A tornado with an EF1 rating struck Muscogee County on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving a trail of damage behind.
The storm, which developed as part of a supercell within a line of strong thunderstorms, touched down just northeast of downtown Columbus, causing significant damage across a 2.62-mile path.
The tornado first touched down at 3:56 PM EDT in the Beaver Run neighborhood, near Flat Rock, and lasted for approximately four minutes, lifting at 4:00 PM EDT in the area southwest of Midland. During its brief duration, the tornado produced peak winds of 90 mph and a maximum width of 350 yards.
The Impact and Damage
The tornado’s impact was most notable in the Beaver Run neighborhood with several trees being snapped or uprooted along Widgeon Road and Trapper Way, extending to Psalmond Road, and several homes suffering damage from fallen trees.
As the tornado continued its northeastward path, it crossed the Bull Creek Golf Course, downing numerous trees across the 500-acre public course.
“Although two individuals tragically lost their lives during the storm, they were not in the direct path of the tornado itself,” the National Weather Service in Atlanta said. “The fatalities occurred when the victims sought shelter under a tree, which was snapped by strong inflow winds of over 75 mph.” The tornado’s path continued parallel to Highway 27, also known as the Manchester Expressway, snapping and uprooting additional trees.
EF1 damage was reported between Beaver Run and Lynch Road near Highway 27, where maximum winds reached 90 mph. Additional damage occurred along Jackson Road and Lynch Road, although the tornado weakened as it moved further northeast. By the time it reached Midland Woods Drive, just south of Highway 27, only small branches were down, marking the estimated end point of the tornado’s track.
Tornado Statistics:
- Rating: EF1
- Peak Wind: 90 mph
- Path Length: 2.62 miles
- Path Width: 350 yards
- Fatalities: 0
- Injuries: 0
- Start Time: 3:56 PM EDT
- End Time: 4:00 PM EDT
- Start Location: Flat Rock, Muscogee County, GA
- End Location: 1 SW Midland, Muscogee County, GA
