ATLANTA, GA — Georgia residents are being urged to prepare for potentially dangerous weather as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast, bringing the possibility of heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts and flash flooding across parts of the state.
Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency covering all 159 Georgia counties on Thursday, October 8, allowing emergency officials to coordinate resources and prepare for the storm’s expected impact. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is also activating its State Operations Center to assist with statewide response efforts.
Although Atlanta is not expected to experience a direct hurricane landfall, forecasters warn that the metro area could still face significant weather-related disruptions throughout the weekend.
The National Weather Service has placed much of North and Middle Georgia under a flood watch, with several areas also facing the possibility of strong winds and isolated tornadoes. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected across portions of the region, while some locations could receive as much as 5 inches.
Strong wind gusts could also create dangerous driving conditions, knock down tree limbs and potentially cause power outages. Low-lying neighborhoods, areas with poor drainage and communities near creeks or streams may be especially vulnerable to flooding.
The approaching storm has already affected local event schedules, with organizers across metro Atlanta adjusting plans as a precaution.
State officials are encouraging residents to prepare emergency supplies, charge electronic devices, monitor weather alerts and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
With the greatest impacts expected from Friday evening through the weekend, Atlanta residents should continue monitoring official forecasts as the storm develops.
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