A tornado struck Henry County, Georgia, on Thursday, causing significant damage and injuring residents. The tornado touched down in the Blacksville area near McDonough around 3:32 p.m., moving northeast at about 10 mph. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado, which left no advance warning for those in its path, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
The storm severely damaged 13 structures, with two homes completely destroyed. Among the injured was 18-year-old Malachi Chaney, who was critically injured after being thrown from his home in the Laurel Creek neighborhood. His father, actor Tray Chaney, known for his role on HBO's "The Wire," shared that Malachi suffered several broken ribs and a fractured facial bone. Tray Chaney expressed his distress, saying, "I wish I could replace the pain with my son," as reported by Atlanta News First.
The tornado also caused flooding in three locations and downed several trees, affecting traffic on Interstate 75. Residents like Courtney Bucio and Andreal Mallard Sr. recounted the terrifying moments as the tornado passed, with Bucio stating, "I looked outside my sliding door, I see rotation and things flying," and Mallard expressing surprise at the extent of the damage.
Emergency crews responded to numerous weather-related calls throughout the evening as cleanup efforts began. The suddenness of the tornado left many residents shaken but grateful for their safety. Deputy Chief Jason Bolton of the Henry County Police noted the lack of warning, saying, "There really was no warning," emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such storms.
The community continues to recover from the devastation, with Friday marked as another First Alert Weather Day, as more severe weather, including possible tornadoes, is expected in the region.