If you think you’re safe from hurricanes in the North Georgia mountains, think again. The latest forecast models show Hurricane Irma likely will hit southern Florida this weekend. It will then track up the state of Florida, eventually making its way into Georgia on Monday and approaching our area Monday night.
There is potential for significant, widespread damaging winds in Habersham County and surrounding areas Monday evening and overnight. Now Habersham forecaster Tyler Penland warns, “In a worst-case scenario, we could see several hours of hurricane-force wind gusts (74+MPH) with winds sustained around 30-40MPH.”
7-Day Forecast: Major Hurricane Irma threatens
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal expanded his emergency declaration to include 24 additional counties, with a total of 30 Georgia counties now included in a state of emergency. Those counties are: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Jenkins, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne and Ware Counties.
With gale force winds and heavy rains expected across the state, even those living outside of these counties need to prepare.
Prepare now
Georgia State Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens issued an alert to Georgians earlier this week urging them to get ready for possible severe weather. As the trajectory of the storm becomes more apparent, individual insurance companies are now following suit.
USAA is alerting its customers to “stay informed of current conditions and take steps to protect your loved ones and property.” The company also has issued a checklist of things you can do to help protect your property:
- Ensure all windows in your home and auto are closed.
- Secure any loose items on your property such as furniture and outdoor equipment.
- Put your vehicle under a carport or in a garage.
- Pay attention to warnings and evacuation orders by local authorities.
READ: State Insurance Commissioner urges Georgians to prepare for Hurricane Irma
For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency website here.
