Tropical Storm Warning Issued for West-Central Georgia; Prepare for Impacts

ATLANTA, GA – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City has issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement, upgrading a Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for multiple counties in West-Central Georgia. This warning is effective immediately as of October 9 at 11:38 AM EDT. Affected counties include Chattahoochee, Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson, and Webster.

Hurricane Isaias, currently located in the northern Gulf with 120 mph winds, is moving north-northeast at 16 mph. Widespread and potentially significant impacts are expected across North and Central Georgia. Residents in the warned areas should prepare for strong winds, heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and the potential for several tornadoes. Impacts are anticipated to peak Saturday into Saturday night.

A High Wind Warning is in effect for most of North Georgia from tonight through early Sunday, with gusts up to 40-50 mph. A Wind Advisory is also in place for areas further south and east, where gusts up to 40 mph are possible. These strong, prolonged winds could lead to power outages due to downed limbs and trees, especially with saturated soils from heavy rain. A Flood Watch has been issued for the entire area, with 1 to 4 inches of rain expected, and localized totals up to 8 inches possible, which may cause flash flooding.

Furthermore, a dangerous tornado event is possible late tonight into Saturday, continuing through Saturday night, particularly in outer rainbands. Residents should have an emergency plan in place. Keep cell phones charged. If a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter quickly in an interior room away from windows. Never drive through flooded roadways; turn around, don't drown. Monitor official updates from weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio, or local news. The next update is expected around 5 PM EDT today, or sooner if conditions warrant.