NWS confirms 6 tornadoes from Sunday storm in metro Atlanta

MERIWETHER COUNTY, Ga. - The National Weather Service has now confirmed three more tornadoes touched down on Sunday over Douglas, Cobb and DeKalb counties, bringing the tally across metro Atlanta up to six.

On Monday, the NWS confirmed the first was an EF-1 tornado with estimated wind speeds of 90 mph with a path of 24.6 miles. The second tornado formed just east of where the first one lifted in extreme northeast Meriwether County and became an EF-0 with estimated wind speeds of 85 mph and traveled roughly 3.2 miles, lifting in Coweta County. The NWS also confirmed a third short-lived EF-0 tornado in Fayette County with estimated wind speeds of 80 mph.

On Tuesday, the NWS reported an EF-1 tornado in Douglas County with wind speeds of 90 mph, an EF-1 tornado in Cobb County with 95 mph max winds and an EF-0 in Dunwoody with max wind speeds of 85 mph.

These updates come just days after strong winds and rain swept through metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

NWS spent the early part of the week surveying storm damage in the area and found that it extended into southeast Coweta County.

SEE ALSO: Marietta father, daughter survived Sunday's storm 'by the grace of God'

Three men were sleeping in a hunting trailer when severe weather hit Gay, Georgia. (Credit: Nick Jenks)

FOX 5 Atlanta viewer Nick Jenks sent a photo of a hunting trailer crushed by a tree in Gay. Jenks said one man was inside the trailer when it was hit.

Fortunately, he, and two other people out there with him, survived the storm.

In Douglasville, a large tree crushed part of a home, breaking the leg of a sleeping child and injuring a man.

Our neighbors further west were hit even harder. At least two people in Texas and Mississippi were killed in a series of twisters. At least six were reported injured.

National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira said about 40 tornadoes have been reported from southeastern Texas to Alabama. The NWS is still working to confirm that number as they survey the damage.

FOX 5 Atlanta will keep you updated on developments from Meriwether County.

Keep up with the latest by downloading the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5StormTeam on Twitter

If you live in this area and were affected by the storm, please send any additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.

What does an EF-1 rating mean?

Tornado strength and subsequent damage is measured using the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF). After a tornado, surveyors examine the damage left behind to figure out how fast the twister was moving.

The EF Rating is based on a 6-point scale of EF-0 through EF-5. 

An EF-0 is the weakest a tornado can score. The NWS says a tornado was likely moving somewhere between 65-85 mph at that level. Only minor damage is done. For example, shallow-rooted trees may be uprooted, homes may take damage to gutters, siding or shingles.

An EF-5 is the strongest a tornado can score. At that level, tornadoes are expected to be greater than 200 mph. At this rating, massive or incredible damage is expected. For example, well-constructed homes could be completely blown away, and concrete structures could be critically damaged.