A deep and intensifying upper trough was moving from the southwest U.S. into the southeast U.S. from March 27th through the 29th.  Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms preceded the final passage of the upper low on the 29th.  Three to four inches of rain fell across many areas of north and central Georgia during this three-day period.  A number of streams, creeks, and rivers reached or exceeded bankful across north and central Georgia as the result of several days of at least moderate rainfall.  In addition, a number of the thunderstorms became severe on the 29th as the main upper trough moved through the area.  While most of the severe weather was in the form of damaging winds and hail, an isolated tornado was observed in Dooly county during the late morning hours on the 28th.

Flood in JONES, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 19:15:00 to 29-MAR-09 11:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRUTCHFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Although flash flooding had ended along Falling Creek in northwestern Jones county, the stream gage on Falling Creek near Juliette remained above bankful through the morning.  No additional damage was observed.

Flood in MONROE, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 12:00:00 to 29-MAR-09 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HIGGINS MILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Monroe County Emergency Management Director and local newspapers reported that up to five inches of rain fell during a 24-hour period on top of already saturated soils resulting in flooding of area creeks and streams.  This caused several roads to be washed out and closed.  In all, eights roads were closed as a result of flooding.  Most of the damage was the result of washed out culvert or drainage pipes.  Chambers Road at the intersection of Juliette Road was washed out by Chambliss Creek and left closed for an extended period of time.  Montpelier Springs Road was flooded at the Tobosofkee Creek bridge near Georgia Highway 42 and left closed for several days.  Zellner Road at Smith/Goodwyn Road was washed out and left impassible for an extended period of time.  Ebenezer Road at Lake Juliette was flooded for several days until the water receded.  Byars Road, a dirt road near the intersection of Georgia Highway 83 and Juliette Road, was covered with over a foot of water for over 24 hours, and washed out.

Heavy Rain in MERIWETHER, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 16:00:00 to 28-MAR-09 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MANCHESTER
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The Manchester Star Mercury reported that heavy rain, upwards of two inches during the afternoon on already saturated ground, caused a 27-foot long gas tank at the Quick Stop Food Mart on Georgia Highway 85 to rise out of the ground.  This occurred despite the fact that there were eight inches of concrete on top of the tank.  The tank had been empty for some time.

Lightning in DODGE, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 10:46:00 to 28-MAR-09 10:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLAINFIELD
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

An amateur radio operator reported that lightning struck a home in Planfield.  The lightning entered the home through the satellite dish mounted the roof.  Heavy rain extinguished the resulting fire.  Damage was minor.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALKER, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 20:42:00 to 29-MAR-09 21:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: CEDAR GROVE
Magnitude: 36.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Walker County 911 Center reported that four trees were blown down, scattered about the county.

Flood in SPALDING, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 23:18:00 to 30-MAR-09 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DIGBEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flooding was observed along the Flint River, which forms the western border of Spalding and Pike counties.  Flood stage of 12.0 feet was reached along the Flint River west of Griffin at the Georgia Highway 16 bridge.  The river crested at 12.9 feet at 1145 am EDT on March 29th.  Flooding continued until 300 am EDT on March 30, 2009.  Flooding was confined to low lands immediately adjacent to the river with no reported damage to structures or property.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Hail in NEWTON, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 15:44:00 to 28-MAR-09 15:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: DIALTOWN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

An amateur radio operator relayed a report of quarter-sized hail from extreme northern Newton county in the Gum Creek area near the Rockdale county line.

Flash Flood in GWINNETT, GEORGIA
From 27-MAR-09 15:04:00 to 27-MAR-09 19:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: DACULA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The river gage on the Alcovy river near Lawrenceville exceeded the flood stage of 9.0 feet at 404 pm EDT on March 27, 2009.  It remained above flood stage until 812 pm EDT.  The river crested at 9.5 feet at 630 pm EDT.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Flood in PIKE, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 23:18:00 to 30-MAR-09 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOLLONVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flooding was observed along the Flint River, which forms the western border of Spalding and Pike counties.  Flood stage of 12.0 feet was reached along the Flint River west of Griffin at the Georgia Highway 16 bridge, just northwest of Hollonville.  The river crested at 12.9 feet at 1145 am EDT on March 29th.  Flooding continued until 300 am EDT on March 30, 2009.  Flooding was confined to low lands immediately adjacent to the river with no reported damage to structures or property.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Hail in PIKE, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 14:20:00 to 28-MAR-09 14:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: ZEBULON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public observed penny-sized hail southwest of Zebulon.  At one location, the hail lasted for approximately two minutes.

