Hurricane Isaias

Current Weather Forecast (10/7 at 8 PM)

Rapid strengthening is expected as Hurricane Isaias turns northward over the next 36 hours. The National Hurricane Center forecast calls for landfall near the Alabama/Florida coastline as a major or near-major hurricane on Friday evening. The wind field will begin expanding prior to landfall, and impacts will be felt well outside the cone of uncertainty, including much of Georgia. Rain will move into South Georgia during the day on Friday but the main window for impacts across the state will be Friday evening through Sunday morning.

The primary threat to Georgia from Isaias will be strong, gusty winds on Friday night and Saturday. Wind gusts of 40-50 mph will be possible in western Georgia closer to the center of the storm as it moves through Alabama. However, much of North Georgia will see wind impacts enhanced by the presence of a wedge pattern in place. High pressure will be nosing in from the northeast, and with a low-pressure system close by (Isaias), a tight pressure gradient will produce wind gusts of 40-50 mph across much of Georgia even well away from the center of the storm. Widespread downed trees and powerlines could lead to power outages and debris issues on Saturday across the state.

A secondary but significant threat from Isaias will be the risk for tornadoes within feeder bands as they move through. The wedge pattern across North and Central Georgia coupled with high wind shear across the Southeast will produce rotating cells. Several tornadoes will be possible in Georgia on Saturday. Even after the core of the system moves away from Georgia, trailing bands will linger over much of the state through Sunday morning. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches are possible statewide with higher amounts possible in areas where feeder bands align on Saturday. Because the system is moving quickly, widespread flooding is not likely, but areas that recently received several inches of rain could see a flash flooding threat with any prolonged heavy rainfall.

Please continue to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center, your local National Weather Service office, and reliable media outlets through the weekend. Be prepared for potentially significant wind impacts and power outages before the system makes landfall on Friday evening. Make sure you can receive tornado warnings overnight Friday through Saturday.

Hurricane Preparedness

• Create a Ready kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.
• Make a family communications plan.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are turned on in your phone's settings.
• Secure your home.
  • Cover all of your home’s windows with hurricane shutters to protect them from high winds. Another option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine pre-cut plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
  • Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed to make them more wind-resistant.
• If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
• Plan ahead for your pets. Shelters cannot accept pets due to health reasons, so it’s important to find a pet-friendly hotel or make arrangements with family or friends in advance.
• Know your area’s flood risk – if unsure, call your local emergency management agency or planning and zoning department, or visit Flood Smart.
• Stay out of flood waters, if possible. 6 inches of standing water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, should you find yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water get out immediately and seek higher ground.
• Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities issue a tornado warning take shelter underground or in an interior room away from windows. If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue a flood or flash flood warning, seek higher ground.