Governor Nathan Deal has issued a state of emergency for 56 counties in central, coastal and south Georgia in preparation for Hurricane Hermine.
The National Weather Service anticipates a triple threat of potential tornadoes, flooding and high sustained winds beginning tonight into Friday evening. The expected sustained winds may result in downed trees and power lines. The potential tornado threat will continue as the storm moves to the west and northwest across the southern portion of Georgia.
READ: Rainy, windy conditions expected in Habersham due to Hermine
The storm is currently projected to move rapidly and could cause tornadoes to spawn very quickly with little to no lead time. The public is urged to remain aware of tornado watches changing quickly to tornado warnings and to plan ahead. These tornado threats will precede the sustained wind threats and the potential flooding that is likely to occur with this storm.
Currently the projected rainfall totals for the southern portion of the state are 2-8 inches with the strong possibility of flash flooding. There is potential for a one to two feet storm surge mainly in flood prone areas.
Holiday travel impact
State agencies including the Georgia Department of Transportation and Emergency Management Agency are preparing for possible effects of the storm. Statewide, Georgia DOT crews are on standby and people traveling for the Labor Day holiday are urged to use caution.
“We urge motorists to pay attention to warnings and advisories to stay off the roads due to the potential for flash flooding and downed trees,” said GDOT’s Maintenance Engineer Dale Brantley. “Our crews will work quickly to remove any dangers from the roadway, but we need to be able to get to trouble spots quickly.”
If you’re traveling to coastal areas for Labor Day be mindful of possible hazards caused by inclement weather. Do not drive around barricades and treat non-operational signals as a four-way stop.
Additionally, be sure to monitor local news outlets in affected areas for the latest details on weather conditions and possible evacuations.
Counties covered by State of Emergency
The State of Emergency currently is in effect for the following counties in Georgia: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Seminole, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth.
Gov. Deal says, “Our Emergency Operations Command will continue closely monitoring this storm and additional counties may be included in this declaration as needed.”
The state of emergency is in effect through midnight Saturday.
