FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — A historic courthouse that was gutted in a devastating fire will not have to contend with 30- to 50-mile-per-hour winds. Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen continued Severe Weather Team 2 coverage from Floyd County.
Floyd County officials tell Petersen they are confident the building can weather the storm.
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Steve Snow says with a hurricane coming—at least what will be left of it—anything could happen.
“Who knows? I sat on the levee here and watched it burn. It hurt me. But I have no idea,” Steve said.
The historic Floyd County Courthouse, now a brick shell of its former self.
The 134-year-old building caught fire back on March 23.
NewsChopper 2 was overhead as the bell tower collapsed in flames.
Some six months later, as local officials try to figure out if it can be saved, it may get socked by 30- to 50-mile-an-hour tropical-force winds.
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“We don’t have any indication we’d have trouble with that kind of wind,” County Facilities Manager Ryan Davis said.
Davis says since the fire, thick steel cables were wrapped around the building to stabilize it.
Neighboring buildings could help block the howling winds, and because the windows are gone, the big breeze can blow right through. Over the last few months, it weathered several strong summer storms.
“From what I’ve seen that building go through, it has very strong bones,” Davis said.
Steve Snow worked in the construction business for 36 years. He says if engineers say it’s good, it’s good. But fingers crossed.
“If this falls, I’ll hate it. But life goes on,” Steve said.
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