An unusually strong upper-level trough and associated cold front were approaching the area from the west.  This triggered scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours of the 28th.  Several of these became severe.  Cloud-to-ground lightning was also an issue.  The system became even stronger on the 29th producing widespread severe thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm Wind in JASPER, GEORGIA
From 28-JUN-08 16:35:00 to 28-JUN-08 16:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 37.00 EG
Property damage: 0.75K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Jasper County 911 Center reported that three trees were down in the Monticello area.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALKER, GEORGIA
From 28-JUN-08 18:45:00 to 28-JUN-08 18:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHICKAMAUGA
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Walker County 911 Center reported that five trees were blown down in the Chickamauga area.  A couple of these brought down power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in GILMER, GEORGIA
From 28-JUN-08 19:52:00 to 28-JUN-08 20:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELLIJAY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Gilmer County 911 Center reported that several trees and at least one power line were down in the Ellijay area.  Doppler radar data indicates that strong winds likely affected the area between Ellijay and Cherry Log.

Lightning in LAURENS, GEORGIA
From 28-JUN-08 15:00:00 to 28-JUN-08 15:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: DEXTER
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Laurens County 911 Center reported that lightning strikes resulted in two structural fires in the Cadwell area and a grass fire in the Dexter area.

Lightning in CARROLL, GEORGIA
From 28-JUN-08 15:45:00 to 28-JUN-08 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: MANDEVILLE
Property damage: 0.25K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Carroll County 911 Center reported that lightning struck a tree on Mandeville Road setting it on fire.

Hail in JOHNSON, GEORGIA
From 28-JUN-08 15:40:00 to 28-JUN-08 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: MEEKS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public observed penny-sized hail in the Meeks area.  Radar data suggests that similar or possibly even slightly larger hail fell south of Meeks along the Johnson and Emanuel county line south to Scott and Adrian, although no specific reports were received from this very rural area.  One tree was also down in Meeks, and a couple of trees were also down in Swainsboro to the east in Emanuel county.

Thunderstorm Wind in WHITFIELD, GEORGIA
From 28-JUN-08 19:03:00 to 28-JUN-08 19:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: DALTON
Magnitude: 75.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia determined that strong straight-line wind of 70 to 80 mph affected a small area of southern Whitfield county, approximately three miles southwest of Dalton.  Damage was concentrated along a 100 yard long and 250 yard wide path along Brookview Lane.  Several trees were snapped and hundreds of large limbs were ripped from trees.  Some power lines were down in the area as well.  Several fences were damaged from the downed trees and tree limbs and minor to moderate roof damage was observed to three homes and one outbuilding in the area.