A fairly strong thunder storm moved through the area Tuesday afternoon, about 3:30 – 4:00 0’clock, bringing some heavy rain and high winds, but, for people in the southern half of Fayette County, it was a much different situation. According to Fayette County Sheriff Chris Smith, the storm started in the Gatch Lake area and moved east-northeast across Rt. 185 northwest of St. Peter, then north of Logatee and into Effingham County. There was major damage to several homes, sheds, and power lines. Debris was scattered in fields and up in power lines around the region. According to Sheriff Smith, there are no reports of any injuries.
At the time of the storm, Fayette County was under a Tornado Watch, but no storm warning of any kind was issued. This is the second time in less than a year than an area of Fayette County has been hit with major storm damage, with no weather warning at the time. The other time was on the morning of Father’s Day 2017, when Vandalia and other areas in the county were hit with major damage from what the National Weather Service says was not a tornado, but 60 MPH winds. As for Tuesday’s storm, no indication has been made at this time by the National Weather Service, but weather spotters reported seeing a tornado in Fayette County. Sheriff Smith said the track of the storm was narrow, possibly indicating a tornado, but as of this time, that has not yet been confirmed.
