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ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp ordered the activation of the State Operations Center today, Sept. 26, to prepare for Tropical Storm Ian later in the week.
The state is making preparations in coordination with Director Chris Stallings of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the National Weather Service, and other storm response partners, Kemp’s office said.
According to the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Tropical Storm Ian is expected to begin rapidly strengthening today and will continue to do so through Tuesday, at which point it will become a Category 4 hurricane.
Though models suggest it will weaken before making landfall on Thursday, Ian could result in severe weather damage for large parts of Georgia.
“I want to thank Director Stallings and his team, as well as our emergency management partners throughout the state who stand at the ready, ensuring Georgia is prepared for whatever this major storm system could bring,” said Kemp. “I urge my fellow Georgians to monitor this storm as it evolves and calmly take the necessary precautions to keep their families and neighbors safe, if the storm continues to intensify. Throughout the week, I will work closely with GEMA/HS, the weather service, public safety organizations, and others to ensure we leave nothing to chance.”
Kemp and GEMA/HS are closely monitoring the status and path of the storm and will provide updates, officials said. In the interim, Georgians are encouraged to remain weather aware by keeping a close eye on weather forecasts and media reports on Tropical Storm Ian.
For those who find themselves in Ian’s eventual path, visit this informational website provided by GEMA/HS, which includes tips on storm preparedness before, during and after a hurricane.