Central Georgia's February Tornado History | News

Spring is still a few weeks away, but severe weather can strike Central Georgia ahead of schedule.  Twenty-one tornadoes have touched down during this time of year since modern record keeping began in 1950.

A majority of the storms formed in second half of the month when winter gradually transitions to spring.  With only a few exceptions, most of the tornadoes touched down during the afternoon and evening hours.

As is generally the case, most of these tornadoes were weak with five F0s, and seven F1s.  Seven reached the strong F2 level.  Only two were classified as severe F3s.

February tornadoes caused 3 fatalities and dozens of injuries.  The most damaging storm roared through Peach County in 1975.  Here's a list of each tornado with a brief summary of the impacts.  The information originates from the storm event database of the National Climatic Data Center.

Feb. 27, 1956

F0 in southern Monroe County, little impact

Feb. 24, 1961

F2 in Dooly County northwest of Pinehurst, minor damage

F2 in Twiggs County near Danville, minor damage

F2 in Bibb County near Lake Tobesofkee, minor damage

F2 in Baldwin County, location unspecified, minor damage

F2 in Taylor County near Butler, minor damage

Feb. 22, 1962

F2 in Taylor County north of Reynolds, minor damage

Feb. 28, 1966

F2 in Montgomery County near Uvalda, minor damage

Feb. 13, 1969

F1 in Dooly County north of Vienna, minor damage

Feb. 18, 1975

F3 in Peach County, including Fort Valley.  2 killed, over 50 injured, roughly $25 million in damage.

Feb. 1, 1976

F0 in Treutlen County near Soperton, minor damage 

Feb. 10, 1990

F1 in Upson County west of Thomaston.  2 injured, significant damage.

F1 in Sumter County near Americus.  1 injured, significant damage. 

Feb. 17, 2008

EF0 to EF1 in Taylor and Crawford Counties.  Long-track tornado began as EF2 near Glenville, Alabama.  8 injured near Roberta from significant damage to homes. 

EF0 in western Jones County, minor damage. 

Feb. 18 2009 - most active February event

EF0 in Taylor County southeast of Butler, minor damage

EF0 in Houston County at Robins Air Force Base.  Weak tornado briefly spotted by weather observer, no damage.

EF1 in Jasper County east of Monticello, minor damage.

EF1 in Putnam County south of Eatonton.  1 injured, significant damage.

EF1 in Jasper County north of Monticello, minor damage.

EF3 in Hancock County east of Sparta.  1 killed, 3 injured, significant damage.

More information from National Weather Service in Peachtree City

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