Estimate of Damage From Georgia Tornadoes Upped to $35 Million

The damage estimate from last week’s tornadoes is now more than $35 million based on new observations in southwest Georgia by the state insurance commissioner.

Commissioner John Oxendine said after a tour that at least $10 million in damage occurred in Thomas County and neighboring Grady County. Oxendine says more than 100 homes, a private school, Southwestern State Hospital and commercial agricultural buildings were hit.

Last week, the commissioner estimated insured damage in Georgia at $25 million.

He says two twisters struck Thomas County, including one that started in Grady and cut a path for 16 miles through the southern edge of Thomasville.

Oxendine says Thomas County by far had the most destruction of any county hit by the storm.