Tornado Injures Residents, Damages Homes in Henry County

ATLANTA, Georgia – A confirmed tornado struck parts of Henry County on Thursday afternoon, injuring at least two people and causing significant damage to homes.

The tornado touched down around 3:32 p.m. in the Blacksville area near McDonough, moving northeast at approximately 10 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. At the time, there were no tornado watches issued for the area.

Witnesses reported widespread destruction in the Laurel Creek subdivision, where the tornado tore roofs off homes and lofted debris into the air. One teenager has been critically injured. “The 18-year-old is in critical condition and has been taken to Grady,” said Henry County Police Deputy Chief Jason Bolton.

Among those affected was actor Tray Chaney, known for his role in HBO’s “The Wire.” Chaney took to Instagram to share the ordeal. “Cherish life as much as you can,” he wrote. Chaney was treated for a head injury but expressed concern for his son Malachi, who remains in the ICU. “I wish it was me that was in the ICU rather than him,” Chaney added.

Residents like Courtney Bucio recall the frightening experience. “I looked outside my sliding door, I see rotation and things flying,” she said. “I covered my hands, knees, and started praying.” Many neighbors are now sorting through the remnants of their lives. “I was surprised at the damage here,” said Andreal Mallard Sr., who found the frame of a house in his backyard.

The tornado resulted in at least 13 damaged structures, with two homes severely impacted. Emergency crews remained on the scene as evening fell, responding to weather-related calls. The storm disrupted traffic, with trees blocking parts of Interstate 75 near McDonough.

The city of Locust Grove expressed its condolences on social media, urging residents to prepare for more severe storms. “Our hearts go out to those injured and suffered damage,” they posted, recommending that people download weather apps and be alert to sirens.

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado’s path overlapped with that of an earlier EF0 tornado that struck the area in April. A survey crew is expected to determine the tornado’s strength and path on Friday.

In the wake of the tornado, a temporary shelter has been set up at Bethlehem Elementary School for affected families. As recovery efforts begin, the community reflects on the destruction and the resilience required to move forward.