A mid-level ridge remained in place over the Southern Plains, with weak northwest flow continuing across the Southeast.  Left over outflow boundaries from convection on the 25th helped to focus development on the 26th.  Numerous thunderstorms developed, and several became severe with wind damage reported.  Damage was reported from lightning strikes as well.

Lightning in BARROW, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 22:15:00 to 26-JUL-12 22:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: WINDER
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A historic church, built in 1904, was completely destroyed by a lightning strike and resulting fire at 71 West Candler Street.  The church was the oldest in Winder and had recently undergone over $700,000 worth of restoration and renovation, with only $10,000 left of repairs to go before it was fully restored.  As it was, the historic church was worth millions.  Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the church alone, although other homes along the block were evacuated as a precaution.

Thunderstorm Wind in UPSON, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 18:16:00 to 26-JUL-12 18:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: PICKARD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Upson County Emergency Manager reported several trees down in the western part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOUSTON, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 18:20:00 to 26-JUL-12 18:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: WALLSTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast Media reported several trees down in Warner Robins.

Thunderstorm Wind in JONES, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 19:06:00 to 26-JUL-12 19:06:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLINTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast Media reported seven trees down southwest of Gray.

Thunderstorm Wind in BIBB, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 19:20:00 to 26-JUL-12 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: PAYNE CITY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Bibb County 911 Center and the public reported at least a dozen trees down across the city of Macon.

Hail in PEACH, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 18:25:00 to 26-JUL-12 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BYRON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter sized hail in Byron.

Thunderstorm Wind in JONES, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 17:36:00 to 26-JUL-12 17:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: VAN BUREN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast Media relayed a report of a gas station awning downed by strong winds.  The awning only had two columns and was blown over, with most damage occurring because of the canopy hitting the ground.

Thunderstorm Wind in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 18:25:00 to 26-JUL-12 18:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUTLER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Taylor County Emergency Manager reported that a few trees and a few power lines were blown down on several roads near Butler, including Ed Davis Road, Americus Road, Crossroad School Road, and North Davis Road.

Lightning in UPSON, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 18:20:00 to 26-JUL-12 18:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: HANNAH MILL
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Upson County Emergency Manager reported that a building and underground gas line were struck by lightning on Jeff Davis Road.  Electrical outlets were blown in the building.  The fire that was started where the gas line was struck was quickly put out by firefighters.

Lightning in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 26-JUL-12 18:05:00 to 26-JUL-12 18:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOWARD
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Middle Flint Regional 911 Call Center reported that lightning started a wildfire along South Fox Run Road west of Butler.