Hurricane Isaias is threatening Georgia with strong winds, heavy rain and flash flooding as it moves towards the northern Gulf Coast, prompting a state of emergency across all 159 counties.
Governor Brian Kemp issued the emergency declaration on Thursday, 8 October, and ordered the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the state operations centre from Friday afternoon. He urged residents to prepare for severe weather from Friday night into Saturday.
Forecasters expect Isaias to make landfall along the Gulf Coast on Friday evening before weakening as it moves inland across Mississippi and Alabama. Its effects are expected to reach well beyond the storm’s centre, with conditions in Georgia potentially continuing into early Sunday.
Hurricane Isaias brings wind and flood threat to Georgia
The National Weather Service in Peachtree City said north and central Georgia could face wind gusts of 40 to 50mph, heavy rainfall, localised flash and river flooding, and a risk of tornadoes.
Rainfall totals of between one and three inches are forecast across much of the region, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to five inches. Urban locations, poorly drained areas and communities near creeks and streams are considered particularly vulnerable to sudden flooding.
A flood watch has been issued for large parts of Georgia from late Friday night through Sunday morning, while a high wind watch is in effect for parts of north and north-east Georgia. A tropical storm watch also covers portions of south-west Georgia.
State officials have warned that the storm could cause power cuts, fallen trees and dangerous driving conditions. Emergency crews, including road and tree-clearing teams, have been placed on standby as local authorities prepare for the possibility of widespread disruption.
Several events and activities planned across Georgia have been cancelled or altered, while organisers in Atlanta have been monitoring the forecast ahead of major weekend gatherings. The Alabama–Georgia college football game is still scheduled to go ahead, although associated tailgating and outdoor events have been affected.
Residents have been advised to secure loose outdoor items, check emergency supplies and avoid travelling through flooded roads. Georgia officials have also urged people to monitor updated warnings as Isaias approaches and conditions become clearer.
