Cherokee County weathered some high winds and heavy rains overnight – as strong storms made their way across the region leaving behind downed trees and isolated power outages across the county.

Both Cherokee and Etowah County was placed under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning with winds of up to 50mph packing a punch. Golf-ball size hail was reported in parts of Gadsden Hokes Bluff and Ball Play.  We also had reports of hail described as “ping pong ball sized”, in and around the Unity community along County Roads 82 and 75 near Harton’s Store, where a number of windows were broken out from the size and force of the frozen precipitation.

The hardest hit locations appeared to be around the Bay Springs and Big Oak areas where a large number of trees were either knocked over or “snapped” – bringing power lines down with them; in one instance, a massive wrought-iron fence was blown over, 

There were numerous reports of trees causeing damage to rooftops, and boat houses being damaged.

We’ve also had reports of numerous trees being blown over, and extremely large hail, along sections of County Road 686.

Fortunately, we’ve had no reports of anyone being hurt during the storms.