EF1 tornado in Coweta County, Georgia

A National Weather Service assessment team determined that an EF-1 tornado occurred in south central Coweta County. The tornado initially touched down around 12:10 PM as an EF-0 with winds around 75 MPH near the intersection of Alex Stephens and Gordon Roads just northeast of Moreland. The tornado then strengthened quickly to an EF-1 with maximum winds near 110 MPH along Gordon Road just before Martin Mill Road. Ten houses sustained minor damage, mainly from falling trees and debris affecting the roof structures. Although dozens of large trees were snapped or uprooted, evidence suggests the majority of the strongest winds remained slightly elevated, likely contributing to the lack of structural damage. The tornado lifted as EF-0 along Martin Mill Road, just past the intersection of Gordon Road.

[01/21/12: Tornado #1, County #1-1, EF1, Coweta, 2012:001].

An area of low pressure over the Southern Plains moved quickly east and toward the Southern Appalachians during the day. Moisture and instability increased across the Southeast as a warm front lifted north of the region. Thunderstorms developed in the warm sector ahead of the approaching cold front, and many became severe. Three tornadoes touched down with this system, along with multiple reports of hail and wind damage. Flash flooding was also reported in the Atlanta Metropolitan area as a result of heavy rainfall.