Strong Wind in CHEROKEE, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 11:00:00 to 28-MAR-09 11:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Cherokee County Emergency Management Director reported that strong winds on the back side of a large area of rain and thunderstorms (sometimes referred to as a wake low) blew down several large trees and power lines from northeast of Ball Ground, to Canton, to Holly Springs.  Several roads were blocked from the downed trees and power lines.

Lightning in HOUSTON, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 12:00:00 to 28-MAR-09 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WRIGHTS MILL
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Houston County Emergency Management Director reported that lightning struck a home on Blue Ridge Lane resulting in minor electrical damage.

Hail in ROCKDALE, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 15:30:00 to 28-MAR-09 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAGNET
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio operators relayed reports of nickel to quarter-sized hail in the Conyers area.  Radar data and reports from Henry county suggest that hail of similar size fell from the southwest to the northeast part of the county.

Hail in WALTON, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 15:45:00 to 28-MAR-09 15:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: WALNUT GROVE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Amateur radio operators relayed reports of quarter-sized hail from the Newton/Rockdale county line west of Walnut Grove to five miles southeast of Loganville, or just southwest of Between.

Flood in HARRIS, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 18:23:00 to 29-MAR-09 00:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: TURNTIME CROSSROADS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Harris County Emergency Management Director observed flooding along the Ossahatchie and Mulberry Creeks in southern Harris county.  Damage was confined to minor debris cleanup.

Hail in FAYETTE, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 14:28:00 to 28-MAR-09 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAYETTEVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public observed quarter-sized hail in the Greenleaf Subdivision near the intersection of Georgia Highways 85 and 92.  Pea-sized hail was observed further west in Peachtree City from this same thunderstorm.  One tree was also blown down in Peachtree City at the intersection of Hippocket Road and Loblolly Court.

Thunderstorm Wind in TELFAIR, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 14:45:00 to 28-MAR-09 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JACKSONVILLE
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Telfair County Emergency Management Director reported that three trees were blown down in the far southern part of the county near between Jacksonville and Lumber City.

Hail in HENRY, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 15:00:00 to 28-MAR-09 15:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: LOCUST GROVE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several reports of large hail were received from the public across southeast Henry county.  This was one of two severe thunderstorms to track across the county in the 400 pm to 430 pm EDT time frame.  Penny to golf ball-sized hail was reported near Locust Grove with quarter-sized hail near Ola as the storm moved further northeast.

Lightning in HOUSTON, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 08:05:00 to 28-MAR-09 08:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: PERRY
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Houston County Emergency Management Director reported that a home was struck by lightning of Arena Road between Georgia Highway 129 and U.S. Highway 341.  The home minor damage from the resulting fire.  Lightning was also likely the culprit of a downed power line southwest of Perry near Henderson, but may also have been the result of thunderstorm winds.

