and contribute to a worthwhile cause.
Additional information about pickup and ordering is available through the Chattooga County Young Farmers Facebook page.
Congressional Candidate Shawn Harris To Hold Summerville Town Hall Today
Democratic congressional candidate Shawn Harris will be in Summerville today for a town hall meeting with Chattooga County residents.
The event will be held at the Chattooga County Civic Center, with doors opening at 5:30 PM and the town hall beginning at 6 PM.
Harris, a retired Army brigadier general, farmer and small business owner, is the Democratic candidate for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District in the November general election. His campaign says the town hall is part of a series of events around Northwest Georgia intended to give residents an opportunity to discuss issues affecting their communities.
Harris is running against Republican Congressman Clay Fuller, who currently represents the 14th District.
Fuller was elected earlier this year following the resignation of former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on January 5. Fuller defeated Harris in the April 7 special-election runoff and was sworn into office on April 14 to complete the remainder of Greene’s term.
Harris and Fuller are now facing each other again in the November 3 general election for a full term representing the 14th Congressional District.
Today’s town hall at the Chattooga County Civic Center is open to the public.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Warns Residents About Unlicensed Door-To-Door Pest Control Operators
Chattooga County residents who are approached at their homes by someone offering pest control services are being urged to ask for a state-issued license before signing a contract or allowing any work to begin.
The warning comes from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which says it has seen an increase in reports of unlicensed individuals going door-to-door soliciting pest control business. The department’s Structural Pest Division has already conducted 48 investigations involving unlicensed operators during 2026.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper says consumers should ask door-to-door representatives to show either a Registered Employee License or Certified Operator License issued by the state. Pest control representatives are required to carry their license and present it when requested. The company employing the representative must also hold a Structural Pest Control Company License.
State officials say the licensing requirement is more than a consumer-protection issue. Licensed pest control professionals must meet training and competency requirements involving the handling and application of pesticides. Unlicensed operators may not have that training or state oversight.
Consumers should also pay close attention to contracts presented during door-to-door sales. The Department of Agriculture says certain contracts resulting from door-to-door transactions are covered by Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act and must include a three-day right to cancel, with that right clearly disclosed in the contract.
Residents who encounter someone selling pest control services who cannot or will not show a valid license are encouraged to report the individual to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Consumers can also check with the department before hiring a company to verify that both the business and its pest control workers are properly licensed.
Violations of Georgia’s pest control licensing requirements can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000, depending on the circumstances.
The Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Office can be reached at 404-656-3641 for additional information.
Arrest Report - Wednesday - September 23, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, September 23, 2026:
Wednesday Weather — Cooler Air Arrives, Storms Possible
After several days of summerlike heat, Northwest Georgia will finally get its first real taste of fall today, but the change in temperatures could come with showers and thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service says a much cooler air mass will begin spreading into the region today and will remain in place through the weekend. A strong area of high pressure to the northeast is pushing cooler air southward into Georgia.
For Chattooga County, there is a 60% chance of rain today. Showers are possible during the morning and early afternoon, with thunderstorms becoming possible later in the day. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more likely after 5 PM.
The high temperature will be around 85 degrees, considerably cooler than the temperatures near or above 90 experienced over the past several days.
Forecasters say a few strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across far North Georgia this afternoon. Strong wind gusts will be the main concern with any stronger storms. Locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning will also be possible.
Rainfall amounts generally between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch are expected, although thunderstorms could produce higher amounts.
Showers and thunderstorms remain likely tonight, mainly before 2 AM. Patchy fog could develop between 10 PM and midnight. The overnight low will fall to around 63 degrees.
The biggest change will be noticeable Thursday. Rain chances drop dramatically as cooler and drier air takes control. Thursday will be partly sunny with a high of only 79, followed by a low around 58 Thursday night.
The weather should remain dry and comfortable through the weekend. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 81, Saturday near 82, and Sunday near 83. Morning lows Friday and Saturday night could fall to around 54 degrees.
A gradual warmup begins early next week, with highs reaching the mid-80s by Tuesday, but forecasters expect the relatively dry pattern to continue.
The National Weather Service says the cooler air arriving this week will provide North and Central Georgia with its first significant taste of fall weather following the recent stretch of late-September heat.
Sheriff’s Office Hot Dog Lunch And Bake Sale Coming Friday
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office will hold a Hot Dog Lunch and Bake Sale this Friday, September 25, to raise money for several community and employee programs.
The fundraiser will be held from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Sheriff’s Office, 533 Underwood Drive in Trion.
For $7, lunch includes a hot dog, chips, drink and dessert. Additional baked goods and sweets will also be available for purchase.
