GEORGIA – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 counties Thursday as Hurricane Isaias churns toward the northern Gulf Coast, threatening the state with heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and the possibility of tornadoes through the weekend.
The updated executive order gives emergency management teams the authority to position resources and personnel ahead of the storm’s arrival. Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate its State Operations Center beginning early Friday afternoon.
“As we always do with weather events, we’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” Kemp said. “I encourage all Georgians to take this storm seriously and prepare now by stocking up on food, batteries, flashlights, water, and other necessities in case of severe weather impacting communities Friday night through Saturday.”
What forecasters expect
Isaias is a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph as it moves over the southwestern Gulf of America. The storm is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday evening, then move inland and weaken to a tropical storm by Saturday morning before dissipating early Monday.
Additional strengthening is possible through early Friday before Isaias reaches the coast. Once it pushes inland, forecasters warn Georgia could see strong wind gusts, heavy rain, flooding, downed trees and power lines, and spin-off tornadoes statewide. Impacts are expected from Friday night through Saturday.
GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb said every part of the state is at risk.
“As we closely monitor this system, ensuring the safety of all Georgians is our top priority,” Lamb said. “GEMA/HS is working around the clock in coordination with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that we are fully prepared for any potential impacts. All parts of the state could see impacts from this storm, and we have the resources ready to assist them if that is the case.”
What you should do now
State officials urge Georgians to stock up on essentials — food, water, batteries, and flashlights — before Friday evening. They also offer the following safety guidance:
Flooding: Do not drive or walk through standing water. Do not drive around barricades.
Downed power lines: Stay away to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
Tornado warnings: A storm cellar or basement offers the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of the building.
For preparedness resources, visit gema.georgia.gov/hurricanes and gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia.
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