Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Muscogee: Prepare for Hazardous Winds, Flooding

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Muscogee County, including Columbus, by the National Weather Service (NWS) Peachtree City GA, effective immediately as of October 9 at 5:16 PM EDT. Residents should prioritize immediate preparations for hazardous winds, potential flooding, and isolated tornadoes.

Peak wind gusts of up to 45 mph are forecast. Efforts to protect property should be underway now. Potential impacts include damage to lightweight structures, broken tree limbs, and scattered power outages. Hazardous driving conditions are possible, especially on elevated roadways.

A Flood Watch is also in effect, with an additional 1-3 inches of rain expected, and locally higher amounts possible. Moderate flooding is anticipated, which could lead to evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may overflow, and low-lying areas could experience rapid inundation. Heed all flood watches and warnings, as failure to act may result in serious injury or loss of life.

The NWS indicates a potential for a few tornadoes. If your shelter is vulnerable, relocate to a safer location before hazardous weather arrives. If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. The warning is set to expire on October 10 at 1:30 AM UTC (October 9 at 9:30 PM EDT). For more information on family emergency plans, visit ready.gov/hurricanes, and for local weather, visit weather.gov/atlanta.