Tigers found after reported missing at Georgia animal safari after possible tornado rips through region
Severe weather was reported across the South on Sunday morning, and the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Pine Mountain just before 7 a.m. EDT as the storms moved over the area.
Tornado Watch issued for parts of Alabama, Georgia on Sunday
A Tornado Watch has been issued for central and southern Alabama and Middle Georgia until 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. – The Troup County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia said that two tigers were found after they were unaccounted for inside the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain after a possible tornado ripped through the region early Sunday morning.
Severe weather was reported across the South on Sunday morning, and the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Pine Mountain just before 7 a.m. EDT as the storms moved over the area.
"Like much of Southwest Georgia, Pine Mountain Safari sustained extensive tornado damage this morning," the Wild Animal Safari said on Facebook.
About an hour after the severe thunderstorms moved through, the sheriff’s office said it received a report from the Pine Mountain Animal Safari that tigers were reported missing.
"Several animal enclosures were breeched, and two tigers briefly escaped," the Wild Animal Safari said on Facebook. They were since found and returned to their enclosures.
Park officials announced on Sunday morning that the park would be closed after the damage was reported.
The Wild Animal Safari said that no animals or employees were hurt during Sunday's storms.
More severe weather expected
(FOX Weather)
Severe storms are expected in parts of the South for the fourth straight day as the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail continues Sunday across some of the same areas still recovering from Friday night's deadly tornadoes.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch for parts of central and southern Alabama and Middle Georgia until 1 p.m. EDT. This includes Montgomery in Alabama and Columbus and Macon in Georgia.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, a few EF-2 or stronger tornadoes and very large hail could accompany the most intense storms, particularly from central Louisiana across central and southern portions of Mississippi and Alabama.