Chattooga County residents are facing a potentially dangerous weather situation Saturday as Hurricane Isaias brings strong winds, heavy rainfall and the threat of severe storms to Northwest Georgia.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Chattooga County through 8 AM Sunday, with east winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour and gusts reaching 50 miles per hour. Stronger gusts are possible in the higher elevations of Northwest Georgia.

Forecasters warn that damaging winds could bring down trees and power lines, resulting in widespread electrical outages. Saturated ground from heavy rainfall could make trees more vulnerable to falling.

A Flood Watch is also in effect through Sunday morning, with widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches expected across North Georgia. Some locations could receive as much as 5 inches, especially where repeated bands of heavy rain move over the same areas.

The National Weather Service is also warning of the possibility of tornadoes embedded in the storm’s rainbands.

Saturday And Sunday Forecast

For Summerville and Chattooga County, Saturday will be rainy and windy, with a 100 percent chance of precipitation and a high temperature near 70 degrees.

Periods of heavy rain are expected throughout the day and into Saturday night, with temperatures falling to around 60 degrees overnight.

Rain will continue into Sunday morning before conditions gradually improve. Sunday’s high is expected to reach around 71 degrees, with rain chances decreasing during the afternoon.

Local State Of Emergency Remains In Effect

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen issued a local State of Emergency Friday, activating the county’s emergency operations plan ahead of the storm.

Emergency Management Director Pamela Vaughn says the primary concern locally is the possibility of downed trees and widespread power outages.

County road crews are prepared to respond to fallen trees and blocked roadways. Residents can find road closure and emergency information through local news media and the Chattooga County EMA E911 Facebook page.

No emergency shelters were scheduled to open ahead of the storm.

Residents are reminded to report electrical outages directly to their power companies rather than calling 911. Emergency calls should be reserved for life-threatening situations.

Motorists should avoid flooded roads, watch for fallen trees and power lines, and limit unnecessary travel during the worst conditions.

Residents are encouraged to keep phones charged, secure loose outdoor items and have flashlights, batteries, food and drinking water available.

The greatest weather concerns are expected to continue through Saturday night and into early Sunday before conditions begin improving.