EF-2 tornado injures two in Henry County, Georgia

A confirmed EF-2 tornado touched down 3 km (2 miles) northeast of Luella in Henry County on May 29, injuring at least two people.

The tornado began at 03:31 local time (LT) and ended at around 03:36 LT, 3.2 km (2 miles) south-southeast of Blacksville. It had a maximum wind speed of about 217 km/h (135 mph) and a path length of 2.9 km (1.8 miles).

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the tornado touched down just north of Bethlehem Road, damaging trees in the area and along the I-75.

It rapidly intensified to EF-1 strength while tracking northeast, snapping and uprooting trees in a wooded region behind several homes along Curry Ridge in the Laurel Creek Subdivision. The tornado reached its maximum intensity upon reaching Fresh Laurel Lane in the subdivision.

Multiple homes sustained EF-1 damage near the end of the road, including significant loss of siding and shingles, blown-out windows, and partial collapse of the roof and wall structures. The final home along the street is where the tornado reached its maximum EF-2 intensity.

The home was completely destroyed except for a small interior closet on the first floor, where clothes remained hanging.

The house belonged to actor Tray Chaney, known for his role on HBO’s “The Wire”. Both he and his 18-year-old son were injured.

After returning from the hospital, Chaney posted on Instagram, reporting that his son was in the ICU with critical injuries. “I lost my home, I lost everything,” Chaney said. “I crawled from under my house with a big knot on my head, vomiting, but his injuries are much worse,” he added.

At least 13 structures were damaged, including two destroyed homes. Eleven others sustained minor to moderate damage.

Additionally, heavy rain caused flooding at three locations and downed several trees. Emergency crews continued to respond to weather-related calls into the evening.