Isakson, Perdue Urge Georgians to Prepare, Heed Officials’ Warnings Ahead of Hurricane Dorian

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Isakson, Perdue Urge Georgians to Prepare, Heed Officials’ Warnings Ahead of Hurricane Dorian

 

ATLANTA, GA – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) today urged Georgians to take heed of warnings and follow safety precautions ahead of Hurricane Dorian.

Governor Brian Kemp issued an emergency declaration on Thursday in Brantley, Bryan, Camden, Charlton, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce and Wayne counties to assist with preparation, response and recovery efforts. The emergency declaration is effective for 11 days and makes all state resources available to local governments and entities within the counties that may be impacted by the hurricane.

 

“I urge Georgians to take precautions early and follow the advice of state and local officials as Hurricane Dorian’s path becomes clearer in the days and hours ahead,” said Senator Isakson. “Senator Perdue and I pledge to work with federal, state and local officials to ensure that Georgia has the resources needed should Hurricane Dorian impact our state.”

“Hurricane Dorian is moving quickly and has the potential to impact many Georgians as it makes landfall,” said Senator Perdue. “Governor Kemp and local authorities are preparing for the storm and will keep Georgians updated as the situation develops. For everyone’s safety, including the safety of our first responders, please take this storm seriously and heed all advice from local, state, and federal officials.”

Georgians should begin to prepare for tropical weather and locate a safe place to shelter if a watch or warning is issued. They should also determine evacuation routes, a family communications plan, a plan for any pets, and keep a battery-powered radio on hand.

Additional preparedness tips for hurricanes and tropical storms are available at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov.

Georgia Hurricane Resources:

  • View up-to-date emergency declarations from Governor Kemp here.
  • View updates from Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency here.
  • Visit Ready Georgia for weather alerts and emergency preparedness tips.
  • Follow Georgia 511 for real-time traffic information.
  • Learn what to do before, during, and after a flood here.
  • Report power outages by contacting your power provider. The two main providers in Georgia are:
    • Georgia Power (contact here or at 888-891-0938)
    • Georgia electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) (find your local branch here)
  • Call your local non-emergency police line to report a downed tree in a main road.

Senators Isakson, Perdue: Take Hurricane Irma Threat Seriously

News, State & National

Senators Isakson, Perdue Respond to Aftermath of Hurricane Irma

Politics, Press Release

*UPDATED* School Closings Due to Severe Weather Conditions

News
  • Union County Schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th due to Gov. Nathan Deal declaring a state of emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. Please continue to monitor here for further updates.
  •  Fannin County Schools will be closed for students and all personnel on Monday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 12, for students, as well as all faculty and staff, except for 12-month personnel, district directors, and principals. As long as it is safe to do so, all 12-month personnel, as well as district directors and principals, should anticipate reporting by 9:00 a.m. on September 12.  These personnel should note, though, that this expectation may be revised, depending on the weather conditions overnight; nonetheless, if you ever believe it is unsafe to report, please notify your immediate supervisor. In addition, the Board of Education work session meeting that was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, has been cancelled.  Please continue to stay safe!
  • Pickens County Schools closed Monday, September 11th – TWELVE MONTH EMPLOYEES REPORT AT NORMAL TIME. Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, September 12.  Twelve month employees will be contacted late Monday as to whether they will be required to come to work on Tuesday. All school activities, including athletic events and after-school programs, will be canceled.
  • Gilmer County Schools  will be closed Monday, September 11th and Sepember 12th due to Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds especially at higher elevations, debris, dangerous road conditions and downed power lines left in its wake. Only 12 month staff should report if safe to do so.
  • Dawson County Schools  will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Twelve month employees will operate on a 2 hour delay.
  • Lumpkin County Schools closed due to the weather forecast for our area, Lumpkin County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The anticipated high winds pose a significant threat to our students and staff. We understand that weather predictions are not always accurate, but we cannot ignore the potentially dangerous situation that this storm poses. Our number one priority is to keep our students and staff safe! Wednesday will still be a early release day as planned so that teachers will be available for parent conferences. 12 month employees should report if it is safe to do so. 
  • Towns County Schools closed Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th for all students. All employees should report at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 12th if safe to do so.
  • White County Schools due to the severe weather forecast, White County Schools are closed for students and staff Monday, September 11, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Please be safe!
  • Murray County Schools closed Monday September 11 and Tuesday September 12, due to the possible impact of Hurricane Irma.   We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds, debris, dangerous road conditions, and downed power lines.  We understand that weather predictions are often incorrect, but the size of this storm cannot be ignored. It is our hope that Murray County is spared from any of this storm’s impact, but we will always choose to error on the side of caution.  All events planned for Monday and Tuesday evenings are also cancelled.  This includes the September 11 MCPS Board meeting.  This meeting will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 14 at 6:15 p.m.  All maintenance, grounds crew, and transportation employees will meet at the transportation office.