Flash Flood in JONES, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 13:21:00 to 28-MAR-09 19:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRUTCHFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS gage located on Falling Creek four miles east of Juliette in far northwest Jones county, reached the flood stage of 13.0 feet at 221 pm EDT on March 28, 2009.  The creek crested at 1045 pm EDT more than five feet above flood stage later at 18.79 feet.  The creek fell below flood stage at 1219 pm EDT on March 29, 2009, but flash flooding ended at 815 pm EDT on March 28th.  Given that the flooding was confined to very rural areas immediately along the creek, damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Hail in HARRIS, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 13:53:00 to 28-MAR-09 13:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAMILTON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A Harris County Sheriff's Deputy observed penny-sized hail west of Hamilton.  Radar data suggests that hail of similar size likely fell across much of southwest, west central and north central Harris county.  This is a separate thunderstorm from the storm which also produced penny-sized hail earlier between Hamilton and Pine Mountain Valley.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 09:20:00 to 28-MAR-09 09:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: AMERICUS
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Sumter County Emergency Management Director considerable damage near the Americus Wal Mart at the corner of U.S. Highway 280 and Feldar Street.  In addition to many trees and power lines down in the area, considerable damage was noted to several buildings and property in the general area.  A Goodwill drop off box was turned over as well as several truck bed covers which were blown over and about.  To the southeast of Americus, several trees and power lines were down along Brady Road.  Part of the roof was blown of the Textron building and a wall of the same building collapsed.  Another building at Caravel Boats also sustained roof damage.  The liners of three trucks at a nearby Ford Dealership were blown near 1500 feet to the east and landed on Sherwood Road.  The emergency manager indicated that the wind was caused by strong straight line winds and not a tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind in CRISP, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 09:39:00 to 28-MAR-09 10:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: CONEY
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Wind gusts of 62 mph were measured by a University of Georgia (UGA) Mesonet site located near Cordele.  The Crisp County Emergency Management Director reported that some power lines were down on 15th Street in Cordele, five to six trees and some power lines were down near Lake Blackshear and Georgia Veterans State Park along U.S. Highway 280 in the western part of the county, and at least four trees were down north of Cordele near the Dooly county line.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 10:08:00 to 28-MAR-09 10:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: BROWNDALE
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Pulaski County Emergency Management Director reported that two trees were down in the area just southeast of Browndale.  One of the trees was down on a home causing considerable damage to the roof of the structure.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILCOX, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 10:07:00 to 28-MAR-09 10:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Wilcox County Emergency Management Director reported that several trees were blown down across the county.

Hail in HARRIS, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 13:13:00 to 28-MAR-09 13:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAMILTON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Harris County 911 Center reported penny-sized hail.  The Harris county Emergency Management Director observed less than penny-sized hail just south of Pine Mountain Valley.

Thunderstorm Wind in STEWART, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 08:30:00 to 28-MAR-09 08:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUMPKIN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Stewart County Emergency Management Director reported that a few trees were down south of Lumpkin along with minor structural damage to a building in the far southern part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 09:10:00 to 28-MAR-09 09:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: DRANEVILLE
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Marion County Emergency Management Director reported that a few trees were down along Georgia Highway 30 in the far southeast part of the county between Draneville and Friendship.

Tornado in DOOLY, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 09:50:00 to 28-MAR-09 09:51:00 (EST-5)
Location: LILLY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Dooly County Emergency Management Director confirmed that a brief EF0 tornado touched down along Pleasant Valley Road, between Steele Road and Truman Road, approximately four miles northwest of Vienna, and tracked northeast for about 1/4 mile or 500 yards.  The maximum path width was determined to be 50 yards.  At least 50 trees were uprooted or snapped in half along the path of the tornado.  Several homes were damaged from the downed trees.  Six homes sustained minor roof damage when shingles or guttering was blown off.  Some metal carports were damaged and a few outbuildings were destroyed.

Hail in HENRY, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 15:10:00 to 28-MAR-09 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAMPTON
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Numerous reports of quarter to half-dollar-sized hail were received from Henry county as a second thunderstorm tracked from the southwest corner of the county to the northeast corner of the county.  An off-duty National Weather Service employee measured 1.25 inch diameter hail at the Atlanta FAA Air Traffic Control Center in Hampton, while the public observed penny, but mostly quarter to half-dollar-sized hail from Hampton, to McDonough, to east of Stockbridge.

Hail in SPALDING, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 14:55:00 to 28-MAR-09 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRIFFIN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

An amateur radio operator relayed a report of golf ball-sized hail on the east side of Griffin.  Nickel-sized hail was observed in Griffin.  Radar data suggests that hail of nickel or larger size likely continued to the far east central portion of the county as the storm produced hail just across the line in Henry county.

Flood in WILKES, GEORGIA
From 29-MAR-09 12:46:00 to 30-MAR-09 07:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: LITTLE RIVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The river gage on the Little River west of Washington exceeded the flood stage of 22 feet at 1246 pm EDT on March 29, 2009.  The river remained above the flood stage through 815 am EDT on March 30, 2009.  The river crested at 22.6 feet on March 29, 2009 at 1015 am EDT.  Damage was confined to minor debris clean up.

Hail in CLAYTON, GEORGIA
From 28-MAR-09 14:34:00 to 28-MAR-09 14:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: JONESBORO
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public observed nickel-sized hail on the southside of Jonesboro.