Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has issued an updated State of Emergency covering all 159 Georgia counties as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast, bringing the threat of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and possible tornadoes to the state.

The emergency declaration, announced Thursday, October 8, allows state emergency management teams to begin positioning personnel, equipment and other resources ahead of the storm.

Kemp has also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center beginning early Friday afternoon.

The governor said the state is taking precautions as forecasters anticipate the hurricane making landfall along the Gulf Coast Friday evening, with impacts potentially continuing across Georgia through Saturday.

“As we always do with weather events, we’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” Kemp said. “I encourage all Georgians to take this storm seriously and prepare now by stocking up on food, batteries, flashlights, water, and other necessities in case of severe weather impacting communities Friday night through Saturday.”

For residents of Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, the approaching storm raises concerns about heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, fallen trees, downed power lines and potential flash flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch and Flood Watch for portions of Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County.

Forecasters have indicated that the region could receive one to three inches of rainfall, with locally higher amounts possible. Wind gusts could reach 50 mph in some locations, potentially causing power outages and hazardous travel conditions.

The storm could also produce isolated tornadoes as rain bands move across Georgia.

GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb said emergency officials are coordinating with local, state and federal agencies to prepare for the storm.

“As we closely monitor this system, ensuring the safety of all Georgians is our top priority,” Lamb said. “That’s why GEMA/HS is working around the clock in coordination with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that we are fully prepared for any potential impacts.”

Lamb said all parts of Georgia could experience effects from the hurricane, and the state is preparing resources to assist communities where needed.

State emergency officials are urging residents to make preparations before conditions deteriorate.

Households should have emergency supplies available, including drinking water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlights and necessary medications.

Residents are also encouraged to charge cellphones and other electronic devices, secure loose outdoor objects and prepare for possible extended power outages.

Motorists are reminded never to drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Residents should also avoid downed power lines, which could remain energized even during an outage.

If a tornado warning is issued, residents should immediately seek shelter in a basement or storm cellar. Those without underground shelter should move to a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

The State of Emergency declaration is a precautionary measure intended to allow Georgia to respond more quickly if the hurricane causes significant damage.

Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are encouraged to continue monitoring weather forecasts and emergency announcements as Hurricane Isaias approaches.