BIG STORM

A huge storm came through much of Jasper and surrounding counties last Friday, leaving destruction, power outages, downed trees and havoc behind. The storm hit Monticello about 4:30 p.m., with heavy downpours of rain, strong winds and thunder and lightning, a combination that resulted in a power lines downed.

Across from the Circle K convenience store, on Hwy. 16, a tree was struck by lightning and hit the lines, which pulled the pole down. It took 12 hours for electricity to be restored to the area, AT&T was still working on the phone lines days later. There were also trees down all over the county with the above photo showing one that blocked traffic on Hwy. 16 west at Concord Church Rd.

In the photo below, a tree fell on several grave sites at West View Cemetery. There were many reports of telephone, television and power outages. Central Georgia EMC reported that it had 336 meters without power in the Monticello area, losing power about 4:30 p.m., but it was restored by 7:30 p.m. More storms are anticipated all week.