Dawson County suffered storm damage as a result of a fast-moving thunderstorm late Friday evening according to Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford. “At approximately 19:40 Friday evening a thunderstorm moved into western Dawson County from the Ball Ground / Yellow Creek area of Cherokee County. Initial reports were for power lines and trees down on Cowart Road in the area of Crystal Falls Golf Course and the Hollis Lathem Dam,” Swafford stated.

Calls for service followed soon as the storm moved across the county along the southernmost border. “The storm moved along Kelly Bridge Road, proceeded through the Georgia 400 and Highway 53 area and exited the county as it passed over the War Hill Park and Price Road areas,” Swafford explained.

Reports indicate five homes were struck by downed trees, and a home on Lumpkin Campground Road was struck by lightning. “Quick action by the homeowner extinguished the fire and kept damage to a minimum,” said Swafford. Downed power lines and trees forced the closing of Georgia 53 at Lumpkin Campground Road where a tree snapped a 90’ utility pole.

90’ power pole snapped on Lumpkin Campground

Other road closings included Lula Garrett and Henry Pirkle Road off Nix Bridge, Cowart Road and War Hill Park Road. “Damage assessments Saturday revealed hundreds of downed trees and other structures with cosmetic storm damage,” Swafford said.

Georgia Power, Amicalola and Sawnee EMC were all activated to respond. Crews worked into Saturday afternoon restoring power. As of Monday morning, Sawnee EMC reported 4000 Dawson customers were without power following the storm. Numbers from Amicalola EMC and Georgia Power were not yet available.  Dawson County Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Office and Public Works department worked together throughout the night Friday and into Saturday morning to assure all emergent and immediate needs were met following the storm.

As of 8 am Sunday, all power was restored throughout the county and all roads reopened. “On the bright side,” remarked Chief Swafford, “From .5 to 1.5 inches of rain fell throughout the county during the storm.”

(2) Truck damaged by downed trees off Cowart Road.