The damaging storm that struck Trion Monday afternoon was not a tornado, according to the National Weather Service, but rather a downburst, likely a wet microburst, capable of producing winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph.

Chattooga County Emergency Management Director Pamela Vaughn said Tuesday that EMA contacted the National Weather Service office in Peachtree City for an analysis of the September 21 storm.

According to the NWS analysis, the thunderstorm began developing around 4:15 PM and rapidly grew over the next 15 minutes, reaching approximately 40,000 feet directly over the Trion area. The storm then quickly collapsed over roughly the next 20 minutes.

The Weather Service said that rapid development and collapse can produce a wet microburst, which occurs when rain-cooled air rapidly descends from a thunderstorm, hits the ground and spreads outward, producing powerful straight-line winds over a relatively small area.

The NWS estimated winds from such an event can reach 60 to 70 mph, strong enough to knock down trees, move unsecured objects and cause structural and minor roof damage.

According to EMA, Trion was located almost directly beneath the downburst.

Why There Was No Tornado Warning

The National Weather Service also addressed why no tornado warning was issued Monday.

The closest radar used to analyze the storm is located at Hytop, Alabama. The lowest radar scan showed winds of only about 10 to 15 mph within the storm, but that radar beam was more than a mile above the ground.

The damaging winds developed as air rapidly descended and then spread horizontally after reaching the surface, meaning those strongest winds were not directly visible to radar.

Most importantly, the National Weather Service found no rotation associated with the storm. Because there was no indication of a tornado, a tornado warning was not issued and tornado sirens were not activated.

Four Homes Identified With Damage

The new EMA report also provides the first official look at the extent of the damage.

Chattooga County E-911 received 17 calls during and immediately following the storm reporting downed trees, including some involving power lines.

EMA personnel conducted damage assessments Tuesday and identified several residences affected by falling trees. Four homes have so far been identified with tree-related damage, ranging from minor damage to more significant structural damage.

Officials are still contacting additional homeowners, meaning the final damage total could increase.

Chattooga County Public Works, the City of Summerville Maintenance Department and several local tree-service companies have assisted with cleanup and debris removal.

Anyone whose home was damaged by Monday’s storm and who has not yet spoken with EMA is asked to contact Chattooga County EMA Director Pamela Vaughn at 706-857-3400, Option 2.

EMA says documenting all storm-related damage is important as recovery efforts continue.