Tree hits Carter's Plains home

Tropical Storm Fay sent an oak tree into the Plains home of former President Jimmy Carter Saturday night, a family member confirmed.

The tree struck the house just above the living room, according to Jeff Carter, the former president's son.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were at home at the time, but neither was hurt, their son said. Chain saw crews were on the way to the residence late Saturday to assist in the cleanup, he said.

The former president this week is scheduled to address the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The storm also was blamed for the death of a Grady County boy who drowned while playing in a drainage ditch.

Grady County emergency management director Jim Ellis said the boy was apparently overcome by rushing waters in the ditch as the storm dumped 10 to 12 inches of rain in the area. The boy’s name was not immediately released, and officials could not confirm his age.

Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokesman Ken Davis said the drowning was the only storm-related death reported in Georgia. He said a man was hospitalized after trying to save the boy trapped in the ditch.

Fay was blamed for widespread power outages across southern Georgia. A Georgia Power spokeswoman said about 4,700 customers were without electricity Saturday.