by A Carnesville man was killed Saturday evening when a tree fell on his car as he was driving along State Route 51 in Banks County.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, the fatal incident happened at approximately 6:48 p.m. on June 7 near Garrison Road. Troopers say a 2000 Nissan Altima, driven by 56-year-old Jason Keith Payne, was traveling eastbound when a tree on the south side of the highway suddenly fell across the roadway.
The falling tree struck the top of Payne’s vehicle. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The accident occurred around the same time that severe weather raced through Northeast Georgia. Wind gusts of 40-50 mph were common along the line of storms that passed through, with isolated areas of higher gusts. The Jackson County Airport had the highest official reading of 54 mph.
There are reports of downed trees and power lines throughout the region. Drivers are urged to use caution as emergency personnel continue to clear the roadways.
More
severe weather
is expected on Sunday.
