Georgia has had some pretty terrible disasters over the past century. While you don't necessarily associate Georgia with too many disasters, especially those of the natural variety, there have been quite a few momentous occasions that are recorded in history. From fires to tornadoes to catastrophic blizzards, here are the most horrifying disasters that ever happened in Georgia.
1. Hurricane Katrina
Western Georgia took the brunt of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. Torrential rains, damaging winds, and disastrous flooding rocked the state. As Katrina’s remnants passed through Georgia, more than 18 tornadoes formed, killing at least two people and destroying a slew of homes and businesses.
2. The Blizzard of ‘93
Everyone seems to remember this deadly storm. In 1993, Georgia was issued a Federal Disaster Declaration after metro Atlanta was pummeled with a blizzard, despite the fact just earlier in the week temperatures were in the high 70s. Northern Georgia seemed to get hit the worst with 50 mph wind and nearly 3-feet of snow.
3. Tornado Outbreak of 2008
Tornadoes seemed to occur frequently in Georgia throughout history, and caused massive amounts of damage. Like the outbreak of tornadoes which tore through Metro Atlanta causing half a billion dollars in damage to the city. With more than 40 tornadoes confirmed in 24-hours through the eastern U.S., it was one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in Georgia history.
4. Devastating Wildfires in southern Georgia 2007
In April of 2007, the dry, pine-thatched forest floors of southern Georgia caught on fire from a downed power line. This ignited a wildlife of disastrous proportions, and eventually became the largest, and most devastating set of wildfires in Georgia history.
5. 500-Year Level Floods in 2009
In 2009, continuous rain fell fast on our great state—much faster than the watersheds could drain. The flooding caused over $250 million in damages and destroyed 20,000 homes and businesses. Sadly, 10 people lost their lives, as the water measured at 500-year-flood levels.
6. Hurricane Floyd
This powerful hurricane in 1999 ended up triggering the third largest evacuation in U.S. history. Floyd peaked at a Category 4, and tore apart the southeastern coastline with a ferocity that Georgia has never experienced before.
7. 1993 Atlanta Bombing
During the 1996 Olympics, there was a bombing which happened at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. Four people were killed and 111 injured. It was a devastating terrorist attack which left the capital city shaken to the core.
8. Sea Islands Hurricane 1893
One of the worst natural disasters to hit the state of Georgia was the Sea Islands Hurricane of 1893. The hurricane struck close to Savannah and killed between 1,000-2,000 people. Over 30,000 people were left homeless as the coastal state was left in ruins.
9. The Snow Storm of 2014
In January, 2014 snow and ice rocked northern and central Georgia leaving thousands of motorists stranded in their cars on highways, some for almost 24 hours. Certain schools as well did not release students, and children spent the night in their classrooms waiting out the storm.
How many of these disasters can you recall? Share your stories with us!
Or if Georgia history is what interests you, then check out The Story Of This Haunted Pirate Hangout In Georgia Is Downright Fascinating.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
