On Monday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that he has directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) to monitor and prepare for any impact caused by Tropical Storm Idalia.
The storm is currently moving towards Florida and is expected to make landfall on Wednesday morning.
“Thanks to our response partners on both the state and local levels, Georgia will be prepared for whatever Idalia will bring,” said Kemp. “Rest assured, though the system will likely weaken before crossing our border, we’re not taking anything for granted. As the week progresses, I will work closely with GEMA/HS, the weather service, public safety organizations, and others to ensure we leave nothing to chance.”
According to a press release from Kemp’s office, “Tropical Storm Idalia is currently forecast to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane along the Florida Big Bend on Wednesday morning. Meteorologists expect it will then weaken to a Category 1 hurricane as the center moves into far southeast Georgia later on Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds will begin to move into south Georgia around mid-morning.”
“Winds and heavy rainfall will increase throughout the morning and continue through Wednesday evening. Tropical storm force winds (40+ mph) are expected across southeastern Georgia and hurricane force wind gusts (75+ mph) will be possible in extreme southern Georgia, as well as along the entire immediate coastline late Wednesday morning through the afternoon,” the press release added.
