2 Tigers Recaptured After Escaping GA Zoo During Tornado

TROOP COUNTY, GA — Two tigers that escaped from Pine Mountain Safari Sunday morning were recaptured within hours, the zoo said in Facebook post.

The animals were able to slip out after a tornado that hit southwest Georgia caused "extensive" damage to several enclosures, Pine Mountain Safari said.

"Fortunately, none of our animals and employees were hurt," the zoo said, adding that both of the escaped tigers have been "found, tranquilized, and safely returned to a secure enclosure."

Much of middle Georgia is under a flash flood warning, and metro Atlanta is under a flood watch until 6 p.m. Monday, following weekend storms that triggered a state of emergency.

Gov. Brian Kemp declared the state of emergency Sunday, which is set to expire at 11:59 p.m., April 3. The executive order will allow resources to be used in the preparation, response and recovery activities in areas affected by the storms.

Central Georgia was the focal point of thunderstorms and showers over the weekend, causing flooding to be problematic, Meredith Wyatt, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Peachtree City Office, told Patch. Several tornado warnings and storm warnings were issued due to radar indications of hail and strong winds.

A confirmed tornado hit Troup County Saturday night, weather officials told Patch. Storm surveys are being conducted, and weather officials said they did not know the strength the tornado as of Monday morning.

The Troup County Sheriff's Office reported the county was handling cleanup and recovery while battling flooding on multiple roads throughout the county limits and LaGrange.

Wyatt warned drivers to be mindful of flooded roadways, emergency crews working and damage as they travel.