On Jan. 30, five confirmed tornadoes touched down in Georgia, including a powerful one that struck Adairsville, affecting thousands of families and residents in Georgia. Many people in Atlanta would like to help the victims, so WXIA “11 Alive” TV station is broadcasting a Red Cross relief special called “After the Storm” on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 7-7:30 p.m. EST.
According to WXIA, the lights were out in Adairsville on Wednesday night, except for those beaming from emergency personnel. Bartow County officials identified the one death from the tornado as 51-year-old Anthony Raines, who was killed by blunt force trauma to the head and chest.
City leaders told WXIA that the devastation in Adairsville from the deadly tornado was the worst they’ve ever seen and called it “heart-wrenching.” "It was my first time being right in the middle of one of them," one resident told a reporter. "It's scary when the walls start moving and you can see everything expanding, you know it's time to hit the floor, hit the floor!" Preliminary findings indicate that the tornado could be classified as an EF-3.
The powerful tornado overturned cars and trucks and sent them flying through the air. Buildings, homes and businesses received major structural damage. Two people in Gordon County were critically injured and about 250-300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Emergency Red Cross shelters have been set-up throughout the regions that were hit by Wednesday's tornadoes.
Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in Gordon and Bartow Counties, as well as a dusk to dawn curfew. The National Weather Service confirmed that tornadoes touched down in five Georgia counties: Bartow, Gordon, Floyd, Paulding and Gilmer. It could be a long recovery process, but help is on the way.
To help those affected by the Georgia tornadoes, be sure to tune in tonight to WXIA’s Red Cross relief special called "After the Storm," which airs throughout the Atlanta and North Georgia area from 7-7:30 p.m. on 11 Alive. Reporters Matt Pearl, Mike Francis, Julie Wolfe, John Gerard and Chris Holcomb are in Adairsville today to spotlight the people affected by the deadly tornadoes and to show a human side of the tragedy. In addition, the NBC affiliate will inform people on how to donate money to the Red Cross to specifically help Georgia residents affected by Wednesday’s tornadoes.
In the meantime, a Facebook page has been set-up for Adairsville relief. The Church of God is currently coordinating volunteer efforts and a relief drive at Adairsville Square began on Thursday at 10 a.m. Around 11 a.m., Amber Callaway posted, “I’m on my way to Adairsville with donations.” The Salvation Army has already provided 125 meals to storm survivors and first responders in Calhoun and Adairsville.
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