A powerful storm brought lightning, high-speed winds and heavy rain to Bainbridge and parts of Decatur and Grady counties on Wednesday afternoon.

At about 3:45 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning and later extended it until 5:15 p.m. A line of storms from Mount Pleasant to Climax moved southeast and moved into Bainbridge shortly after 4 p.m.

For about 15-20 minutes, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning crackled and caused brief power outages, while winds buffeted trees and sheets of rain fell.

Continued rain and diminished lightning continued for a while after the worst of the storm, which also affected Whigham, Calvary and Reno in Grady County to the east.

More than an inch of rain fell within an hour, according to the U.S. Geological Service, which maintains a weather gauge on the Flint River in Bainbridge.

While there were no injuries or significant damages reported as a result of the storm, the top of a large tree fell behind a residence at 507 Broughton Street, taking a power line down with it and leaving a mess to clean up. Downed power and utility lines were reported around Bainbridge, including on Evans, Broad and Bruton streets, according to E-911 dispatches.

Forecasts

Here are the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and frequent lightning. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday:

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8am. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday night:

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.