By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

Wednesday night’s storm produced an EF1 tornado just after 7:30 in Guyton according to a report by National Weather Service. The tornado path was measured at just over seven miles. No injuries or deaths were reported in connection with the tornado.

An EF1 tornado has maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. An EF0 tornado was also reported in Brooklet just after 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14.

According to the National Weather Service, “Tornado damage began near the intersection of Newton Road and Old Louisville Road with several trees snapped and uprooted.”

The tornado was on the ground for approximately eight minutes moving southeast along Little McCall Road where it snapped and uprooted multiple trees and caused roof damage to a couple of homes, the weather service report continued. The twister lifted before reaching Courthouse Road where no damage was observed.

“Significant damage (was) caused by straight-line winds from the rear flank downdraft, where snapped and uprooted trees were observed,” the reported concluded.

“Guyton is a blessed community. Many of us now know the danger of a tornado firsthand, but thankfully there were no fatalities, only minor injuries, and limited property damage compared to what other communities have suffered,” said Guyton Mayor Russ Deen.

“Thank you to Chief (Clint) Hodges and Effingham Fire, Chief (James) Breletic and Guyton Police, Sheriff (Jimmy) McDuffie and Effingham County Sheriff's Office, Georgia Power, and Brandon Fulton, David Cook, and our entire EOM Public Works Team,” Deen continued. “Thanks to Southern Kafe for volunteering to feed our work crews. Thanks to all the citizens who have taken to the community to begin helping their neighbors. Guyton is blessed to have all of you and will be praying for your safety during this time.”