Public safety officials in Georgia are on alert as severe weather moves in from the west. The same storm system that spawned deadly tornadoes in Texas and Louisiana on Saturday crossed the Mississippi/Alabama state line early Sunday. Meteorologists say the severe weather threat Sunday places nearly 100 million Americans at risk of dangerous storms, tornadoes, hail and severe wind gusts.
While the overall threat of tornadoes in the South will be significantly lower today than it was yesterday, there’s still a chance these storms could produce tornadoes in Alabama, Georgia, the Florida Panhandle and the western Carolinas.
Severe weather threat in Georgia
The Storm Prediction Center now has Georgia at a “slight” risk for severe weather throughout the day today. The enhanced risk threat has shifted to the northeast farther up into the Carolinas. Still, forecasters warn the storms could bring heavy rain, damaging winds, hail, and a few possible tornadoes.
A Wind Advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. for much of north and central Georgia.
Local emergency management agencies are closely monitoring the severe weather threat. White County Public Safety Director David Murphy say all agencies and departments were asked to review their operational plan for Sunday. Departments were also asked to check equipment and be ready for activation, according to WRWH News.
The Amateur Radio ARES and CERT volunteers have also been advised to be on alert for possible activation.
“We have been involved in weather briefings since Friday. As we don’t know how severe the storms could be, we will take it as it comes,” says Habersham County E-911 Director Lynn Smith. “I pray we will be spared of damages. All department heads have been kept abreast and I will continue to send out alerts.”
Emergency management officials urge residents to stay alert, as well. Be sure to have a way to receive weather warnings and have a plan in place in case of emergency.
Watches and warnings are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where severe weather may occur so it’s important to know which county you live in. Visit https://t.co/ISFHjDXaGx to find your EMA contact information and add it to your Ready kit for future reference. pic.twitter.com/uUSSsu6pwH
— Georgia EM&HS (@GeorgiaEMA) April 12, 2019
Click here for latest on severe weather threat
Now Habersham will continue to closely monitor the weather and bring you updates as this storm system develops.
WRWH News contributed to this report
