Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are being urged to prepare for a potentially dangerous weekend of weather as Hurricane Isaias approaches the northern Gulf Coast.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a High Wind Watch and Flood Watch for Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia as forecasters express increasing concern about damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and possible tornadoes.

The High Wind Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday morning, with east winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts as high as 50 mph possible.

The Flood Watch is scheduled to begin late Friday night and continue through Sunday morning.

Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with localized amounts potentially reaching 5 inches where heavier bands of rain develop.

The National Weather Service warns that heavy rainfall could produce flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, along creeks and streams, and in locations with poor drainage.

Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday, potentially bringing dangerous conditions to Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas.

Although Northwest Georgia is well inland from the expected landfall location, the storm’s circulation and interaction with high pressure northeast of Georgia could produce significant impacts across the region.

The National Weather Service says damaging winds could bring down trees and power lines, resulting in widespread power outages. Travel could also become hazardous, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Another concern is the possibility of isolated tornadoes developing within rain bands associated with the hurricane.

Forecasters say the combination of strong wind shear and tropical moisture could support rotating thunderstorms as the system moves inland.

The greatest concern for Northwest Georgia is from Friday evening through early Sunday, with Saturday expected to bring the most widespread impacts.

Counties included in the watches include Chattooga, Walker, Floyd, Gordon, Dade, Catoosa, Whitfield and other portions of North Georgia.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is encouraging residents to prepare now for possible power outages and severe weather.

Residents should secure loose outdoor items, including patio furniture, garbage cans and decorations, that could become airborne in strong winds.

Households should also charge phones and other electronic devices, have flashlights available and make sure they have a reliable way to receive weather warnings if electricity or internet service is interrupted.

Anyone living near flood-prone roads, creeks or streams should closely monitor changing conditions and avoid driving through flooded roadways.

Residents are also encouraged to identify a safe place inside their homes in case a tornado warning is issued. An interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, generally provides the best protection when a basement or designated storm shelter is unavailable.

The National Weather Service emphasizes that the exact track and intensity of Isaias will determine how severe the impacts become across Northwest Georgia.

Residents should continue monitoring WZQZ Radio, ChattoogaInfo and official National Weather Service updates as the storm approaches.

Sources:

National Weather Service Peachtree City — October 8, 2026
National Hurricane Center — Hurricane Isaias Advisories
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency