Tropical Storm Warning Issued: Prepare for High Winds, Flooding, Tornadoes

Residents in West-Central Georgia, including Chattahoochee, Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson, and Webster counties, are under a Tropical Storm Warning as of 5:21 PM EDT, October 9. The National Weather Service (NWS) Peachtree City GA warns of potentially significant impacts from Hurricane Isaias.

Hurricane Isaias, currently located in the northern Gulf with 115 mph winds and moving north at 17 mph, is expected to bring a prolonged period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for several tornadoes to North and Central Georgia. Impacts will peak from Saturday into Saturday night. Wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible in the warned areas.

A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire area, with widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches, and localized areas receiving up to 8 inches. This could lead to flash flooding in urban and poor-drainage areas, and an increased risk of landslides in mountainous regions. A dangerous tornado event is also possible across North and Central Georgia through Saturday night, with the potential for strong, long-track tornadoes, especially in Central Georgia.

The NWS advises completing all preparations to protect life and property now. Keep cell phones charged and avoid driving through flooded roadways; turn around, don't drown. If a Tornado Warning is issued, shelter quickly in an interior room away from windows. For additional information, visit ready.ga.gov, ready.gov, or redcross.org. The next update is expected around 10 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.