Tropical Storm Idalia: Kemp Opens GA Operations Center Ahead Of Storm

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp activated Monday the State Operations Center ahead of possible Tropical Storm Idalia impact.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency oversees the center. Kemp said statewide response agencies are monitoring storm activity as Idalia is forecast to make landfall Wednesday morning along Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 3 hurricane.

“Thanks to our response partners on both the state and local levels, Georgia will be prepared for whatever Idalia will bring,” Kemp said in a news release. “Rest assured, though the system will likely weaken before crossing our border, we’re not taking anything for granted. As the week progresses, I will work closely with GEMA/HS, the weather service, public safety organizations and others to ensure we leave nothing to chance.”

Kemp said meteorologists predict Idalia will weaken to a Category 1 hurricane as its core moves Wednesday into far southeast Georgia.

“Tropical storm force winds will begin to move into south Georgia around mid-morning. Winds and heavy rainfall will increase throughout the morning and continue through Wednesday evening. Tropical storm force winds (at least 40 mph) are expected across southeastern Georgia and hurricane force wind gusts (at least 75 mph) will be possible in extreme southern Georgia, as well as along the entire immediate coastline late Wednesday morning through the afternoon,” read Kemp’s release.

At its 10 a.m. Monday update, the National Hurricane Center said Idalia has triggered a storm surge warning for Florida’s Tampa Bay and Big Bend due to an inundation of 7-11 feet along Florida’s Gulf coast. As Idalia makes landfall, destructive winds are forecast to occur at the coast while strong winds are expected to move inland across parts of north Florida.

The National Weather Service told Patch early Monday weather officials are monitoring current tropical storm activity and its potential impact on metro Atlanta.

The NHC said south Georgia could get flash and urban flooding Tuesday into Wednesday. The NHC predicted Idalia’s flooding impacts could spread into parts of the eastern Carolinas Wednesday into Thursday.

A weather graphic illustrating Idalia’s cone shows the storm possibly passing through the Savannah area Wednesday night before targeting South Carolina.

An NHC graphic Monday showed south and coastal Georgia could get between 4 and 6 inches of rainfall. The chances for heavy rainfall decrease close to Augusta.

The weather service told the Savannah Morning News the area has a 40 percent chance of flash flooding.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to enter Georgia between 60 and 70 mph, according to the NHC.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency on its website offers hurricane preparedness tips.

“Gov. Kemp and GEMA/HS are closely monitoring the status and path of Tropical Storm Idalia and will provide updates when appropriate. In the interim, Georgians are encouraged to remain weather aware by keeping a close eye on weather forecasts and media reports on the storm system and to make any necessary preparations,” read Kemp’s release.

Patch will continue to follow Idalia’s forecast and its Georgia impact.