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000
NOUS42 KTAE 271900
PNSTAE
FLZ017>019-GAZ147-148-158>161-280000-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
300 PM EDT Wed Mar 27 2024

...NWS Damage Survey for March 27, 2024 Thunderstorm Wind Event
in Valdosta, Georgia...

.Thunderstorm Wind Event in Valdosta, Georgia...

Peak Wind:              75 mph
Path Length /statute/:  4.76 miles
Path Width /maximum/:   2000 yards
Fatalities:             0
Injuries:               0

Start Date:             03/27/2024
Start Time:             1:49 AM EDT
Start Location:         Valdosta, GA near I-75 at Exit 18
Start Lat/Lon:          30.845/-83.331

End Date:               03/27/2024
End Time:               01:57 AM EDT
End Location:           Valdosta, GA near Cherry Creek Rd
End Lat/Lon:            30.904/-83.296


Based on storm reports and radar data, damage began near the I-75
Exit 18 in Valdosta and continued East-Northeast through the
northwest portion of Valdosta. Within this area, numerous large
pine trees were uprooted with a few snapped along the swath of
severe winds. All trees uprooted or snapped were facing to the
east or northeast, which is indicative of straight-line wind
damage. Moreover, radar data from Moody Air Force Base displayed a
distinct downburst signature throughout the duration of the storm
in Valdosta. Examination of the photos and drone imagery from
Valdosta Fire and Lowndes County EMA showed that in some areas,
damage was extensive with widespread pine trees falling onto
homes. In total, 32 homes were affected, with a few homes being
directly impacted by pine trees, effectively sliced in half.
Damage to all single family homes was due to tree impacts, with no
damage noted due directly to the straight-line winds. Wind damage
reports extended as far north as Lakeshore Drive. The path width
peaked at just over 1 mile wide, mainly in the area inside Inner
Perimeter Road. Based on the size and number of trees uprooted
and a few snapped, the maximum winds within this area is rated at
75 mph.

Also of particular note, that this storm continued moving
northeast and produced hail up to golf ball size around 2:09 AM
near the Naylor community in far eastern Lowndes County.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee would like to thank
the City of Valdosta Fire Department, Lowndes County Fire
Department, and the Lowndes County Emergency Management agency for
their assistance in this damage assessment.

&&

NOTE:
The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.

$$

Godsey