A line of thunderstorms ahead of an approaching cold front started developing and intensifying in the mid to late afternoon hours across northern Georgia and Alabama. There were also discrete supercells developing ahead of the main line during peak heating. The line approached the western part of the forecast area around 9 pm as the line was beginning to interact and consolidate with the discrete cells out ahead of it. The line swept across the entire forecast area with numerous reports of wind damage and a smaller collection of large hail. The near storm environment was marked by impressive mid levels with 500-700 mb lapse rates less than -7 C/km and LI's as low as -3 to -4 C. The presence of an elevated mixed layer resulted in DCAPE values in the 800-1000 J/kg range. The upstream convective line was forced by strong ambient shear (on the order of 50-60 kts in the 0-6 km layer) with adequate surface based instability (CAPE in the 500-750 J/kg range). The supercell elements upstream yielded a tornado threat which subsequently diminished into the forecast area with less instability present and a convective mode favoring linear segments.  The Storm Prediction Center hoisted a Severe Thunderstorm Watch around 7:30 pm for all of southeast Georgia and the portion of South Carolina that bordered the Savannah river. The line not only maintained its strength but intensified with base velocities upwards of 70 knots at times as it entered the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in EFFINGHAM, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 21:12:00 to 18-MAR-13 21:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: BERRYS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Public

The public estimated a 70 mph wind gust.

Hail in EFFINGHAM, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 21:10:00 to 18-MAR-13 21:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLYO
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Effingham County 911 Call Center reported half dollar size hail in Clyo, Georgia.

Hail in EFFINGHAM, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 21:12:00 to 18-MAR-13 21:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: BERRYS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

The public reported golf ball size hail near Clyo, Georgia.

Hail in CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 21:45:00 to 18-MAR-13 21:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLOOMINGDALE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported quarter size hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in JENKINS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 20:15:00 to 18-MAR-13 20:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: MILLEN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.25K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Jenkins County 911 Call Center reported a tree limb went through a roof at the 600 block of Walnut Street.

Thunderstorm Wind in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 20:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 20:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: JIMPS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Bulloch County 911 Call Center reported a tree down near on Country Club Road near the Iron Gate Subdivision.

Thunderstorm Wind in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 20:31:00 to 18-MAR-13 20:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: STATESBORO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.25K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Bulloch County 911 Call Center reported a tree fell on a house on the 100 block of South Roundtree Street.

Thunderstorm Wind in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 20:31:00 to 18-MAR-13 20:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLAND
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Bulloch County 911 Call Center reported a tree down near the intersection of Rocky Ford Road and Highway 25.

Thunderstorm Wind in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 20:31:00 to 18-MAR-13 20:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: AARON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Bulloch County 911 Call Center reported a tree down near the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and Old Moore Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCREVEN, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 20:52:00 to 18-MAR-13 20:53:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOYD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported a tree down on the 800 block of Poor Robin Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in EFFINGHAM, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 20:54:00 to 18-MAR-13 20:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: EGYPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Effingham County 911 Call Center reported a tree down along Highway 17 near Egypt, Georgia.