Aug. 2, 1887: The Covington Star reported that 16 inches of rain fell in a continuous downpour that began on July 27. Before the rain stopped another 2 inches fell, bringing the total to 18 inches. In the city of Covington, foot bridges were destroyed, streets and sidewalks were washed out, houses leaked and cellars flooded. The Star published an article stating: "the streams are higher than they have ever been known before, even by ‘the oldest inhabitant.’" Damages in the county were estimated at $100,000 or almost $2.4 million in today’s money. The Georgia Railroad trestle across Cornish Creek was washed out and trains could not travel between Atlanta and Augusta until it was repaired.

Sept. 17, 2004: The Covington News reported that remnants of Hurricane Ivan caused high school football games and the roof of a restaurant on the square to collapse. Tee times for the annual B.C. Crowell Scholarship Golf Tournament also were moved back. Rain accumulation caused the roof of Smiley’s Restaurant on the square to buckle. The restaurant was under renovation at the time. Fire Chief Don Floyd said the damage was extensive enough that the building would have to be demolished. Sustained winds were recorded at 20 mph with gusts of up to 30 mph. Heavy rainfall swelled rivers in Newton County and the threat of tornadoes loomed.