Overnight curfew lifted in Griffin after severe weather, tornado damages stores and roads

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — The City of Griffin sustained significant damage due to Thursday afternoon’s storms and possible tornados.

The city issued a curfew for residents that expired Friday morning. The statement reads as follows:

“Local State of Emergency- A curfew is imposed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. effective immediately. Residents, unless “exempt individuals” as defined herein, shall remain in their homes or on their property during the curfew period. Please see the detailed resolution at cityofgriffin.com for a list of exempt individuals. #griffinstrong.”

Channel 2′s Tom Jones went to Griffin after the storms passed Thursday to assess the damage.

He first came upon a tree down at a BP gas station at W. Taylor and 10th. The tree knocked down a light pole.

Not far away, another large tree was down.

A couple of blocks away on 11th Street at W. Taylor, a Channel 2 Action News photographer shot a massive tree that fell, knocking down power and utility lines. The tree blocked the road.

Channel 2 Action News then shot another massive tree on W. Poplar Street. It blocked the road and knocked down power lines.

Photos from viewers show damages at a Griffin Walmart at 1941 Tara Blvd., the Hobby Lobby, and damages done near Griffin high school.

Damage to Griffin high school and Griffin Walmart (Elijah Lynch)

Video from another viewer also shows an overturned tractor-trailer on McDonough Road.

Overturned trailer in Griffin

A resident in the Westminster Hills community off of GA-16 said a tornado hit their neighborhood, destroying many homes.

“(A) tornado hit our neighborhood. Many homes destroyed and the neighborhood is blocked by large lines. (We) can’t get out. Have a school bus with children stuck here too. We have no service or power. Hoping this message gets out. Westminster Hills off GA-16 in Griffin GA,” said Dein Vatti Bergerminerstaffler in a Facebook post.

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office posted a message in response to the recent damages caused by the severe weather on Thursday.

As you are well aware, we have had what appears to be tornado damage on both the east and west sides of Spalding County and the City of Griffin. There are widespread reports of trees and power lines down, businesses and homes damaged, and we along with all public safety agencies in the county, public works and others are attempting to get into some areas. If you do not have a good reason to be out, stay home. With trees and lines down and darkness here, it’s not a good night to get out. Keep public safety, and all those out working in your prayers. Be patient, everyone is working as fast and as hard as they can to clear roads, restore power, check on folks, and get you home or to work. Thanks!

Griffin-Spalding County Schools announced schools will be closed Friday, Jan. 13. and all school activities are canceled.

Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon will be LIVE in Griffin on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.

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IN OTHER NEWS:

Governor declares State of Emergency after powerful storms move through North Georgia

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