Hurricane Isaias has strengthened to a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110mph as Georgia prepares for heavy rain, damaging gusts, flooding and possible tornadoes over the weekend.
Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency across all 159 Georgia counties, with the state operations centre due to be activated on Friday afternoon. Officials are urging residents to complete preparations before conditions worsen.
The National Hurricane Center said Isaias was expected to strengthen further and could briefly become a major hurricane before making landfall along the northern Gulf Coast. The storm was forecast to approach the Alabama-Florida border, although any change in its track could alter the areas facing the greatest impact.
Hurricane Isaias brings tornado threat to Georgia
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City said North and Central Georgia could see prolonged strong wind gusts of 30 to 40mph or more, heavy rainfall, localised flash and river flooding, and tornadoes.
The most significant tornado threat is expected to develop overnight into Saturday, with storms potentially beginning between 2am and 3am. Forecasters warned that tornadoes linked to tropical systems can develop quickly, leaving little time for people to seek shelter.
Flood watches, high wind watches and tropical storm watches were in effect across parts of the state on Friday. The Atlanta area was expected to see deteriorating conditions from Friday evening, with rain continuing into the weekend.
South Georgia communities have been making preparations, while Decatur County schools have been closed because of the approaching storm. Several events across the wider Atlanta region have also been cancelled or rescheduled.
Georgia emergency officials advised residents to secure outdoor items, check emergency supplies and ensure they can receive weather warnings overnight. They also warned people not to drive or walk through floodwater and to stay away from fallen power lines.
Governor Kemp said residents should take the storm seriously and prepare for possible power cuts, flooding, fallen trees and tornado damage as Isaias moves inland.
