Governor Brian Kemp on Tuesday issued a State of Emergency order for all of Georgia in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s anticipated impact. Currently, the storm system is expected to move through the state on Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging winds throughout Southeast Georgia.
The State of Emergency is in effect now and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 8. You can read the governor’s Executive Order here.
“We are taking every precaution ahead of Hurricane Idalia’s landfall tomorrow, and I am taking this additional executive action to ensure state assets are ready to respond,” said Kemp. “Georgians in the expected impact area can and should take necessary steps to ensure their safety and that of their families. We are well positioned to respond to whatever Idalia may bring.”
Kemp activated the State Operations Center on Monday morning to ensure all relevant state, local, and federal agencies are closely coordinating storm preparations and response.
RELATED: Latest Hurricane Idalia forecast
Expected impacts
Idalia is expected to make landfall along the Florida Big Bend Wednesday morning. It will begin to rapidly weaken as it moves inland but should still be a Category 1 hurricane as it moves into far southern Georgia.
Idalia will continue to move through southern and eastern Georgia Wednesday afternoon and evening before exiting Georgia Wednesday night. The primary hazards will be strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread debris, power outages, and localized flash flooding.
The South Georgia counties of Brooks, Lowndes, Lanier, Echols, Clinch, Ware, and Charlton are under a Hurricane Warning.
Pierce and Brantley Counties are under a Hurricane Watch.
Additional counties may be added to the Hurricane Watch or Warning later Tuesday.
Much of the rest of Southeast and South-Central Georgia are under a Tropical Storm Warning. This means that either hurricane-force or tropical storm-force conditions are expected within the respective warning areas within 36 hours.
What Georgians Can Do To Prepare:
Kemp urges all Georgians to remain weather alert and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. Those directly impacted by the storm’s path are encouraged to consult GEMA/HS’ informational website, which includes tips on storm preparedness before, during, and after a hurricane.
- Take appropriate action based on your location.
- Residents who are in vulnerable housing situations, including those in low-lying areas or at-risk floodplains, should consider relocating temporarily to higher ground.
- All of South and Coastal Georgia should pay close attention to guidance from local officials and review family emergency plans with those in their care.
GEMA/HS and the governor’s office encourage everyone to start planning now by:
- Preparing Ready kits
- Reviewing communications plans for their families
- Paying attention to guidance from local officials and trusted news sources for the most up-to-date information.
Visit www.gema.georgia.gov for more information.
