(Cleveland)- A lot of uncertainty remain in the long term forecast as it relates to what effect Hurricane Irma may have on NE Georgia and White County. White County Public Safety Director David Murphy says, everyone should not focus on the track of this system right now.
Impacts on Georgia may not be known until early Sunday and through Monday. Murphy commented following a noontime weather briefing from the National Weather Service. Many variables still exist on the track and the impacts are dependent upon the track.
Murphy said, currently, White County is in a low to moderate risk for winds and flooding. If the storm track bends more westward more risk can be expected further inland. As we all wait on Irma to come ashore in the U.S. Murphy said they are working on planning and preparedness efforts.
Here is what is being done and will be implemented:
1) Continue to encourage citizen preparedness now for possible impacts.
2) Encourage residents to sign up for the Code Red Emergency Notification System through EMA or have access to NOAA Weather Radio.
3) Encourage residents to monitor local and state media outlets as system develops.
4) Public Safety and Emergency Support Function emergency response meeting scheduled for Friday.
5) EMA contacting partners in Faith Based community to establish safe haven/comfort stations.
6) EMA placing CERT and ARES group on stand by for activation.
7) Participating in State and Weather service conference calls in preparation for statewide response.
