Matthew Terrell Collins Sr, Matthew Terrell Collins Jr Obituary, Death – Severe storms across Georgia have resulted in the deaths of two individuals on a golf course and ongoing tornado activity, with more severe weather expected. A flood watch has also been issued for several counties, and power outages are affecting thousands of residents.
On Sunday, April 7, two people were killed when a tree fell onto their golf cart at Bull Creek Golf Course in Muscogee County, located near Columbus. The victims, identified as 58-year-old Matthew Terrell Collins Sr. and his 29-year-old son, Matthew Terrell Collins Jr., both from Harris County, were fatally injured during the storm. The tree collapsed on their cart while they were at the Midland course, and despite efforts to save them, they were pronounced dead at the scene. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences on social media, urging residents to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts and prayers.
As the severe weather continued, the National Weather Service (NWS) began investigating the possibility of tornadoes across different parts of Georgia. The storm system damaged areas south of metro Atlanta, with officials suspecting tornadic activity around 7 or 8 a.m. on Monday, April 8. There was potential for tornadoes to have impacted southeastern Coweta County and spread into Spalding County, near Griffin. Tornado activity was also suspected in Locust Grove, along Interstate 75, and in areas along Interstate 16 southwest of Macon. However, no tornadoes had been confirmed by 10 a.m. Monday morning.
The investigation into these potential tornadoes follows a series of recent severe weather events. Just a week ago, Coweta County experienced two tornadoes, including an EF-0 with 75 mph winds and an EF-1 tornado with winds reaching 90 mph, which caused damage to several homes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from these events. In mid-March, Paulding County also experienced an EF-1 tornado, which damaged at least a dozen homes but caused no fatalities or serious injuries.
These storms have not only caused significant destruction but also left many residents without power. As of Monday morning, over 8,200 people were still without electricity, according to the power outage tracker PowerOutage.us. The severe weather is shifting south and east of metro Atlanta and is expected to reach Savannah, where a tornado watch is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for coastal and southern Georgia. The NWS also warned of dangerous rip currents along Georgia’s beaches, particularly near Savannah, through Monday evening.
In response to the ongoing weather, a flood watch has been issued for numerous counties, including Barrow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, and DeKalb, until 8 p.m. Monday. Residents are advised to stay alert as additional storm systems move through the region. Despite the current harsh weather, there is hope for improved conditions in the coming days. Meteorologists are predicting cooler temperatures with highs in the 60s through Wednesday, and low temperatures may dip into the upper 30s or low 40s. By Thursday, temperatures could rise again, with highs reaching around 70 degrees.
Additionally, another round of storms may occur Thursday night, although the system is not expected to be as severe. However, the NWS has cautioned that springtime weather can change quickly, and residents should remain vigilant. Weather updates will continue to be provided through social media and official channels.
For those living in metro Atlanta, the National Weather Service’s forecast includes the following:
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms, with a 70% chance of precipitation. High of 66°F. New rainfall could reach a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low of 44°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 61°F.
- Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 40°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 67°F.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72°F.
- Thursday Night: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 53°F.
- Friday: A slight chance of showers before 11 a.m. and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a high near 67°F.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low of 45°F.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 64°F.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 70°F.
As Georgia continues to recover from the severe weather, residents are urged to stay informed through the National Weather Service and local authorities to ensure their safety during this storm season.
