Shear winds of 58–62 mph cause damage in Carrollton

The Emergency Management Agency reported strong winds from a storm system that moved through the Carrollton area March 7 caused scattered damage but did not produce a tornado.

According to the EMA, the National Weather Service confirmed the storm involved shear winds between 58 and 62 mph, with no tornadic activity or rotation detected.

“There was no tornadic activity, no rotation with this storm,” EMA Deputy Director Dustin Lucas explained to the county at the March 9 meeting of Carroll County Commissioners. “The National Weather Service has confirmed that it was a shear wind that came through the Carrollton area that was up to 58 to 62 miles an hour.”

The storm prompted a tornado watch, but the EMA said no tornado developed.

The hardest-hit areas were in Carrollton, from the square outward and into the Queensboro area, where crews responded to downed trees and power lines. Dispatchers received numerous calls as the storm moved through the area.

“They were inundated every time a tree fell down or a power line went down,” officials said. “They were getting probably five to 10 calls on that single event.”

EMA Director Tom Cottis praised local agencies for their response, including the Carrollton Street Department, Carrollton Police Department, Carrollton Fire Department, AEP, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and county dispatchers.

The street department worked to clear debris and reopen roads while emergency personnel directed traffic around blocked areas.

The Carroll County Airport reported nearly a half-inch of rain during the storm.

Commissioner Donald Leggett II reported that, aside from a minor water issue near the health department garage, county buildings appeared to avoid significant damage.

The storm came ahead of Severe Weather Awareness Week, scheduled March 15-21. The EMA encourages residents to prepare for severe weather and stay informed during emergencies.

As part of the awareness week activities, a statewide tornado drill will be conducted Wednesday, March 18, 9:50 a.m., when tornado sirens controlled by dispatch will be activated. Officials said the test will be rescheduled if severe weather is occurring at that time to avoid confusion.

Residents can also sign up for Wireless Emergency Notification System alerts to receive weather and emergency notifications. Alerts can be activated by texting CARROLL to 69310 or by downloading the Carroll County app on a smartphone.