Hurricane Irma has been downgraded to a tropical storm and is now impacting Georgia. The storm raked through Florida Sunday, leaving a path of widespread destruction in her wake. Millions of people in Florida and Georgia are without power.
At least three deaths have been attributed to the storm – two in Hardee County, Florida and one in Orange County. Nearly 7 million residents – roughly one-third of the state’s population – evacuated the Sunshine State ahead of the storm, according to The Weather Channel.
The entire state of Georgia remains under a state of emergency. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect.
Habersham County officials and the community at large have spent the past few days preparing for potential severe weather. Georgia Power crews were called in at 5 a.m. Monday to prepare for possible widespread power outages. The Habersham County Road Department says it began receiving reports of downed trees across the county by mid-afternoon Monday.
Shelters and schools
First Baptist Church of Cornelia has opened its gymnasium as a storm shelter. The church is located at 325 Oak Street, Cornelia, GA 30531. Pastor Eric Spivey says they’ll make a decision Monday evening about whether the shelter will remain open all night. He says it “depends on the need.”
A regional storm shelter opened Sunday at First Baptist Church in Gainesville. White County has Safe Haven/Comfort shelters available for those who need them.
RELATED: Closings, cancellations and delays
Schools in the area are closed again Tuesday, including Faith Christian Academy and Habersham County public schools. County school superintendent Matthew Cooper made the announcement Monday afternoon. “We wanted to get the word out early before folks start losing their power,” he says. “Our decision to close was based on the fact that the governor has closed all state offices on Tuesday. We are expecting the worst wind gusts to occur during the night, which will likely result in power outages and trees across our roadways.”
Government and hospital
Habersham County government offices opened Monday, but several municipalities, including Baldwin and Demorest closed early. County administrator Phil Sutton says the county continues to monitor the weather situation. “The Sheriff will bring in extra staff to respond to emergency calls,” says Sutton.
Habersham Medical Center continues to monitor the weather, too. Hospital administrator Donna Meeks says, “Our EMS Director is in direct communication with the National Weather Service. Habersham Medical Center has an Emergency Operation Plan in place. We regularly review and conduct live disaster drills in case of a disaster of any magnitude.”
On Friday, Cornelia Downtown Development Authority Manager Jesse Owensby said she had received a constant string of emails from the state and government officials regarding Irma. “Within the last 24 hours, 48,000 visitors have come to the welcome centers (in Georgia).”
Demorest City Manager Kristi Shead said Friday that preparations were underway for possible severe weather. “All of our vehicles and equipment have been prepped and are ready to go in the event that we find ourselves in emergency response mode,” Shead said. “All of our departments (fire, police, water, and sewer) are on point with additional staff ready to meet the needs of the community if the need arises.”
Officials are reminding people to exercise caution when or if they plan on traveling during the storm. There is the potential for fallen trees, broken power lines, flooded roadways, and flying debris.
Updated 9/11/17@3pm
