Atlanta

State, Federal agencies say they're prepared for Hermine

By Tom Regan, WSB-TV
By Tom Regan, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency in 56 Georgia counties in the path of Hermine.

Georgia Emergency Management officials and others are currently coordinating disaster preparation efforts to respond to whatever Hermine throws at Georgia in the next 48 hours.%

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They say their response will have much to do with the speed of the storm and its intensity.

"We estimate just under one million people could be impacted in Georgia by this storm,” GEMA director Jim Butterworth told Channel 2’s Tom Regan.

Butterworth rallied his troops Thursday at the disaster command center for the battle against Hurricane Hermine.

Coordinators from an array of state agencies, including the Department of Transportation, Public Safety and Natural Resources, are fine tuning their game plan to provide help as quickly as possible to areas hit by storm damage and flooding.

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"Along the Florida coast, we've heard estimates of a one to seven foot tidal surge. Along the Georgia coast, the estimate is one to three foot surge,” Butterworth said.

GEMA says it is also monitoring the passivity of tornadoes and widespread power outrages from the combination of heavy rain and gusting winds, toppling trees.

“From the amount of rain and the softening of the ground, the power will be out for some extended periods of time, and we've coordinated with Georgia Power and the local EMC'S to help folks understand that," Butterworth said.

Butterworth says it will be up to local authorities in south and coastal Georgia to decide whether evacuations are necessary, but says it's likely that  emergency shelters will be put into action.

"We have over 20,000 spaces available for sheltering over the impact area, should that need arrive," Butterworth told Regan. “Our critical mission is saving lives and protecting property.

GEMA expects south Georgia to experience storm conditions for 12 hours, with winds in excess of 30 mph.

The federal government tells Channel 2 Action News that they are ready to help Georgia if Hurricane Hermine hits the state.

Channel 2's Justin Gray spoke with FEMA officials in Washington, who said they are preparing to deploy where assistance is needed.

They told Gray they are monitoring the storm very closely.

FEMA spokesman Raphael Lemaitre told Gray that FEMA is on a first name basis with key local and state officials.

He says FEMA has learned lessons from past storms and had plans in place to be ready before the first drop of rain.

FEMA has a field office in Atlanta helping to coordinate the response.

“Right now, we have FEMA staff and boots on the ground in emergency operations centers in Florida, in Georgia, in South Carolina to make sure there’s no unmet need for help,” Lemaitre said.

There were questions about whether or not FEMA was stretched too thin while they also continue relief efforts in Louisiana. Gray was told that FEMA has the people and money to respond adequately.

Cox Media Group

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