Storm damages Goodwill store

The National Weather Service has confirmed that it was not a tornado that damaged a store at the Dublin Mall last Friday.

The weather service said storm damage to the Goodwill of Middle Georgia was likely caused by a combination of several things, including the wind and the weight of the rain, said Laurens County Emergency Management Director Bill Laird. 

“The highest wind gust we had from an observation site that was close by was 19 mph during all of that storm,” Laird said. “There was a heavy downpour of rain.” 

The store was the only damage reported to the EMA office after last Friday’s storm. 

“It wouldn’t have been reported to us other than the burglar alarms going off,” Laird said. “The store alarms were going off and we dispatched the police department to it, and they found the damage. No other damage was reported by anyone in the area.” 

Haley Wesley of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia sent out a press release about the store’s damage from the storm. Officials said they were happy that everyone was safe. 

“While the store sustained damage, including significant damage to its donation entrance, Goodwill’s commitment to serving the community remains strong,” she said. “Donations help fund education, career services and job opportunities for individuals throughout the area.” 

With repairs ongoing, gently used items can be dropped off at the donation truck in the parking lot next to the store. 

“Those donations, along with financial gifts, help ensure this important work continues without interruption,” Wesley said. 

Laird believes we will see more heavy rain this spring.

“When it rains like that, people need to slow down,” Laird said. “With a heavy downpour, we can get a lot of rain locally in a short amount of time and it can cause heavy pooling and it will increase your chances of losing control and hydroplaning in your vehicle. Folks need to slow down and be cautious if they need to be out in it.” 

Especially at night. 

“The key is to not be going fast,” Laird said.