Tornado Destroys Four Buildings at Burke County Property

A tornado damaged Wesley Bailey's property on Story Mill Road in Burke County, Georgia, after severe weather from Hurricane Isaias caused destruction across the CSRA region. The storm destroyed at least four buildings and left widespread power disruptions while crews worked on restoration.

According to WRDW/WAGT, Bailey's property near the area between Hephzibah and Waynesboro suffered major structural damage. Drone footage showed roofs torn away, a building flattened, overturned vehicles, and damage to a concrete-block home.

Bailey said he was at home when the storm approached and noticed signs of rotation in the sky before the tornado struck his farm property.

"I kept telling my wife, I said, ‘That’s circulation in the air,’" said Wesley Bailey, property owner.

Bailey described seeing changing wind patterns and heavy rain as the storm moved through the area. He said a coworker later called to tell him the tornado had hit his property.

"Well, you all you can see is the wind, the rain going one way and going the other way because he knew there was some rotation," said Wesley Bailey.

Bailey continued describing the storm conditions as he watched the weather intensify around his home.

"And then you couldn’t hardly see it, the funnel. But you could hit the rain, hit it roaring. And see the rain," said Wesley Bailey.

According to WRDW/WAGT, no injuries were reported in Burke County. Bailey said the damaged homes had not been occupied recently as he prepared to begin work on them again.

"Nobody lived here since the hurricane," said Wesley Bailey.

Bailey focused on the lack of injuries while assessing the debris left behind by the tornado. He said the damaged structures and equipment could be repaired or replaced over time.

"I’m glad nobody got hurt. That’s the main thing," said Wesley Bailey.

Bailey added that cleanup and repairs would take time after the storm damage.

"All this can be cleaned up and replaced, but. Maybe it takes time," said Wesley Bailey.

The severe weather outbreak also affected Allendale and Screven counties, according to WRDW/WAGT. A confirmed tornado in Allendale County was reported at 4:18 p.m., moving north at 30 mph, while other tornado warnings covered parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

Bailey said the storm damage showed the force of severe weather conditions.

"You never underestimate wind and rain or water," said Wesley Bailey.

Power outages continued across North Georgia after the storms. NowGeorgia reported that more than 56,000 utility customers statewide remained without electricity as of 1:30 p.m. Saturday while crews worked to restore service.

AJC reported that up to 4 inches of rain had fallen across metro Atlanta in a 12-hour period, with additional rainfall expected as the weakened system moved north.