A strong upper level system combined with a moist south to southeast flow, moderate instability, a cold pool aloft, and enhanced surface convergence along and ahead of an approaching cold front moving through the Deep South.  This combination of parameters resulted in widespread severe weather across northwest, west central, and central Georgia including damaging winds, large hail, and a tornado.  A wedge of cold air was in place across northeast Georgia, which acted to stabilize this area with only isolated reports of severe weather.  The bulk of the severe weather was concentrated along a zone just to the south and west of the wedge front, where instability and low-level shear were maximized.

Thunderstorm Wind in BIBB, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:42:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: (MCN)WILSON ARPT MAC
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS station at the Macon airport measured a 52 kt gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARRIS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:49:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLINES CROSSROADS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Harris County 911 Center reported numerous trees down throughout the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in FLOYD, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:40:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRICE
Magnitude: 87.00 EG
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service storm survey team determined that straight-line winds between 80 and 100 MPH occurred in the Silver Creek area.  A home off Center Road was damaged by winds approximately 80 MPH.  Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped along Highway 101 where the Silver Creek Mini Mart was heavily damaged.  Winds were estimated at 100 MPH at this location.  Also, several homes were damaged due to falling trees.  Seven minor injuries occurred in the Silver Creek area, with three requiring hospitalization.

Thunderstorm Wind in FLOYD, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROME
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Floyd County Emergency Manager reported that numerous trees were blown down and snapped, with power outages, in the Rome area.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALKER, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAWKINS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Walker County 911 Center reported numerous trees blown down or snapped, with several power outages, in LaFayette.

Thunderstorm Wind in BIBB, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:37:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIVOLI
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 450.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Ham radio operators and the Macon Fire Department reported wind damage across the Macon area.  Numerous trees and power lines were down across the city.  Several trees fell on homes, trapping the occupants inside.  Media also reported that the press box at the First Presbyterian Day School on Calvin Drive was blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind in COWETA, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: TURIN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported that numerous trees were blown down on Elders Mill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in COWETA, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:10:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: SARGENT
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Coweta County Emergency Manager reported trees down across the northern part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:25:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: CEDARTOWN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Polk County 911 Center relayed numerous reports of trees blown down or snapped with multiple power outages in the Cedartown area.  One tree fell on a car, injuring both occupants, one fatally.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHATTOOGA, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:18:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: SUMMERVILLE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 120.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Chattooga County 911 Center reported that numerous trees were blown down or snapped, causing several power outages in Summerville.  Some of the trees fell on homes.

Thunderstorm Wind in FLOYD, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:44:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAVE SPG
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 35.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Floyd County Emergency Manager reported that several trees were blown down in the Cave Spring area.  Power lines fell on a vehicle on Padlock Mountain Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOLLONVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Pike County Emergency Manager reported that several trees were blown down in Hollonville, especially along Falcon Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:20:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLAINS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Middle Flint Regional E911 Center reported that several trees were blown down in Plains.

Thunderstorm Wind in TALBOT, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:50:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: WOODLAND
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 45.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The Talbot County Sheriff's office reported that several trees were blown down near Georgia Highway 36.  At least one tree blocked a portion of the highway.  A motorist swerved to miss a tree that had fallen across the highway, subsequently hitting another tree.  The passenger was killed in the accident.

Hail in EMANUEL, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:56:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORRISTOWN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media reported quarter sized hail in Norristown.

Hail in NEWTON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:15:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: JERUSALEM
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 1.22M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Newton County 911 Center reported golfball sized hail in the Mansfield area.

Hail in SUMTER, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:08:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: MYRTLE SPRINGS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 129.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Middle Flint Regional E911 Center and the public reported quarter to golfball sized hail north of Americus.

Hail in HENRY, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:50:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC DONOUGH
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 2.40M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported golfball size hail in McDonough.

Hail in CLAYTON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:40:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: HASTINGS
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 2.10M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported 1 to 2 inch hail across southern Clayton County.

