Suspected tornado flattens homes near Atlanta

Story Highlights

• Many reported trapped by trees and power lines
• Emergency response is difficult because roads blocked
• National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for area

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ATLANTA , Georgia (CNN) -- A suspected tornado damaged 20 homes and knocked down trees south of Atlanta on Sunday, but no one was hurt by the storm, local officials said.

It was the second wave of severe thunderstorms to hit Coweta County, about 30 miles south of Atlanta, since Friday.

Jay Jones, the county's deputy fire chief, said some houses were reported to be flattened. Many people reported being trapped in damaged structures by fallen trees or electric lines, "but everyone is accounted for," according to Jones.

"The primary thing with this, is a lot of downed trees," he said. (Watch residents pick up the pieces )

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Coweta County shortly after 7 p.m. when radar indicated a possible twister near the town of Turin. Tornado warnings were issued about the same time for neighboring Spalding and Fayette counties, but authorities there said they had no reports of damage or injuries.

Sheriff's deputies and firefighters had a difficult time responding to emergency calls because downed trees and power lines had fallen across roads, Jones told CNN. He said those calling to report being trapped included a 14-year-old and more than 30 children and adults attending a child's birthday party. All were safe, he said.

Randy Brown, a supervisor for Coweta County's emergency management agency, said authorities were unlikely to know until Monday morning whether a tornado or just an intense thunderstorm caused the damage.

"We don't have any confirmations on what it was except that it was a storm," he said.

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