Proceeds will help purchase items for the Christmas Baskets provided by the Sheriff’s Office, prizes for the Senior Well Check Program, and supplies for the Health & Heart Hydration Fund, which provides hydration and healthy snacks for patrol officers.
The Sheriff’s Office is inviting the community to stop by for lunch Friday while supporting programs that benefit local residents and law enforcement personnel.
52nd Annual Sum Nelly Festival Returns To Summerville October 3
One of Chattooga County’s longest-running fall traditions returns next month as the 52nd Annual Sum Nelly Festival takes over Dowdy Park on Saturday, October 3, from 9 AM until 7 PM.
The City of Summerville says this year’s festival will feature more than 150 vendors, offering arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, baked goods, jams and jellies, fall decorations, clothing and numerous other items.
Food will once again be a major part of Sum Nelly, with vendors serving everything from fried pies, funnel cakes and boiled peanuts to barbecue, Brunswick stew, Philly cheesesteaks, corndogs and authentic Mexican food.
There is also something new for 2026 — two free concerts.
The Hwy. 27 Band, featuring local musician Toby Maddux, will take the stage at 3 PM. LaFayette native Robby Hopkins will headline the festival with a performance beginning at 5 PM.
Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson says Sum Nelly remains a tradition that brings the community together each year, combining shopping, food and family activities.
Admission to Sum Nelly and both concerts is free, and the event is open to all ages.
Food, Drinks & Treats: Aaron’s Food; Avans Concessions; Dees Concessions; Red White and Blue BBQ; Orchard Farms; The Spice Cottage; Honey Bee Hot Dogs and Lemonade; Holland47 HH; Smoke Signals BBQ; Up N Smoke BBQ; Lazy Days BBQ; T.T and D Catering LLC; Mercy Me Pork Skins; Mosleys BBQ; Dixie Subs And More; Small Town BBQ; Georgia Snoballs; Rositas; D&B Foodtruck; Flour Child Bakery; Puddins Pop; Reita’s Fried Pies; DIRT Pour Coffee + Cafe; Gigi’s Sweet Treats and The Bread Lady & More; Cane Ridge Acres; Sweet Bloom Cookies; Caked Up; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Shonda’s Edible Delights; Hwy 27 Nutrition; Sweet Dreek’s; Shinbone Valley Bee Company; Created by Kirby; Sweets on a Mission; Laurel Leaf Coffee; Energy Loft Express; Faith Family Farm; Bray’s Sweet Treats; J & R Kettle Corn; Keribeth Roberts; Kona Ice; Dirty Deeds Soda Co.; Eneyas Lemonations & Sipsations; BratzCafe; JC Nuts; Anita’s Blissful Bites; and Zelma’s Blue Ribbon Jams and Jellies.
Arts, Crafts, Clothing, Jewelry & Other Vendors: Simple Creations; Trail Life Troop; ECA Crafts; BBs Krazy Kreations; Moss Creek Outfitters; Walk the Vine; Root & River; Reverdy Coley; Cloudland Antiques; Leroy Cordle; I Am Simply in Stitches; Barbara Sue’s; Claytastic Designs; MicksPics and Woodcrafting by Bruce; The Mag Hatter; Heartstrings & Stitches; Violets Crafty Corner; Papa’s Yard Art; Callie’s Closet at Mainstreet Boutique; Sierra Co & Clara Bea Boutique; SunFlower Nails & Lashes; Scents and Suds; Nutty Magnets; Anita’s Raggedy Threads; Mary Beth Grooms; Sharon’s Glass Creations; Mind to Matter Productions; Haley’s Creative Goods; Southern Stems & Design; Dixieland Fabric and Floral; Diamond Art; Soft Flames & Suds; WillARose & Co.; Rustic Craft Shed; Kinsey Graph-X’s; Stitches by Sherry; Lindsey Art; Hazel’s Threads; Leroy’s Seasoning; Glammies Place; KM Collective; Mt. Olive Creations; Jacobs Ladder; The Patched Hat; Made by Iris; BLACK LION CREATIONS; Kim’s Handcrafted Soaps and Such; Forever Fit by Nicole; The Wild Olive Branch; Ruby’s Boutique; TakeAparts; Just Sew Crafty; K.Sims T-Shirt Booth; Froggyholler Soap Company; Swift Stitches; B & G Co.; Wellness Reclaimed; Sew Crafty; and “It Began With Mama” Creations.
Churches, Nonprofits, Organizations & Information Booths: Subligna Rd. Church of Christ; Central Avenue Baptist Church; Lookout Mountain CASA; Chattooga Co. DCFS; Chattooga Co. Democrats; Advent Health; Dry Valley Baptist Church; Chattooga County Wildlife; Berryton Church of God; Spring Creek Baptist Church; Summerville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; Speak Life Special Needs Support Group; and CHS Welding.
