Powerful EF4 Tornado Struck Newnan, 1 Dead, How To Help

NEWNAN, GA — A powerful EF4 tornado ripped through Newnan late Thursday night, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Power lines and trees were knocked down throughout the city, and one person died as a result of the storm.

"Based on damage indicators in our ongoing survey, EF-4 damage indicative of wind speeds up to 170 mph were observed in the hardest hit areas around LaGrange St and Smokey Road," the National Weather Service said. "Teams will continue surveying over the coming days."

One person died and several other people were injured in the storm, Georgia Public Broadcasting reported. Newnan police asked residents to take extra caution Friday morning, saying there were downed power lines and trees blocking streets throughout the city.

"We are discouraging sightseeing as it is impeding first responders and utility workers from helping people that need our assistance," the department wrote on Facebook.

Buildings in historic downtown Newnan suffered serious damage, as did the town's high school.

As of Saturday morning, all but a handful of Newnan residents had their power restored. Track outages in real time using Georgia Power's online, interactive map.

The storm was categorized as an EF4, the National Weather Service said. That means it is classified as a devastating tornado with wind speeds between 166 and 200 miles per hour.

The NWS issued a tornado watch for a large swath of the state around 2 a.m. Friday, stretching from LaGrange to Elberton.

How to Help

The City if Newnan set up a collection drive for affected residents. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can drop off items for those in need at the Newnan Center at 1515 Lower Fayetteville Rd.

A second drop-off site for water, toiletries, cleaning supplies and plastic totes is open at the

Coweta County Fairgrounds Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, the city said.

The following items are needed:

• Water
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Trash bags
• Individually wrapped snacks
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, body wash)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Adult diapers
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing wipes/spray
• Toilet tissue
• Paper towels
• Gift cards
• Baby food
• Baby formula
• Cleaning supplies
• Bottles
• Baby clothes
• Zip lock bag
• Tarps
• Roll plastic
• Work gloves
• Non-perishable food
• Pet food
• High energy food & drinks
• Laundry detergent
• New underwear and socks

The city encouraged anyone in need of assistance to call the Red Cross at 855-891-7325.