A strong storm front moved across Cherokee County late Tuesday afternoon leaving a large number of downed trees, and some property damage, in its wake. 

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service for the eastern and southern portions of the county around 5:00pm; the storm developed very quickly just south of Centre and it packed a punch, with high winds causing widespread reports of trees being down including La Ru Finis in Leesburg where there was also a report of a tree across the back deck; Bristow Gap Road in Leesburg; County Road 48; on Alabama Highway 68 at County Road 151; Sand Rock Avenue; County Road 44; at the intersection of County Roads 18 and 14; Alabama Highway 273 and on County Road 71.

The National Weather Service indicated wind speeds could reach as much as 60 mph, as the front approached.

Trees were also reported down on houses in at least two locations – on Highway 411 and in Sand Rock.

A WEIS Radio listener informed us, that a lightning strike to their home took out the central heating and air systems, various appliances and more during the height of the storm.

Fortunately it appears no one was hurt during the approximately hour-long severe weather situation.