>> WEATHER OUTBREAK
Baldwin County is currently in recovery mode after a “beast” came through on Sunday.
On March 26, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency for Tornadoes and Severe Storms. Multiple counties across Georgia were affected, including Baldwin County.
The Milledgeville Police Department began posting updates early Sunday morning about road debris and power lines down on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Columbia Street, MLK Jefferson Graham Homes, and surrounding areas. This led to a complete shutdown of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between North Columbia Street and North Jefferson Street.
Alongside MPD, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Sandersville Police Department and the Georgia Department of Public Safety had units throughout Milledgeville assisting with damage assessment and the removal of debris. By late Sunday afternoon, MPD also reported the fifth floodgate at Sinclair Dam had been opened.
“Highway 22 west of the Baldwin County Health Department, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, and the path down Martin Luther King Jr. Drive over to Orchard Hill Road were the areas most affected by the storm,” said Wayne Johnson, director of Emergency Management.
Throughout the storm’s course, about 6,000 Georgia Power customers in Baldwin County were left without power. As of Wednesday morning, all customers had regained power.
According to Johnson, more than 10 businesses and 20 homes sustained damages. A billboard on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Columbia Street was pushed over and a power pole was broken, leaving power lines laying on the roadway. Other images of the storm showed walls caved in, trees through roofs, and a variety of other major and minor damages.
“Weather is challenging to allow us to assess damages,” said Johnson. “We are still actively working to clean everything and damage assessment is ongoing.”
Amongst businesses damaged, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin was reported to have sustained damages and lost power. Sunday morning the third floor of the hospital was hit by strong winds that broke out glass windows and tore off roofing. On Monday, the hospital released a statement saying they have made significant progress in assessing and repairing facility damage.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teammates and community partners, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin has made significant progress in assessing and repairing facility damage so we can provide the health care Milledgeville and the surrounding area needs during this period of storm recovery,” said Amy Leigh Womack, manager of Marketing, Communications & Consumer Division at Atrium Health.
A shelter was opened at New Beginnings Worship Center for families and individuals in need of a place to stay for the night on Monday. Throughout the day on Monday, law enforcement, business owners, and homeowners continued the recovery process around the county.
On Tuesday, Kemp alongside Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) personnel visited Milledgeville to assess the damage and determine if the storm was a tornado. In Kemp’s speech, he stated that The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado hit Baldwin County and an EF-3 tornado hit the west side of the state. Winds were reported to be up to 100 mph.
“We will continue to work with GEMA on response and potential aid, depending on qualifications, as we continue to do an assessment,” said Kemp. “Our main goal is keeping everyone safe and helping our private sector partners in the local government restore normal operations.”
Mike Smith with GEMA spoke after Kemp to give his thanks to all who have assisted in the assessment of damages and recovery process. He also reported that no fatalities and few injuries were recorded.
“It is a horrific event to go through. We saw that yesterday and today while touring damages, but people are resilient. They are thankful about how their teams are responding to restore order. They see the local and state response,” said Kemp when inquired about his conversations with those affected by the storm in Baldwin and Troupe counties. “We are throwing everything we’ve got to help the people affected.”
While the restoration of the county continues to restore normal functions, MPD reported Tuesday night that all Milledgeville city streets and roadways are back open.