Storm damage claims 100 trees

A violent storm drove straight down the ninth fairway at Etowah Valley Country Club and Golf Lodge Monday night, uprooting trees and leaving a trail of havoc.

Officials estimate the golf club lost 100 trees, but no injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service recorded gusts between 65 and 70 mph in most of Henderson County, but some areas experienced 85 mph winds, according to Meteorologist Scott Krentz. He attributes the downed trees on the golf course to straight winds.

“Severe winds are considered to be above 58 mph,” Krentz said. “That is usually enough to knock over fairly large trees.”

“The damage is unbelievable,” said Hayes Albea, golf director at Etowah Valley. Homes near the path of destruction were untouched, he said.

Curious passersby stopped their vehicles Tuesday on Brickyard Road to view the extensive damage and snap photos.

“It came down the fairway of the ninth hole west,” Albea said as he pointed down a ridge lined with snapped and uprooted trees. Albea lives in a home along the fairway and said the power went out about 11:35 p.m. Monday.

“You could really hear the wind gearing up,” he said.

Albea heard some noise overnight, but didn't know what the force of nature brought to the golf course until daylight, when he was able to assess the damage.

“I couldn't believe it,” he said.

The storm also damaged some of the roofing on the lodge and blew over the gazebo, and falling trees crushed a building housing restrooms on the course.

Albea estimated the damage extended 3,000 yards from the west side of the course, crossing Brickyard Road, to the country club.

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