As you may have seen and heard in the news, an enormous storm system made its way through the Southeast over the weekend claiming the lives of 15 people in south Georgia alone. According to authorities, this is the most severe weather this area has seen since 1993. 

Governor Deal has declared a state of emergency for the following south-central Georgia counties:

- Atkinson

-  Baker

- Brerien

- Brooks

- Calhoun

- Clay

- Crisp

- Colquitt

- Cook

- Dougherty

- Lowndes

- Mitchell

- Thomas

- Turner

- Wilcox

- Worth

South Georgia has experienced ongoing severe weather since earlier this month, with debris and destruction continuing to pile up. Victims of this horrific incident report the area resembles a "war zone" and is comparable to the major tornado outbreak near the University of Alabama in 2011. 

An astounding number of homes and businesses have been destroyed, and families remain displaced in desperate need of help. If you or someone you know has been impacted by these recent, tragic storms, please be aware that aid and assistance is available.

Two shelters have been established in Cook County:

- Adel First Assembly of God, 601 Massee Post Road

- First Baptist Church of Adel, 200 East 5th St.

An additional shelter has also opened in Valdosta at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center and can be reached at 229-245-0513.

The American Red Cross is also working to mobilize volunteers and supplies to help storm victims in need. To volunteer, donate items, or to view a list of Red Cross south Georgia locations, please visit their website or call 229.242.7404.

To all of our south Georgia friends impacted by this deadly storm, we are keeping each of you in our thoughts and prayers. We encourage everyone to donate or help in any way possible in order to ease the process of rebuilding affected areas.