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Business

 

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Towns County Sheriff’s Office Hurricane Advisory

News
Hurricane Irma

Towns County, GA – The Towns County Sheriff’s Office is bracing for remnants of Hurricane Irma as the storm tracks toward the Florida-Georgia coast. Hurricane Irma is expected to bring excessive wind and rain to the North Georgia area. Tropical storm force winds are predicted to arrive in southeast Georgia on Sunday.

As the remnants travel north, as forecasted by the latest models, the Towns County area should see some of the effects by late Sunday evening or early Monday morning.

Our area is expected to see heavier than usual traffic for the next few days as Florida and Georgia coastal residents seek refuge from the category 5 hurricane.

Local residents are encouraged to obtain their basic essentials – food, medicine, and gasoline, along with any other needed items prior to the arrival of the storm. Local residents are also advised to prepare for possible power outages due to the expected high winds.

Excessive rain may cause flooding in some areas. Never attempt to drive on roadways covered with water as automobiles can be swept away and flooded roadways often fail. Never attempt to cross downed power lines.

The Sheriff’s Office Operational Plan includes additional manpower to be on hand to respond to calls for service as the remnants of Hurricane Irma move over the Towns County area.

As the weather models are updated, additional information may be released. Please stay tuned to news and local weather reports.

Follow Fetch Your News as we continue to track developments.

 

Tropical Conditions Expected in Hiawassee

News

Hiawassee, GA – As Hurricane Irma churns through the “sunshine” state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges residents, visitors, and evacuees to prepare for Tropical Storm conditions in northern Georgia.

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for Towns County and surrounding areas as Hurricane Irma’s outer bands travel through southern portion of the state.

**UPDATE: The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning**

Governor Nathan Deal has expanded a State of Emergency to include all 159 Georgia counties.

“Just because the weather appears to be calm now, don’t take that for granted,” Governor Deal warns.

As Hurricane Irma charges north, Towns County awaits her arrival.

Heavy rain amounts of 3-5 inches is expected locally, with sustained winds of 35-40 mph.

Computer models predict wind gusts exceeding 50 mph on Monday evening.

The risk to life and property is elevated due to expected tropical gusts and potential flash flooding. Do not attempt to travel during high winds and never attempt to cross flooded roadways.

Fallen debris is likely to occur and outdoor items should be secured in advance to prevent projectile damage.

If necessary to venture out, do not cross downed electrical lines and alert emergency services if one is located.

Power and communication outages are possible as the storm passes over the area.

There is no threat of tornadic activity at this time.

It is important to remain updated as weather forecasts are apt to change and additional developments may occur.

Follow Fetch Your News for local information as we track the destined to become historic hurricane.

 

Feature Image: wind forecast

 

Hurricane Irma Evacuees Seek Higher Ground

News
Hurricane Irma

Hiawassee, GA – Towns County is beginning to feel the impact of Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in recorded history, as residents in the projected path head toward higher ground.

Southern Florida expects to begin experiencing the hurricane’s wrath as early as Saturday morning. Where the storm will make landfall isn’t certain, but residents from southeastern states are taking the threat to heart.

As mandatory evacuations continue in coastal regions, Hurricane Irma has the potential to create gridlock in Florida as evacuees attempt to travel north. There are reports of gas shortages throughout the Sunshine state.

“Do not wait for this storm to come,” Florida Governor Rick Scott said. “Get out now.”

Hurricane Irma’s projected path via weather.com

Gabriel Chastain, an assistant manager at the Holiday Inn in Hiawassee, says the hotel has seen a sharp increase in reservations due to Hurricane Irma’s approach. Chastain says rooms are nearly sold out for the coming week, mainly filled with residents from Florida and southern Georgia.

Local stores and gas stations are seeing a spike in sales as citizens prepare for the storm.

Hurricane Irma, a German name meaning "war goddess"

Hurricane Irma, a German name meaning “war goddess”

Joan Truman, a retired elementary school teacher from Florida’s east central coast, decided it was best to heed warnings and evacuate her home state. “I’ve rode out hurricanes [in Florida] before, but this one made me especially antsy. We thought it was best to pack up and visit our son in Hiawassee until Irma had passed. After seeing the footage from Texas when Hurricane Harvey hit, it’s better to be safe than forever sorry. The higher the altitude, the safer I feel,” the soft spoken lady tells Fetch Your News.

