Officials with the Emergency Management Services in Mitchell County confirmed an EF-1 tornado swept through the Baconton area with winds up to 95 miles per hour. At last report at least 47 homes were damaged.

Coroner Edgar Perry of Turner County reports that the death of a 73 year old man was directly related to the storms that passed through their area. It occurred near Ashburn in Northern Turner County.

Street closures, power outages and fallen trees caused major problems for Albany residents. Some schools were closed and others had delayed openings. Members of the Dougherty County Commission earlier declared an emergency in part to minimize damages and injury.

Lowndes County and Valdosta City Schools were without their internet operations due to Albany storm damage. As many as 20 school districts throughout South Georgia were affected. The service provider is located in Albany.

This is return to school week for students in the area; Wednesday January 4th for students in Lowndes, Brooks, Cook, Clinch and Lanier counties will return Students at St. John’s, Scintilla, Open Bible, Highland and Georgia Christian School will also return Wednesday. January 5th for Valdosta City Schools: Berrien County Schools will return Monday, Jan. 9.

In an update on a fatality…53 year old Katrina Patterson of Thomasville lost her life in a tragic two vehicle accident in Monticello. The name of the other driver involved has not been released but troopers report that they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. No charges had been filed at last report.

Sheriff’s Department officials in Macon are running short of deputies. The department reports that the number of serving deputies is down by 157. Hiring is a top priority for 2017. The merger of the Macon Police Department with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office brought about a large increase in departmental veterans, some of whom have since opted to take advantage of the hefty early retirement incentive packages.