ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp put a spotlight on the tropics Thursday. He declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties in the state ahead of Isaias.
“We expect Isaias to begin impacting Georgia overnight on Friday, tracking toward the western part of the state with heavy rain bands, possible flooding, and potential. Potential tornadic activity into Saturday,” the governor announced in his news conference.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Georgia officials and first responders believe preparations are the key to weathering these storms, which have large tracks and bring wind and rain. They want everyone to be aware of potential dangers.
Channel 2’s Mark Winne spoke to Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff in West Georgia, which could feel more of the brunt from Isaias after it makes landfall on the Gulf Coast.
“We’re making sure that our four-wheelers are running, our side-by-side is in functional order, our chainsaws are working, everybody’s got to have the safety gear when they’re using the chainsaws, everything’s gassed up in case we lose power, and just waiting on word from the news media on how this is going to move along,” Woodruff said.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Hurricane Isaias: What to keep in your emergency kits before the power goes out
- Hurricane Isaias: Tropical Storm Watch issued for several Georgia counties
- Gameday plans change ahead of Georgia-Alabama game
Troup County purchased vehicles from a military surplus, like a Humvee, several years ago to use in cases where deputies need to reach residents in trouble from storms.
Currently, Hurricane Isaias is forecasted to make landfall near the Florida and Alabama state line before moving northward into Alabama.
Kemp addressed the issue of being on the east side of the hurricane’s path.
“It looks like we’re going to be on the dirty side or the east side of this storm, so there’s a strong wind threat for our state with possible wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, which could lead to power outages, tornadoes, and certainly debris issues,” said Kemp.
Kemp doesn’t want Georgians to panic but instead, be prepared.
“We want to really protect and serve. That’s what’s on our cars. That’s we say, but that’s what we really do in times like this,” stated Woodruff.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]