Kemp issues statewide emergency for severe weather damage
Announcements, Press Release April 13, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency following severe storm damage across Georgia over the last twenty-four hours.
“We are praying for those who lost loved ones overnight and the families dealing with severe storm damage. In coordination with private-sector partners, multiple state agencies – including the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Georgia Forestry Commission – are working hard to restore power, clear debris, and provide necessary assistance to families across the state,” said Governor Kemp. “This morning, I also spoke with FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, and I greatly appreciate his offer of federal assistance as we work to rebuild and recover from these storms.”
As of early this morning, 177,000 Georgians were without power. Overnight, there were forty tornado warnings issued across the state.
Thousands without power after overnight thunderstorms
Community April 13, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga – The overnight severe thunderstorms and high winds left 7,900 in the area without power and multiple trees blown down, and some flooding.
Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) is working to restore power.
Some residents lost power around 12 a.m. until 7 a.m. due to trees across power lines. In his 8 a.m. update, BRMEMC Manager Jeremy Nelms reported that around 4,000 of the outages had been restored. However, the continued high winds are a concern for bucket truck use. The wind advisory ends at 10 a.m. according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Nelms asked the public to please stay out of the crews’ way while working and to follow social distancing guidelines. “We want these men to remain as healthy as possible to continue performing their jobs. Thank you!” said Nelms.
To report an outage, call BRMEMC or visit its website.
Feature image from BRMEMC.
Fetch Your News will update this story as more information becomes available.
Severe weather forecasted for Sunday afternoon to Monday morning
Announcements, News April 12, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga – The National Weather Service Peachtree City (NWS) office has issued several severe weather warnings for North Georgia from Sunday into Monday.
From the NWS:
“There is an Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, across much of north and central Georgia this afternoon through early Monday morning, with a moderate risk for parts of northwest Georgia. Damaging wind gusts and large hail are also likely. Flash flooding will also be possible over parts of far north Georgia this afternoon and overnight. River levels may remain high through early next week.”
A wind advisory also goes into effect at 6 p.m. and will last until 6 a.m. on Monday, April 13. South winds between 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected.
NWS warns of possible tree limbs falling and power outages in the area due to the high winds. The service recommends to secure outdoor objects and take caution if operating a “high profile vehicle.”
Finally, North Georgia should be on the lookout for potential flash flooding as a watch will be in place until Monday morning.
Forecast map from NWS.
“Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through early Monday morning. Rain will be moderate to heavy at times with localized flooding possible. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible. Runoff from this rain will lead to a threat of flash flooding.” – NWS
Counties included in the issued warning and watches include Union, Towns, Fannin, Murray, Gordon, Lumpkin, Dawson, White, and Pickens.