ATLANTA — Governor Brian P. Kemp has ordered the emergency activation of the State Operations Center on Monday to prepare for the potential impact from Hurricane Ian later in the week, according to sources.
Hurricane Ian is expected to begin rapidly strengthening Sunday and will continue to do so through early this week, according to the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, at which point it will become a Category 4 hurricane.
Severe Weather Team 2′s Brad Nitz said Georgians need to be prepared to feel the storm’s effects by as early as Wednesday and they will likely last through early Sunday morning. The main impacts for Georgia will likely be heavy rain and strong winds.
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“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,” Kemp said in a statement. “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.”
Channel 2′s Audrey Washington spoke to emergency officials Monday, who said the the storm will impact most of south Georgia and there are units with Georgia Emergency Management and the Homeland Security Agency already in Macon and ready to deploy.
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Washington spoke to Dee Dixon, the CEO of the American Red Cross of Georgia, who said volunteers are also deployed across certain parts of Georgia, but she also encouraged people to keep their hurricane safety kits ready.
“Preparedness is key,” Dixon said. “Making sure you have an evacuation plan, making sure you have a survival plan and all of your medications.”
The state insurance commissioner also recommended that people take pictures of their belongings and property before a storm hits.
Those who find themselves in Ian’s eventual path can also consult this informational website provided by GEMA/HS that includes tips on storm preparedness before, during, and after a hurricane.
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