Gov. Kemp Declares Emergency as Hurricane Isaias Approaches

Governor Brian Kemp has strategically issued a comprehensive statewide emergency executive order encompassing all 159 counties as Georgia fortifies itself against Hurricane Isaias's anticipated impacts.

The storm has intensified into a formidable Category 2 hurricane positioned in the Gulf of Mexico, with meteorologists projecting its center will make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday night or early Saturday morning. 

Although Georgia sits outside the direct path of the hurricane's eye, forecasters warn that severe weather phenomena—including torrential rainfall, widespread flooding, powerful 50 mph wind gusts, and potentially dangerous spin-up tornadoes—will advance inland into the state beginning Friday evening.

This executive order strategically empowers state agencies to position critical response resources ahead of time and authorizes the mobilization of up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops should conditions deteriorate. This action complements an earlier declaration that already suspended the state gas tax and relaxed truck weight restrictions to ensure fuel supply chains remain uninterrupted.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) will fully activate the State Operations Center starting Friday afternoon, enabling seamless coordination between local and state response initiatives.

Most of north and metro Atlanta remains under a flood watch extending through Sunday morning. Specific regions in west-middle Georgia (including Heard, Troup, Meriwether, and Pike counties) and southwest Georgia face tropical storm watches and warnings.

Nevertheless, metro Atlanta events are being adjusted accordingly, including the cancellation of Marietta's Chalktoberfest. College football enthusiasts traveling to Tuscaloosa for Saturday night's Georgia vs. Alabama matchup are strongly advised to prepare for severe weather conditions and heavy precipitation.

Meanwhile, cities like Columbus are proactively clearing storm drains, installing protective barricades, and mobilizing public works crews to address fallen trees and street obstructions.

Emergency officials strongly encourage residents to take decisive action before severe weather strikes Friday night by securing essential supplies. Procure adequate water, non-perishable food items, batteries, and flashlights to safeguard against potential power disruptions caused by intense winds.

Secure your outdoor patio furniture, trash cans, and yard decorations by bringing them indoors—this critical step prevents them from transforming into hazardous projectiles during severe weather. 

Additionally, clean out your gutters thoroughly to significantly reduce the risk of flooding and water damage to your property. But here's what truly matters: Stay Informed. Equip yourself with multiple reliable channels to receive severe weather alerts throughout the night, including weather applications on your smartphone and a dependable NOAA weather radio. 

This multi-layered approach to information ensures you'll never miss a critical warning when it matters most.