Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Meriwether County; Prepare for Hazards

Meriwether County, including Greenville, is under a Tropical Storm Watch issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Peachtree City GA at 11:16 PM EDT on October 8. This watch is effective immediately and expires at 3:30 AM EDT on October 9. Residents should take immediate action to prepare for hazardous conditions.

Forecasters anticipate potential wind speeds of 39 to 57 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes is possible. Expect large tree limbs to break, and some trees to snap or uproot, potentially making a few roads impassable due to debris. Scattered power and communications outages are also a concern. Efforts to protect property should be underway now.

A Flood Watch is also in effect, with 1-3 inches of rain expected, and locally higher amounts possible. Moderate rainfall flooding may lead to evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries could swell, and small streams may overflow. Floodwaters could enter some structures. Residents in flood-prone areas should consider protective actions and heed any flood watches and warnings.

The NWS also indicates a potential for several tornadoes, some of which could be intense. Tornadoes can cause significant damage, including roofs torn off homes and mobile homes demolished. Those in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to safe shelter. Listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly. For more information, consult ready.gov/hurricanes or weather.gov/atlanta.