Strong thunderstorms and high winds led to a large number of downed trees and brief power outages across Cherokee County and surrounding areas throughout the day on Thursday.

Cherokee County was under a Tornado Watch until 1:00pm – with a Special Weather Statement for wind gusts of 50mph combined with hail issued for Collinsville, Boaz Geraldine, Douglas and Albertville for a brief time that morning. 

One home in the Pleasant Gap area suffered structural damage as a result of the storms moving through.

There were numerous reports of downed power lines – with at least one case leading to a woods fire along Highway 273 near Pleasant Hill Church just after 12:30pm.  A structure fire was reported on County Road 105, with a live power line apparently leading to that blaze – near the Cherokee/DeKalb County line just before 1:00pm.

A Tornado Warning was issued for neighboring DeKalb County – including Henagar, Ider, Flat Rock, Rosalie and Pisgah among others – which ended at 10:30am.

Cherokee County was also under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning Thursday afternoon.

Reportedly no injuries were sustained locally.