Tornadoes Move Through South Georgia

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Damage to Farmers Gin and Peanut Company in Moultrie, Georgia

The National Weather Service reports at least three tornadoes touched down in South Georgia this afternoon. Damage is reported in Mitchell, Clinch, Cook and Colquitt Counties.

So far no deaths are reported but damage to structures is significant in some places touching everything from farm buildings to homes to even the most sentimental community assets .

Chet Powell from Adel said while it may seem insignificant to some, the loss of the iconic "Big Oak" on West Meeting Street in Adel is a "terrible blow" to the community.

"For the past 42 years it was the site of the Big Oak Community Celebration on Christmas Eve," Powell said. "I attended many of those celebrations with my father, C.J. Powell, when he was their state representative. While I am sure the celebration will continue in some fashion, it's sad to know that last year's celebration was the last one."

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black said this could not have come at a worse time.

"From what we are hearing so far, the damages are widespread and the impacts deep," he said. "South Georgia communities and farmers are still recovering from devastating storms in recent years."