Georgia Declares State of Emergency Over Hurricane Florence

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for all Georgia counties ahead of Hurricane Florence’s landfall.

“A state of emergency has been declared for all 159 counties in Georgia in advance of Hurricane Florence impacts. Finalize your ready kits and follow [the] advice of local officials and news sources,” said the Georgia Emergency Management Agency on Twitter at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 12.

Deal also tweeted that he has “issued an emergency declaration for all 159 counties in Georgia.”

“The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety ahead of Hurricane Florence,” said Deal on the state government’s website.

He added: “In light of the storm’s forecasted southward track after making landfall, I encourage Georgians to be prepared for the inland effects of the storm as well as the ensuing storm surge in coastal areas. GEMA/HS continues to lead our preparedness efforts as we coordinate with federal, state and local officials to provide public shelter and accommodate those evacuating from other states. Finally, I ask all Georgians to join me in praying for the safety of our people and all those in the path of Hurricane Florence.”

It comes as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast that the storm would potentially take a southern turn after hitting North and South Carolina. It could potentially bring very heavy rain to Georgia as well as parts of the Mid-Atlantic.

It comes as the National Hurricane Center forecast that the storm would potentially take a southern turn after hitting North and South Carolina. It could potentially bring very heavy rain to Georgia as well as parts of the Mid-Atlantic. (NHC)NHC

At 2 p.m. on Sept. 12, the NHC had storm surge and hurricane warnings in place for most of the North Carolina and South Carolina coast. Hurricane watches are in place around most of the South Carolina coast, and tropical storm warnings were in effect in southern Virginia.

There are no storm surge or hurricane warnings or watches for Georgia.

The forecast for a Florence impact in Georgia prompted President Donald Trump to issue a warning to Georgia residents: “Hurricane Florence may now be dipping a bit south and hitting a portion of the Great State of Georgia. Be ready, be prepared!”

South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland have also declared states of emergency for the storm.