VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) -- Monday's storm damage was indeed caused by a tornado, according to a preliminary report released by a National Weather Service survey team.
The group from the Tallahassee NWS office determined the tornado reached EF2-level strength on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with estimated peak wind gusts of 120 mph.
The tornado formed north of Langdale's Pond and Old Clyattville Road on the southern edge of Valdosta, and tracked slightly less than one mile to the east. The greatest amount of damage was seen in the early phase of the tornado track near Langdale Forest Products, where several metal buildings sustained heavy damage. Nearby vehicles were thrown about 70 yards away by the storm, and two train rail cars were overturned.
The tornado ultimately weakened as it approached South Patterson Street near Dampier Street, with lighter damage reported in the vicinity.
Nine injuries and no fatalities were reported in the tornado that reached 180 yards in width at one point.
According to the NWS report, this was the first tornado to directly affect the Azalea City since Nov. 1, 1997.
