Georgia Governor Issues State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Idalia
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has issued a State of Emergency for the entire state in preparation for Hurricane Idalia’s arrival tomorrow.
The storm system is expected to move through the state Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging winds throughout Southeast Georgia. The CSRA is expecting anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain. Flooding may take place in some areas and damaging winds.
“We are taking every precaution ahead of Hurricane Idalia’s landfall tomorrow and I am taking this additional executive action to ensure state assets are ready to respond,” said Governor Kemp.
The latest executive action related to Hurricane Idalia follows the activation of the State Operations Center Monday morning. Ensuring that state, local and federal agencies are coordinating on storm preparations and response.
Impacts of Idalia to Georgia:
- Widespread 40-50 mph winds gusts are possible across East Central Georgia.
- Rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches will be common across Southeastern Georgia, with some areas receiving up to 8 inches.
- With the storm is moving through rather quickly, and due to recent below-average rainfall, widespread flash flooding is not expected but localized/isolated flash flooding is possible.
- There is also the risk for a few tornadoes in Southeast Georgia tomorrow.
Idalia became a hurricane Monday night. It is set to rapidly intensify to major hurricane status by tonight. The hurricane will make landfall along the Florida Big Bend Wednesday morning as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane. It will begin to weaken as it moves inland. But should still be a Category 1 hurricane as it moves into far southern Georgia.
