Gov. Kemp warns of life-threatening storm surge as Dorian churns off GA coast

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp says the state is ready for whatever Hurricane Dorian delivers to the coast of Georgia.

Kemp and other state and federal officials held a briefing Wednesday afternoon as strong winds started moving in over Georgia’s coast.

"We are already getting reports of trees down in Wayne and Glynn counties, which obviously can be dangerous if you’re still in your home," Kemp said.

Early Wednesday morning, Kemp expanded the state of emergency in place to 21 counties.

[LIVE UPDATES: Heavy rain, tropical storm force wind gusts hitting Georgia coast]

Kemp said one of the biggest impacts they’re expecting is storm surge.

"Serious concerns remain that we will see damaging and life-threatening surf," Kemp said. "If you have not gotten out, if you have time, you should do so now."

[READ: Airbnb offers free housing for Hurricane Dorian evacuees, relief workers]

People who evacuated will not be able to return to their homes until the storm passes and local emergency officials say it is safe to return.

Kemp also said the Forestry Commission has chain saw strike teams staged in areas expected to be affected.

[READ: Hurricane Dorian: Georgia I-16 lanes reversed for evacuation routes on coast]

They will be ready to move as soon as it's safe and also help with emergency supply delivery.

On Monday, only Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant was alongside Kemp as he flew along the coast, finalizing plans with emergency officials as they prepared for the oncoming storm.

Cox Media Group