SYLVANIA, GA (WTOC) -
Hail and strong wind caused quite a mess around Georgia and South Carolina Monday night.
"It was something I never heard before," said Jimmy Bennett, owner of Georgia Wilderness Outfitters. "It sounded like a freight train coming through. Hale the size of golf balls hitting. I have never seen damage like that before."
Bennett says the fierce winds and large hail proved to be too strong for the metal roof that covered a strip of businesses off North Main Street in Sylvania.
"We had a micro burst and a hail storm last night," said Bennett. "It ripped the roof from the front to the back of the store. It hit Rock Star Graphics, A1 Beauty and we've been here today trying to get the power back on and get it ready to get a roof on."
Power crews were able to restore power just before 4 p.m. Tuesday. The line not only fed the businesses but hundreds of homes and even the middle school. It's for that reason school was canceled in Screven county for the day.
"The power pole behind my building snapped and when it did it snatched everything down in a line like dominoes, so the city has been up since 9 p.m.," said Bennett.
With power being out for most of the day and debris scattered all over the alley, the businesses are taking a hit.
"It puts me off this week with my business sales," said Bennett. "We should be ready and open for business with turkey season starting this weekend hope to be open by Friday. We got a good crew working for us.
Crews are working around the clock to get the roof back on and the businesses back open.
Students will return back to school in Screven County on Wednesday.
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