Baldwin County faced a whiplash of a storm over the weekend that caused a variety of damage.
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.
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 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.
At 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, North Jefferson Street was reopened in both directions; however, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between North Columbia Street and North Jefferson Street remained blocked alongside Glynn Street from Cobb Street to Roberson Mill Road. At 5:45 a.m. Monday, MPD reported Glynn Street was still closed, along with the 900 block of Fraley Avenue and the 900 Block of North Clarke Street.
“Weather has been a challenge to allow us to assess damages and clear the roads,” said Johnson. “Over the next few days we will continue to receive reports of damages and things needing to be cleared, as is the nature of such a beast.”
Throughout the storm’s course, about 6,000 Georgia Power customers in Baldwin County were left without power. As of 11:30 a.m. Monday, only 15 customers remained without power.
Several businesses sustained damage to their storefronts and buildings while many homes faced damage from fallen trees, limbs and other debris. An accurate estimate of damage and expenses suffered at homes and businesses remains to be determined but Emergency Management is actively working on the process.
Amongst businesses damaged, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin was reported to also have sustained damages and lost power. As of Sunday afternoon, leaders were still trying to figure out the extent of the damage to the hospital.
“We still have a long way to go in recovery. As weather permits, we will continue to remove remaining debris. As far as homes and businesses, that will take a while,” said Johnson.
According to Johnson, the National Weather Service will have a team in Baldwin County on Tuesday or Wednesday to determine if the storm can be reported as a tornado. Despite all damages faced, no injuries or fatalities were reported during the storm and residents have vocally given their support of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department and Milledgeville Police Department who actively worked to check on residents, clear roads and provide shelter to those affected throughout the day.