At least five tornadoes hit west central, north central, and central Georgia early Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Tornadoes may have also touched down in Johnson, Treutlen, Fulton and Troup counties, according to reports.
Governor Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency in Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Jefferson, Johnson and Laurens counties Sunday evening.
"Last night's storms left trees downed, houses damaged and roads blocked across western and central Georgia," Perdue said.The step enables the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to initiate emergency operations.
"Needed state resources are being made available to assist in the cleanup efforts, and we will continue to actively work with local officials to support them"
Damaged houses on Lake Tobesofkee. (Woody Marshall, The Macon Telegraph)
"As with all disasters, GEMA will coordinate the deployment of public safety agencies, utility companies and the volunteer community to meet the needs of our citizens," GEMA Director Charley English said.
An EF2 tornado packing winds of 111 to 135 mph hit Macon between 5:45 and 6 a.m. Sunday morning, local officials said.
Laurens Co. resident Tracey Clements, was killed in his mobile home by the storm, Laurens County coroner Richard Stanley said, according to Macon.com.
Clements' wife and children sustained varying degrees of injuries when the winds flipped over their double-wide trailer, Stanley said.
Macon Mayor Robert Reichert said Perdue is expected to visit the area on Monday to assess the damage.
A tornado touched down at Macon State College's campus, causing significant damage, and uprooting or breaking about half the trees on campus, according to the National Weather Service.
The college will be closed on Monday.
Click here for more GPB News coverage of the twister and storm damage.
