New wave of severe weather moves through CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency after storms ripped through the state Sunday morning, and more severe weather arrived Sunday night.

That second wave of severe weather was moving through the CSRA by 11 p.m. Sunday, with hail reported in Aiken County.

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The threat of severe thunderstorms will continue overnight into Monday morning.

The CSRA saw strong storms and hail Sunday morning.

In Troup County far to the west of Augusta, an apparent tornado damaged 80-100 structures.

Two tigers briefly escaped from their enclosures at Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain after the park sustained extensive tornado damage.

Milledgeville also reportedly received damage, with police saying anyone whose home has been damaged and is in need of a place to stay should call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767.

The governor made the emergency announcement on Twitter saying: “I have issued a State of Emergency order following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck this morning.”

In the CSRA, many residents saw power outages and large hail during the storm.

Take a look at some of the photos and videos sent to us from throughout the region:

Elsewhere in the state, the community of West Point, on the Georgia-Alabama border, saw significant damage.

A spokesman for the Troup County Sheriff’s Office said 80-100 structures were damaged in what appeared to be a tornado. In West Point, 20-30 structures reportedly sustained major damage.

Wellstar says one person is being treated at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center for injuries related to the storm.

The Troup County Sheriff’s Office posted on its social media page confirming it received multiple reports of trees down, damage to homes, and power lines down across the area.

Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff said officials have all the resources in place and that they have not been notified about anyone missing.

“This is the third tornado in the span of two months in West Point. I know people are frustrated and we are doing everything we can,” said Woodruff.

Spalding County Emergency Management Agency Deputy Chief Glenn Polk spoke about the severe weather.

“Our hearts go out to our partners,” Polk said. “We’ve experienced a lot of severe thunderstorms this morning, We’re in our emergency headquarters monitoring everything. We did have a report of a fire that was caused by a lightning strike.”

What should you do in a tornado warning?

Seek shelter in an entire room, away from windows. Flying debris is the most dangerous part of a tornado. Putting as many walls between you and the outside elements will decrease your risk of being hit by flying debris. Wear a helmet. protecting your head from any flying debris is vital in a violent tornado. Covering yourself with pillows and/or a mattress can also reduce the impact of any flying debris that manages to make it into your safe place.

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