Georgia Gov. Kemp declares State of Emergency ahead of predicted severe weather

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency, effective at noon today, March 15, in preparation for the severe and potentially damaging weather front moving into Georgia late this evening and early tomorrow morning.

The State of Emergency executive order authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts. Crews will also be on standby to respond to damage and power outages. The State of Emergency will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

“This storm will hit at the worst possible time, as people are heading to or already in bed. Before they retire for the evening, I’m urging everyone to be prepared ahead of time and to remain weather aware as long as this system is in the state,” said Gov. Kemp. “Given the uncertainty of this storm and the fact it will move through Georgia overnight, individuals and families should prepare now and make plans to stay safe. Just as we’ve made all necessary preparations on the state level ahead of the system’s arrival, Georgians should get ready now and not wait until the storm is already here.”

Among other provisions, the State of Emergency order prohibits price gouging. Access the full State of Emergency Executive Order here.Current Weather Forecast:

A significant severe weather event is expected across the Southeast this weekend, with a powerful line of storms moving into Georgia late Saturday night through Sunday morning. The main threats will be tornadoes and damaging winds with large hail also possible. 

While some strong thunderstorms are possible during the day on Saturday, the main window for severe weather will begin late Saturday night in northern and western Georgia. Supercells and a broken line of storms will shift eastward overnight and should move out of Metro Atlanta by sunrise on Sunday. The main window for severe weather in eastern and much of southern Georgia will be after sunrise on Sunday.

Significant severe weather will be possible anywhere in Georgia Saturday night and Sunday morning. 

Given the late-night expected arrival of the system, ensure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings and review your tornado safety plans beforehand. Continue to monitor updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets through the duration of this event.

For information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit, go to: 

 gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia