As officials survey damage in Troup County, storms bring more rain, flooding

Flash flooding and closed roads are the most significant concerns in west Georgia as a long line of severe weather continues to pummel the area.

Radar indicates that a tornado touched down near West Point in Troup County Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, damaging dozens of buildings and injuring several people.

Roads were closed Monday, including Third Avenue, Adams Road, Drummond Road and Gabbettville Road at Long Cane Creek, due to flooding and fallen trees.

“If it is a tornado and we get hit, am I gonna be alive,” was the thought that ran through Greg Robinson’s mind as he and his friends sat in their dorm room yesterday as storms hit the area.

Robinson and his friends Rico Johnson and Pete Carter stood looking over the flooded area of 3rd Avenue in downtown West Point Monday morning.

A train barreled down the tracks less than a few hundred yards from flooding at least three feet deep in some areas.

Carter said as the tornado hit the area, he began to think of his friends and family.

All three are part of the Point University Football team. Johnson said their classes have been canceled and the cafeteria where they eat is currently closed.

They said the power in their dorm began to flicker on and off as the storm made its way through.

“Many, many times the roads around here flood,” said Patrice Harriger. “We’re used to finding routes around.”

She cited problems with the drainage system in the area and creeks that overflow as contributing factors to the flooding.

About 9 miles south of the city on Shoemaker Road, century-old trees were torn from the ground. The remnants of brick houses stood as the rest laid scattered on the ground and the surrounding area.

Downed power lines stretched across the road at two points.

Gov. Brian Kemp is scheduled to visit West Point today. He declared a state of emergency Sunday, which will assist local governments in acquiring disaster funding.

Two tigers held at Pine Mountain Animal Safari escaped during the storm and were later recaptured, according to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.

Troup County Schools were closed Monday.

Muscogee County school buses are moving slower due to downed trees and flooding, but are still running. For more information, contact the district’s transportation department at 706-748-2876.