Towns County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Rickey Mathis says northern Georgia is subject to heavy rainfall, strong winds, potential flooding, and fallen debris if Hurricane Irma impacts the state. Director Mathis says he received a call from the Department of Agriculture, inquiring about pet friendly shelters, but he isn’t aware of specific weather warnings for Towns County at this time. Director Mathis was also notified of a request for available personnel to assist with efforts in Florida should the hurricane prove to be as destructive as predicted by forecasters.

“We’re waiting and watching the entire situation closely,” EMA Director Mathis says.

Towns County EMA maintains communication with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), and assures Fetch Your News that necessary updates will be provided on county developments as the storm draws near.

“Though it’s too soon to tell just how Hurricane Irma will impact Georgia, we are urging everyone to take steps to prepare now,” said GEMA/Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson. “We will keep the public updated with new information, but we encourage Georgians to ensure their plans are in place.”

For information on how to prepare, visit http://ready.ga.gov/

Follow Fetch Your News for local updates as we continue to track Hurricane Irma’s path.

Hurricane Irma prompts school closings in Georgia

News

*  Union County Schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 11th, 2017 due to Gov. Nathan Deal declaring a state of emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia. Please continue to monitor here for further updates.

  •  Fannin County Schools will be closed for students and all personnel on Monday, September 11.A great deal of consideration has been given to this decision. Governor Deal has us under a State of Emergency. Severe weather conditions, such as severe winds (especially at higher elevations), debris, dangerous road conditions, and downed power lines are all possible for our area beginning tomorrow(Monday) morning.Weather predictions are not always accurate, but this storm is massive and cannot be ignored. It is my hope that our community is spared from this, but it is better to err on the side of caution when safety is in question.  Please stay safe!
  • Pickens County Schools closed   Jasper, Georgia — Due to inclement weather conditions,the Pickens County School District will be closed tomorrow, Monday, September 11th – TWELVE MONTH EMPLOYEES REPORT AT NORMAL TIME. Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, September 12.  Twelve month employess will be contacted late Monday as to whether they will be required to come to work on Tuesday. All school activities, including athletic events and after-school programs, will be canceled.  Information will be posted on the Pickens County School District website at www.pickenscountyschools.org, the Infinite Campus parent portal, district and school websites and social media sites, and sent to local media.

     *  Gilmer County Schools closed   Release from Gilmer County School         School Closed – Monday, September 11, 2017Gilmer County Schools will be closed Monday September 11 due to Hurricane Irma. We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds especially at higher elevations, debris, dangerous road conditions and downed power lines left in its wake. We understand that weather predictions are not always accurate, but this storm is massive and cannot be ignored. It is our hope that our community is spared from the force of this storm, but we will always choose to err on the side of caution when our students’ safety is in question.

    *  Dawson County Schools Closed   Based on information from the NWS, Dawson County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, 2017. Twelve month employees report.

    *  Lumpkin County Schools Closed   Due to the weather forecast for our area, Lumpkin County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 11, 2017.  The anticipated high winds pose a significant threat to our students and staff. We understand that weather predictions are not always accurate, but we cannot ignore the potentially dangerous situation that this storm poses. Our number one priority is to keep our students and staff safe!  Decisions for future closings will be made as more information becomes available.  Thank you for supporting Lumpkin County Schools!

    *  Towns County Schools will be closed Monday for all students and staff. A decision about Tuesday will be made tomorrow afternoon.

    *  White County Schools Closed Due to the severe weather forecast, White County Schools are closed for students and staff Monday, September 11, 2017. Please be safe!

    *  Murray County Schools Closed Murray County Schools will be closed Monday September 11 and Tuesday September 12, due to the possible impact of Hurricane Irma.   We have made this decision after consultation with local emergency management authorities and careful consideration of safety factors, such as the probability of severe winds, debris, dangerous road conditions, and downed power lines.  We understand that weather predictions are often incorrect, but the size of this storm cannot be ignored. It is our hope that Murray County is spared from any of this storm’s impact, but we will always choose to error on the side of caution.  All events planned for Monday and Tuesday evenings are also cancelled.  This includes the September 11 MCPS Board meeting.  This meeting will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 14 at 6:15 p.m.  All maintenance, grounds crew, and transportation employees will meet at the transportation office.

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