Hail in FAYETTE, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAYETTEVILLE
Magnitude: 2.50 
Property damage: 4.33M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Fayette County Emergency Manager and a storm chaser reported quarter to tennis ball sized hail in Fayetteville.

Hail in DAWSON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: DAWSONVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Dawson County Emergency Manager reported quarter sized hail in Dawsonville.

Hail in HENRY, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:13:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: STOCKBRIDGE
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 9.43M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Ham radio operators, spotters, and current and former National Weather Service employees reported golfball to baseball sized hail in Henry County in the first of two significant hailstorms to move through during the 6 PM hour.

Hail in MERIWETHER, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:12:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:17:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUTHERSVILLE
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 371.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Meriwether County 911 Center relayed numerous reports of damage from baseball sized hail in Luthersville.

Hail in CLAYTON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:02:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD I
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 2.10M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Fulton County Emergency Manager as well as airline and federal employees at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported quarter to golfball sized hail at the airport.  Numerous windshields were broken on Interstate 85 south.

Hail in FULTON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:55:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: FIFE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter sized hail in Union City.

Hail in COWETA, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:50:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRANTVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 1.10M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Coweta County Emergency Manager reported golfball sized hail in Grantville.

Hail in DOUGLAS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:28:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: DOUGLASVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 2.29M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Ham radio operators relayed reports of golfball sized hail in Douglasville.

Hail in CARROLL, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:07:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BOWDON
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 768.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Ham radio operators and the public reported 1 to 2 inch hail across Carroll County in the second of two significant hailstorms that moved through.

Hail in CATOOSA, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:00:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: FT OGLETHORPE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter sized hail in Fort Oglethorpe.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:42:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: WRENS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 120.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Jefferson County Emergency Manager reported that numerous trees and power lines were blown down between Wrens and Louisville.  Two houses had trees fall on them; on had minor and the other had major damage.  Up to 22 roads were blocked by falling trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHATTAHOOCHEE, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:36:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:41:00 (EST-5)
Location: IDA VESPER
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Fort Benning Emergency Manager estimated wind gusts to 60 MPH that caused damage to several trees on this portion of the military reservation.  Dime-sized hail was also reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in DOUGLAS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:04:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: LITHIA SPGS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 175.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Douglas County Emergency Manager reported that numerous trees and power lines were blown down in the Lithia Springs area.  Three vehicles and five homes were damaged by falling trees, and several roads were blocked.

Hail in MARION, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:45:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: DRANEVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 41.37K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Marion County Emergency Manager reported that widespread dime-sized hail covered the ground along Georgia Highway 30.  Some of the hailstones were as large as golfballs.

Hail in HEARD, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:26:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: TEXAS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter sized hail just southeast of Waresville.

Hail in CARROLL, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 15:45:00 to 18-MAR-13 15:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: CENTER PT
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Ham radio operators and the public reported quarter to half dollar sized hail in the first of two hailstorms to move across Carroll County.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARALSON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:50:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: OLD TALLAPOOSA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The Haralson Gateway-Beacon reported that numerous trees and power lines were blown down from Tallapoosa to Bremen.  Several buildings in Tallapoosa sustained minor damage.  The Tally Mountain Golf Course had between 400-500 trees blown down and a fence and a porch destroyed.  In Bremen, several signs were damaged and a business sustained roof damage.

Hail in DOUGLAS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:04:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: LITHIA SPGS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 2.29M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Douglas County Emergency Manager reported that golfball sized hail occurred in the Lithia Springs area, damaging vehicles and homes.

Thunderstorm Wind in WILCOX, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:45:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: FIVE POINTS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Wilcox County 911 Center reported trees and power lines blown down county wide.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: DEEPSTEP
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Washington County 911 Center reported trees and power lines blown down county wide.

Thunderstorm Wind in CARROLL, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 16:49:00 to 18-MAR-13 16:49:00 (EST-5)
Location: CARROLLTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported that roof was blown off an auto sales store.

Hail in PUTNAM, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:55:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUNTS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 222.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported golfball sized  hail in Eatonton.  The hail was so deep it covered the ground completely.

