A weak short wave tracked northeast to the lee of the Southern Appalachians late Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening, providing ascent and allowing a band of convection to shift east into the forecast area. Convection became enhanced as a warm front lifted north and west into the forecast area causing dewpoints to surge into the mid 70s and destabilization to occur. Meanwhile, strong low-level shear developed as a low-level jet strengthened to 30-50 kt over the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in LONG, GEORGIA
From 27-OCT-09 17:01:00 to 27-OCT-09 17:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: DONALD
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A county official reported numerous trees and powerlines down on Highway 196. A tree also fell onto a car at the intersection of Flowers Road and Highway 196 with one person sustaining minor injuries.

Thunderstorm Wind in EFFINGHAM, GEORGIA
From 27-OCT-09 18:37:00 to 27-OCT-09 18:38:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARLOW
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported powerlines snapped in two along Stagecoach Avenue in Marlow, Georgia.

Funnel Cloud in BRYAN, GEORGIA
From 27-OCT-09 17:48:00 to 27-OCT-09 17:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: PEMBROKE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported a funnel cloud over Pembroke, Georgia.

Thunderstorm Wind in EFFINGHAM, GEORGIA
From 27-OCT-09 18:45:00 to 27-OCT-09 18:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: RINCON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement reported trees and powerlines down in Rincon, Georgia.

Tornado in LONG, GEORGIA
From 27-OCT-09 16:56:00 to 27-OCT-09 16:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: DONALD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Long county emergency manager reported shingle damage to two homes about 55 yards apart from each other along with trees and power lines down near the intersection of Flowers Road and Highway 196. Shingle damage was found on the northeast side of both home structures, thus indicating a tornadic circulation. A report of a tornado along with shingle and tree damage led to a confirmed EF0 tornado with estimated wind speeds of 75 to 85 miles per hour. The path of the tornado was brief with an estimate of a couple hundred feet in length. Monetary damage was estimated at $15,000. No deaths or injuries were associated with the tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind in LONG, GEORGIA
From 27-OCT-09 16:56:00 to 27-OCT-09 16:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: DONALD
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported 3 trees down with 1 tree down on a vehicle 3 miles north of Donald, Georgia.

Tornado in LIBERTY, GEORGIA
From 27-OCT-09 17:28:00 to 27-OCT-09 17:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILLIE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 425.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The United States Army Garrison at Fort Steward, Georgia found 850 full size trees downed in one of their training areas. Crew members of Fort Steward determined many downed trees were in a dropped matchstick pattern.  A survey from air and ground confirmed EF2 tornado damage with estimated wind speeds between 115 to 125 miles per hour. The tornado occurred along a southwest to northeast path beginning at latitude and longitude coordinates 32.002, -81.708 and ending at 32.013, -81.708. The tornado path length was 0.80 mile long and approximately 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile wide. A total of 63 acres were damaged. The monetary damage was estimated at $425,000. Timber from the trees will be salvaged. No injuries or deaths resulted from this event.