Severe storms wreak havoc in Columbus

After Saturday’s severe thunderstorm, there are still almost 4,500 homes without power. Georgia Power estimates they will be restored by 5:00 pm.

The skies grew dark around 3:36 PM. Winds kicked up. Thunder rumbled from the bowels of the earth. Rain was blowing sideways. We knew something wicked this way was coming.

According to the National Weather Service, some parts of Muscogee County experienced wind speeds of 70 mph, close to hurricane-force winds. The result was at least 80 downed trees, which blew transformers and downed power lines, resulting in as many as 17,000 power outages. Some area roads were impassable.

The silver lining was the rain, which helps our area during a drought. Unfortunately, summer is a horrible time for a power outage. Temperatures are peaking in the upper 80s. Some of our neighbors have been without power for close to 24 hours.

The sound today is one of the hum of chain saws cleaning up fallen trees and the sight of workers and homeowners cleaning up massive debris.

After forecasting weather for 20 years, all I can say is count your blessings. It could always be worse. Columbus has been hit with tornadoes and even suffered hits from hurricanes like Opal. Let us hope that we move into November, typically a second leg of severe weather, with little more than beneficial rain and a leaf color change worthy of the season.