the tornado began to strengthen again just east-northeast of this location, reaching ef2 strength as it crossed county road 245. a house lost much of its roof, and another home sustained less severe damage in this area as well. the tornado then crossed county road 179 and entered the town of smiths station at high-end ef2 strength. in smiths station, multiple small and poorly-constructed frame homes lost their roofs and exterior walls, a bar and music venue sustained major structural damage, a gas station sustained moderate damage, and numerous trees were downed. a cell tower was toppled to the ground, blocking highway 280 in both directions for many hours, and a billboard sign was damaged, part of which was reportedly found roughly away in georgia near hamilton. east of town, ef2 damage continued as two metal transmission towers were knocked down, homes were damaged, and many large trees, mostly long-lasting pine trees, were snapped and/or uprooted, including several that landed on structures and caused major damage.