During a powerful storm in Georgia, a 78-year-old man tragically lost his life when a large tree fell onto his moving car. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in Jonesboro, about 18 miles south of Atlanta. The victim, Herbert Lee Williams, was driving his white Mercedes-Benz on Highway 54 when the tree toppled over and crashed onto his vehicle. The Clayton County Police Department confirmed his death at the scene.
The storm, which caused widespread damage and treacherous road conditions, struck the metro Atlanta area and also affected the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. Coastal flooding, damaging winds, and torrential rainfall were reported in these areas.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences and referred to the incident as a “loss of life.” He urged everyone to keep the victim’s family in their thoughts and prayers. Local residents, like Rickey Hayes, were shocked by the news and expressed their disbelief that such a tragedy could happen close to home.
The Clayton County Police Department shared a photo showing the middle section of the car crushed by the fallen tree, while the front of the Mercedes faced upwards at an angle. Williams was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
As the storm wreaked havoc in Georgia, power poles and wires also caught fire in a Queens neighborhood in New York City. The severe weather conditions caused several homes to lose power.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by severe storms and the importance of staying cautious during such weather events. The loss of life underscores the need for preparedness and safety measures.