AdventHealth Gordon Gets State Approval For Level II NICU
Families in Gordon County and across Northwest Georgia could soon have access to more advanced newborn care closer to home.
The Georgia Department of Community Health has issued AdventHealth Gordon a Certificate of Need to establish a four-bed Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within the hospital’s existing Women’s Services Area. The approval is still subject to a standard 30-day appeal period.
AdventHealth Gordon is the only hospital in Gordon County and currently provides obstetric and newborn care. The proposed Level II NICU would allow more babies requiring additional medical support following birth to receive specialized care in Calhoun rather than having to be transferred farther from their families.
Hospital officials say the unit would also provide additional support for monitoring newborns, parent education, bonding, breastfeeding and discharge planning.
Justin Birmele, president and CEO of AdventHealth Gordon and AdventHealth Murray, said the approval represents an important step toward expanding care for Northwest Georgia families and allowing mothers and babies to remain closer together when additional care is needed.
Georgia classifies Level II neonatal services as specialty or neonatal intermediate care, providing a higher level of newborn care than basic Level I services.
The state approval does not mean the new unit will open immediately. The Certificate of Need remains subject to the 30-day appeal period before the project can move forward.
NWS: Wet Microburst Caused Trion Storm Damage, Winds May Have Reached 60-70 MPH
The damaging storm that struck Trion Monday afternoon was not a tornado, according to the National Weather Service, but rather a downburst, likely a wet microburst, capable of producing winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph.
Chattooga County Emergency Management Director Pamela Vaughn said Tuesday that EMA contacted the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City for an analysis of the September 21 storm.
According to the NWS analysis, the thunderstorm began developing around 4:15 PM and rapidly grew over the next 15 minutes, reaching approximately 40,000 feet directly over the Trion area. The storm then quickly collapsed over roughly the next 20 minutes.
The Weather Service said that rapid development and collapse can produce a wet microburst, which occurs when rain-cooled air rapidly descends from a thunderstorm, hits the ground and spreads outward, producing powerful straight-line winds over a relatively small area.
The NWS estimated winds from such an event can reach 60 to 70 mph, strong enough to knock down trees, move unsecured objects and cause structural and minor roof damage.
According to EMA, Trion was located almost directly beneath the downburst.
Why There Was No Tornado Warning
The National Weather Service also addressed why no tornado warning was issued Monday.
The closest radar used to analyze the storm is located at Hytop, Alabama. The lowest radar scan showed winds of only about 10 to 15 mph within the storm, but that radar beam was more than a mile above the ground.
The damaging winds developed as air rapidly descended and then spread horizontally after reaching the surface, meaning those strongest winds were not directly visible to radar.
Most importantly, the National Weather Service found no rotation associated with the storm. Because there was no indication of a tornado, a tornado warning was not issued and tornado sirens were not activated.
Four Homes Identified With Damage
The new EMA report also provides the first official look at the extent of the damage.
Chattooga County E-911 received 17 calls during and immediately following the storm reporting downed trees, including some involving power lines.
EMA personnel conducted damage assessments Tuesday and identified several residences affected by falling trees. Four homes have so far been identified with tree-related damage, ranging from minor damage to more significant structural damage.
Officials are still contacting additional homeowners, meaning the final damage total could increase.
Chattooga County Public Works, the City of Summerville Maintenance Department and several local tree-service companies have assisted with cleanup and debris removal.
Anyone whose home was damaged by Monday’s storm and who has not yet spoken with EMA is asked to contact Chattooga County EMA Director Pamela Vaughn at 706-857-3400, Option 2.
EMA says documenting all storm-related damage is important as recovery efforts continue.
Blood Assurance Honors Dolly Parton With Special ‘9 To 5’ Donor Shirt
Blood Assurance is combining country music and a lifesaving cause this week with a special tribute to Dolly Parton.
On Friday, September 25, anyone donating blood at a Blood Assurance donation center or participating mobile blood drive will receive an exclusive, one-day-only Dolly-inspired “9 to 5” T-shirt, while supplies last.
The shirt features a quote from Parton encouraging people to make a difference in the world around them. Blood Assurance says the promotion is intended to turn that spirit of goodwill into action by encouraging more people to donate blood.
Blood Assurance is particularly important to Northwest Georgia. The nonprofit is the primary supplier of blood and blood products for Atrium Health Floyd and AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, along with Cartersville Medical Center. The organization says it now needs more than 600 donors every day to supply its partner hospitals.
All blood types are needed. Appointments are encouraged but aren’t required. Donors can schedule an appointment through Blood Assurance or by calling 800-962-0628.