Hurricane Ian Predicted to Effect Georgia

       Governor Kemp has issued the activation of the State of Operations Center Monday, September 26^th, to prepare for the potential impact of Ian later this week. Upon making this decision Hurricane Ian was a Tropical Storm, however, the National Weather Service announced early September 26^th that Ian has grown to a category 1 hurricane. It is expected to grow more has it moves into the Gulf by Wednesday.

           The National Weather Service is closely monitoring this storm and keeping steady updates on the weather channels. Other media services are also keeping track and supplying updates throughout the day and will continue throughout the week.

           Hurricane Ian is expected to “produce heavy rainfall and instances of flash flooding and possible mudslides in areas of higher terrain. Considerable flooding impacts are possible later in the week around central Florida. Florida Peninsula and parts of the Southeast cannot be ruled out for later this week at this time,” (National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center website). 

           Further information from the NHC and CPHC include the expectation of Ian growing into a major hurricane Category 3 to 4 based on the weather conditions and warm water of the Gulf. It is expected to make landfall just above the mid-Florida but that prediction may change should Ian move further east or west as it come into the Gulf.

           The Brooks County Area needs to be prepared as well. Although the hurricane may not come near our area as a large hurricane there is a great chance it can become a fierce tropical storm. Before a tropical storm of this magnitude or Hurricane Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency recommend the following:

·      Get a ready kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case of an evacuation.

o  The Ready Kit should include

§ Water

§ Food/infant formula/pet food

§ First Aid kit

§ Medications/glasses/earring aids

§ Whistle

§ Warm blanket/sleeping bag

§ Matches

§ Flashlight/batteries

§ Portable radio/extra batteries/NOAA weather service radio

§ Cash/Travler’s checks/ important documents (put in portable waterproof bag)

§ Change of clothing

§ Find more at https://gema.georgia.gov/ready-kit-checklist

o  Family Communication Plan

·      Make a plan with family and friends to let them know you are alright and to reconnect if separated.

·      Establish a meeting place that if familiar

·      Click here for a family emergency plan document pdf https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:103ded6f-79eb-36a7-babb-1d5dbe0e65c9

o  Make an evacuation plan for your family

o  Prepare to secure your property

o  Cover your home’s windows with hurricane shutters for high winds

o  Secure outdoor furniture

o  Fill your car

o  Plan ahead for your pets

o  Know your area’s flood risk

o  Check your insurance for flood coverage

o  For further information you can go to gema.georgia.gov/hurricanes

       GEMA and HS along with Governor Kemp are monitoring the Hurricane Ian and will update when appropriate. Georgians are encouraged to remain weather aware by keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts and reports.

Current weather report prediction for Brooks County, Georgia is that Hurricane Ian will likely hit to the east of Brooks County at a Category 1 or Tropical Storm. Heavy rain, brutal winds up to 75 miles per hour, beginning showers coming in possibly Wednesday night, Thursday morning and passing sometimes Friday and Saturday. However, remember Hurricane Ian can turn further west or east depending on weather patterns in the coming days. Be sure to check your local weather for updated information.

Local Weather Channels

The Weather Channel

WCTV Weather

WALB Weather

AccuWeather