LIVE UPDATES: Severe weather damages Valdosta neighborhoods overnight

FINAL UPDATE MARCH 28, 2024:

Valdosta Neighborhood Reporter, Malia Thomas, is tracking the clean up effort in Valdosta. Check out her continuing coverage here.

UPDATE 5 P.M.

ABC 27's Shamarria Morrison spoke with homeowners who survived Wednesday morning's severe weather. Watch the video in the gallery above for her tour of the damage around one neighbor's home.

Watch First to Know Chief Meteorologist, Casanova Nurse, analyze the storm that did that damage in the video below.

Chief Meteorologist Casanova Nurse analyzes the storm that damaged Valdosta

UPDATE 3 P.M.

The National Weather Service released their report on the storm that left behind a trail of damage in Valdosta.

Their survey showed winds reached 75 miles per hour during the storm. Those winds began around 1:49 Wednesday morning and continued until 1:57 Wednesday morning. The winds damaged a swath 4.76 miles long and 2,000 yards wide. The event began near I-75 at exit 18 and continued to the area around Cheery Creek Road in Valdosta.

ABC 27's Shamarria Morrison is on the ground surveying the damage. Watch her Instagram Reel below. Find the more detailed NWS report below that.

NWS REPORT:

Based on storm reports and radar data, damage began near the I-75 Exit 18 in Valdosta and continued East-Northeast through the northwest portion of Valdosta.

Within this area, numerous large pine trees were uprooted with a few snapped along the swath of severe winds. All trees uprooted or snapped were facing to the east or northeast, which is indicative of straight-line wind damage.

Moreover, radar data from Moody Air Force Base displayed a distinct downburst signature throughout the duration of the storm in Valdosta. Examination of the photos and drone imagery from Valdosta Fire and Lowndes County EMA showed that in some areas, damage was extensive with widespread pine trees falling onto homes.

In total, 32 homes were affected, with a few homes being directly impacted by pine trees, effectively sliced in half. Damage to all single family homes was due to tree impacts, with no damage noted due directly to the straight-line winds.

Wind damage reports extended as far north as Lakeshore Drive. The path width peaked at just over 1 mile wide, mainly in the area inside Inner Perimeter Road.

Based on the size and number of trees uprooted and a few snapped, the maximum winds within this area is rated at 75 mph.

Also of particular note, that this storm continued moving northeast and produced hail up to golf ball size around 2:09 AM near the Naylor community in far eastern Lowndes County.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee would like to thank the City of Valdosta Fire Department, Lowndes County Fire Department, and the Lowndes County Emergency Management agency for their assistance in this damage assessment.

The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS Storm Data.

UPDATE 2 P.M.

According to the First to Know Weather team, approximately 2,000 power outages are still present in Lowndes County.

UPDATE 1:45 P.M.

The city of Valdosta said stormwater, arbor, and traffic management divisions, along with Georgia Power, Valdosta Police and Fire Departments are working together to recover from Wednesday's severe weather.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M.

ABC 27 photojournalist, Stefan Roberts, found this damage along Brighton Place in the Valdosta area.

Stefan Roberts

The City of Valdosta is also warning neighbors about scammers offering tree and debris removal services. On social media, the city posted the following:

SCAM ALERT:

Scammers in Valdosta are offering tree and debris removal services for exorbitant fees. Please refrain from interacting with individuals who are not certified tree surgeons.

Certified tree surgeons will possess documentation proving their legitimacy as a business recognized by the City of Valdosta. They will furnish a written estimate, a contractual agreement, and refrain from requesting upfront payments.

Additionally, it's advisable to consult your insurance provider prior to debris removal or commencing repairs.

UPDATE 11:15 A.M.

The City of Valdosta is updating neighbors on road closures due to storm damage.

UPDATE 10:40 A.M.

First to Know Weather graphics show about 2,000 power outages remain in Lowndes County following Wednesday morning's storms.

UPDATE 10:30 A.M.

First to Know Meteorologist Elizabeth Copeland breaks down power outages in South Georgia and analyzes the storm that left behind so much damage in the Valdosta area. Watch that video below:

Meteorologist Elizabeth Copeland analyzes the storm that damaged much of Valdosta, Georgia

UPDATE 10:15 A.M.

Valdosta Neighborhood Reporter, Malia Thomas, is surveying the storm damage in her community. Watch her Instagram Reel below on what she's found so far.

UPDATE 9:55 A.M.

Multiple trees are down in neighborhoods in the Valdosta area. Some trees have fallen on homes. Neighborhood reporter, Malia Thomas, is out surveying the damage.

Malia Thomas

UPDATE 9:15 A.M.

Power crews are working to restore electricity to the Valdosta area. Sheri Conner shared new photos with Neighborhood Reporter, Malia Thomas. They were taken along Jerry Jones Drive.

Sheri Conner

UPDATE 9 A.M.

The majority of power outages are on the north and northeast side of Valdosta. The image below shows the power outage map from Georgia Power. You can track outages live here.

UPDATE 7:30 A.M.

The City of Valdosta is responding to storm damage from Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The city issued the statement below regarding the situation Wednesday morning:

The City of Valdosta experienced severe weather overnight, resulting in significant disruptions to infrastructure and public services. Emergency organizations are actively working to ensure the safety of residents and to restore normalcy to the affected areas.

The storm has caused widespread power outages, downed power lines, and trees blocking roads throughout the city. As a result, the City of Valdosta Schools will be closed today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Residents are urged to shelter in place if possible and to avoid unnecessary travel until emergency crews can fully assess and address the damage. First responders are actively engaged in clearing roads and restoring power to affected areas.

The City of Valdosta appreciates the cooperation and patience of its residents during this challenging time. Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses.

For more information and updates, please visit City of Valdosta website [valdostacity.com] or follow us on social media.

ORIGINAL STORY:

• Thunderstorms have damaged parts of the Valdosta neighborhood.
• Those storms are impacting school operations.
• See the post from the city school district below and watch the latest First to Know Forecast in the video above.

VCS POST:

Overnight storms have downed trees in the city, making several school routes impassable. In addition, there are massive power outages that are impacting some of our schools and homes.

Valdosta City Schools will be closed for Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Students will be excused for this absence, and there will be no afterschool activities today.

School is expected to resume on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Please be careful and stay safe.