Tornado in MERIWETHER, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:10:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCKY MT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 125.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service storm survey determined that an EF2 tornado with wind speeds up to 120 MPH touched down near Rocky Mount Road and Caldwell Road in Meriwether County.  IT traveled east to southeast before lifting one mile west of Concord in Pike County.  Total path length was 13.35 miles and up to 300 yards wide.  In Meriwether County, thousands of trees were either blown over or snapped, with some falling on homes.
[03/18/13: Tornado #1, County #1-2, EF2, Meriwether-Pike, 2013:004].

Thunderstorm Wind in HOUSTON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:40:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: PERRY FT VLY ARPT
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Houston County Emergency Manager reported that widespread trees were down across the county.  Nearly all unincorporated areas were without power.

Hail in MUSCOGEE, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:14:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: AVONDALE
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 2.79M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public and broadcast media reported large hail 1 to 2 inches in diameter across the Columbus area.  The hail fell for 10 minutes and covered the ground.

Tornado in PIKE, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:25:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: PEDENVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 160.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF-2 tornado that touched down in Meriwether County continued into Pike County.  A home sustained minor roof damage, had both doors blown out, and four front windows were damaged.  One barn was completely destroyed, and another shifted several feet off its foundation.  A pontoon boat was thrown into a third barn.  Two neighboring houses sustained minor damage, one to the roof and another to the garage.  Thousands of trees were snapped or uprooted, some falling on homes.
[03/18/13: Tornado #1, County #2-2, EF2, Meriwether-Pike, 2013:004].

Thunderstorm Wind in GLASCOCK, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:18:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: MITCHELL
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 110.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Glascock County Emergency Manager reported that numerous trees and power lines were blown down from the Mitchell area to the Edgehill area.  Several large pines and at least one power pole were snapped.  Two homes were damaged by falling trees and several roads were blocked.  A tin roof was ripped off of a mobile home, and the south end of the county was without power.

Thunderstorm Wind in HANCOCK, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHOULDERBONE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Hancock County 911 Center reported numerous trees down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAURENS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 19:41:00 to 18-MAR-13 19:51:00 (EST-5)
Location: DUDLEY
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Laurens County 911 Center reported that numerous trees were blown down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in JONES, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:45:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRAGG
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Jones County 911 Center reported that numerous trees were blown down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in UPSON, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:50:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: CREST
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 120.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Upson County 911 Center reported that trees and power lines were blown down county-wide, especially in the Yatesville area.  A mobile home was destroyed by a falling tree on Manley Road.  A vacant residence on Johnston Drive was damaged by a falling tree, and another home on Tom McKinley Road sustained roof and structural damage from a falling tree.  Numerous homes had shingle damage.  Farm equipment was blown over at The Rock Ranch.  Two to three chicken houses were blown apart.  A hangar door was blown off its tracks at the Thomaston-Upson airport.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARRIS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:10:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: WHITESVILLE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Harris County 911 Center reported numerous trees down near Whitesville.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:20:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HIGH FALLS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Monroe County Emergency Manager reported that trees were blown down countywide.  At least one car accident occurred as a result of the weather.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUTTS, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:59:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: TOWALIGA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Butts County Emergency Manager reported that numerous trees and power lines were blown down county wide.  Tree damage was especially heavy near Flovilla.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHEROKEE, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 17:12:00 to 18-MAR-13 17:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: WOODSTOCK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Cherokee County 911 Center reported that several trees were blown down or snapped in the Woodstock area.

Thunderstorm Wind in PEACH, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:54:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:54:00 (EST-5)
Location: POWERSVILLE
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Ham radio operators relayed a report of a tree down on a mobile home near Byron.

Hail in HENRY, GEORGIA
From 18-MAR-13 18:30:00 to 18-MAR-13 18:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAMPTON
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 9.43M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Henry County Emergency Manager, current and former National Weather Service Employees, and the public reported quarter to baseball sized hail in the second of two significant hailstorms across Henry County.