EF2 tornado in Walker County, Georgia

A National Weather Service survey found that the EF1 tornado that originated in Chattooga County moved north-northeast into Walker County where it produced EF2 maximum winds of 125 mph with a maximum path width of 800 yards. The tornado crossed into Walker County along Halls Valley Drive with trees blown down on either side of the road. More significant tree damage began along Ramey Road just before Highway 151 with intense structural damage as the tornado moved northeast along Highway 151 between the intersection with Halls Valley Road and Beard Drive. The entire second story and roof of a home was removed with heavy damage to the exterior walls and a jeep was tossed more than 150 yards from its original location. An additional home had a good portion of its roof torn off on one side. Windows and doors were blown out and numerous large pines were snapped about halfway down. It was in

this area where the tornado was at its strongest, EF2 with maximum wind speeds of 125 mph. The tornado continued northeast along Highway 151 with more snapped and uprooted trees, then quickly weakened, ending near Smith Gap Road. [04/12/20: Tornado #1, County #2/2, EF-2, Walker, 2020:007].

A powerful Spring storm system resulted in a Severe Weather / Tornado outbreak across much of the Southeast region, including north and central Georgia, beginning on Easter Sunday (April 12th) and lingering into the morning hours of April 13th. From the Storm Prediction Center (Day 1) convective outlook, just about the entire area was under an ENHANCED risk for severe weather with a MODERATE risk extending from the ArkLaMiss into western Georgia.

In addition, enhanced rainfall occurred over far north Georgia and in portions of central Georgia, with rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 8 inches through the event. Significant flooding was in portions of the area with numerous reports of washouts and several reports of rescues.