LAKELAND, Ga. (WALB) — Hurricane Isaias moved across South Georgia late last week into the weekend, causing damage to a home off of Talley Street in Lanier County. A tree fell on the home, leaving a massive hole in the roof. This is the second time a tree has destroyed a home at this location, with similar damage occurring in 2024 and again in 2026.

Residents describe moment tree fell

Tariah Sirmans lived in the home and said she and her gradnfather were sitting on the porch when the tree fell.

“I was scared,” Sirmans said. “I’ve always been worrying about that tree right there, because I knew one day it’s going to fall.”

Sirmans said she heard the tree crack twice before it fell.

“We heard it crack two times, and we jumped off the porch,” Sirmans said. “It was scary.”

Sirmans said she did not expect the tree to fall, despite her concerns.

“Not really, because even though I was worrying about the tree, I thought it was strong,” Sirmans said.

Sirmans said she and others in the home are now staying with her sister.

Family lost belongings in the damage

Gary Eubanks also lived in the home, along with his wife and sister. Eubanks said they are looking for another place to stay while repairs continue.

Eubanks said they lost clothes and furniture in the damage. He said they have not gone back into the home because it feels dangerous. He said they have not received an estimate on how long repairs may take, but Red Cross workers have been assisting and work crews have already been on site.

“It feels good,” Eubanks said. “It feels alright.”

Neighbor reflects on faith and community

Tracy Jones, who lives next door, said she was scared when she saw the tree fall on the home.

“I thought he had got hurt, but I seen him when he took off,” Jones said. “I say grace and mercy.”

Jones said her faith played a role in how she processed the moment.

“I knew God would go protect them,” Jones said. “Because he gave them time to get out of there.”

Jones said the neighborhood operates as a close-knit community.

“Everybody mind their own business, you know,” Jones said. “And if somebody get hurt, everybody come out. They go be concerned, you know.”

Jones said she considers Eubanks family.

“That’s my brother,” Jones said. “I’m blessed to have him as a good neighbor.”

Jones said Eubanks had been scheduled for surgery that was postponed, which meant he was not sleeping in the living room on the sofa, where the tree came through, at the time of the storm.

Jones said she recently lost her aunt and other family members.

“Three of my mamas, it’s three of them gone,” Jones said. “And I’m blessed to have a brother I never had, and a grandbaby that I never had. You ain’t got to be blood to be family.”

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