April 5-6, 2022
Severe Weather and Tornadoes
The April 5-6, 2022 severe weather event across Georgia was part of a multi-day severe thunderstorm outbreak in the Southeast, with north and central Georgia experiencing the primary impacts on April 5, 2022 (afternoon and evening hours). The main hazards were damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and 15 confirmed tornadoes (mostly EF-0 to EF-1, with a few stronger). No fatalities occurred in Georgia, but there were injuries and widespread structural/tree damage.
A moist and unstable airmass across the Southeast set the stage for two rounds of severe weather on April 5 and April 6, 2022.
April 5th brought widespread severe thunderstorms to central Georgia with damaging winds and tornadoes commonplace. Fifteen tornadoes occurred during the afternoon and evening hours of April 5th across central Georgia. While most tornadoes were EF-0 to EF-1 intensity, the strongest were an EF-2 tornado in Dooly County and an EF-3 tornado in Houston County. Fortunately, no serious injuries or deaths occurred.
April 6th brought an additional round of severe weather as widespread thunderstorms again developed amid building instability during the afternoon hours. Scattered reports of large hail and damaging wind gusts occurred through the afternoon and evening. Additionally, six more tornadoes of EF-0 and EF-1 intensity occurred in central Georgia. A cold front on the night of April 6th finally put an end to the severe weather threat.
Meteorological Setup
A strong upper-level trough and surface low over the Southeast drew in warm, moist Gulf air with high instability (CAPE 1500–3000+ J/kg) and strong shear (40–60+ kt deep-layer). A quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) and discrete supercells formed along a cold front and dryline, producing severe thunderstorms that moved through central Georgia during the afternoon/evening of April 5. The system weakened as it moved east, but embedded rotation and wind gusts remained threats into April 6.
Severe Weather Summary
- Tornadoes: 19 confirmed (NWS Peachtree City/FFC surveys):
- Ratings: Mostly EF-0 to EF-1; one EF-2, and one EF-3.
- Counties: Primarily central Georgia (e.g., Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley, Sumter, Dooly, Bleckley, Laurens, Dodge, Pulaski, and others).
- Paths: Short to moderate (0.5–15 miles); peak winds 80–160 mph.
- Damage: Tree uprooting/snapping, roof damage, barn/carport destruction, minor structural impacts; no fatalities or major injuries.
- Damaging Winds: Widespread gusts 60–80 mph (some higher in thunderstorms); tree/power line damage across central Georgia.
- Hail: Large hail reports (1–2 inches) in scattered locations, primarily north/central Georgia.
- Flooding: Heavy rain (2–5 inches in spots) caused minor flash flooding.
- Other Hazards: Frequent lightning; no significant derechos or widespread flooding.
Impacts
- Human Toll: No fatalities in Georgia; minor injuries from wind/tornado damage.
- Structural/Property: Tree/power line damage widespread; homes/businesses with roof/barn/carport damage; some structural impacts in tornado paths.
- Utilities: Scattered power outages from downed lines/trees.
- Transportation: Minor road closures; no major gridlock or airport disruptions.
- Economic: Moderate damage (primarily trees, power restoration, minor structural repairs); no statewide major disaster declaration for this event alone.
- Other: Emergency services responded to wind/tornado reports; central Georgia bore the brunt.
Other Notes of Interest
- Rarity and Legacy: A notable spring severe event for central Georgia; 15 tornadoes in one day is above average but not historic (compared to April 2011 Super Outbreak with 36 GA tornadoes).
- Unusual Phenomena: Multiple weak tornadoes from QLCS and supercells; no violent (EF4+) tornadoes in Georgia (contrast with South Carolina's EF-4 on April 5).
- Cultural Impact: Limited media coverage compared to larger outbreaks; local NWS surveys documented damage.
- A notable spring severe event for central Georgia: 15 tornadoes in one day is above average but not historic (compared to April 2011 Super Outbreak with 36 GA tornadoes).: Less intense than April 27–28, 2011 (36 tornadoes, 20 deaths) or March 2007 Atlanta EF-2; more tornado-focused than typical winter events.
This was a classic spring severe thunderstorm/tornado event for central Georgia, with north Georgia seeing lighter impacts
Apr 5 - Houston County EF3 Tornado
