Governor Brain Kemp issuing a State of Emergency for all counties in Georgia ahead of Hurricane Ian. The move comes in preparation for the storm’s expected impact later this week. Ian will move through the state beginning on Friday and exit on Sunday. Heavy rainfall and damaging winds are possible throughout Georgia. The State of Emergency will go into effect at 7:00 am on Thursday, September 29 and will expire at midnight on Friday.
Though there is still uncertainty about its ultimate path on Friday and into the weekend, tropical storm force sustained winds of over 40 mph will be possible across all of Georgia on Friday and Saturday. Damaging winds will be possible statewide, even well away from the center of the storm, and downed trees and power lines are possible statewide on Friday and Saturday. Widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is also possible statewide, with 4 to 6 inches or more forecast in Southeast Georgia. Flash flooding, power outages, and other dangerous situations are possible, especially in Southeast Georgia.
The State Operations Center was activated on Monday morning and all necessary state, local and federal agencies are coordination on storm preparations and response. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) remains at a Level 2 elevated activation and continues to monitor Hurricane Ian's progress. Governor Kemp, GEMA/HS officials, and other leaders are working closely with local officials on planned and implemented storm response. GEMA/HS also has teams standing by to deploy to affected counties, when appropriate.
Governor Kemp urges all Georgians to remain weather alert and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. Those directly impacted by the storm's path are encouraged to consult GEMA/HS' informational website that includes tips on storm preparedness before, during, and after a hurricane.
▪ Take appropriate action based on your location.
▪ Residents who are in vulnerable housing situations, including those in low-lying areas or at-risk floodplains, should consider relocating temporarily to higher ground.
▪ All of South and Coastal Georgia should pay close attention to guidance from local officials and review family emergency plans with those in their care.
We encourage everyone to start planning now by:
▪ Preparing Ready kits
▪ Reviewing communications plans for their families
▪ Paying attention to guidance from local officials and trusted news sources for the most up-to-date information.
▪ Visiting www.gema.georgia.gov for more information.
▪ Paying attention to guidance from local officials and trusted news sources for the most up-to-date information.
▪ Visiting www.gema.georgia.gov for more information.
