Tropical Cyclone Local Statement for Bartow, Cherokee, Forsyth and 94 more areas

CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None STORM INFORMATION: - About 170 miles southwest of Atlanta GA or about 90 miles west-southwest of Columbus GA - 32. 0N 86.5W - Storm Intensity 35 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 14 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ As of 5 AM EDT, Post-Tropical Cyclone Isaias was moving northward across Alabama at 14 MPH with maximum sustained winds of 35 MPH. Widespread and potentially significant impacts are starting to unfold across North and Central Georgia on the eastern side of Isaias. These include a prolonged period of strong winds, heavy rainfall with localized flooding, and the potential for several tornadoes. Impacts will peak in intensity today into tonight as Isaias continues moving north across Alabama and into the Tennessee Valley. While Isaias is weakening and has become post-tropical, there will be a very strong pressure gradient between the system and strong high pressure over the Mid-Atlantic. This gradient will support a prolonged period of strong easterly winds with frequent gusts to 40 to 50 mph across most of North Georgia through this afternoon and into tonight. A High Wind Warning is in effect for this area. Areas to the south of these warnings are in a Wind Advisory where winds will be weaker, though gusts up to 40 mph will be possible. Across all areas, the prolonged and strong winds could lead to power outages from downed limbs and trees, especially when combined with saturated soils from periods of heavy rain. Isaias will continue to bring widespread rainfall to the area, with multiple bands of heavy rain expected through early Sunday. Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are likely across much of the area. A localized swath of as much as 8 inches will be possible where the heaviest banding sets up. This rainfall could lead to flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor-drainge areas, as well as flood-prone creeks and streams. The north-south orientation of bands may enhance river flooding along north-south reaches. Training heavy rain in the mountains may furthermore increase the risk of landslides. A Flood Watch remains in effect for the entire area, as a result. Additionally, a favorable environment for tornadoes is starting to develop across Central Georgia early this morning, and will advance into north Georgia by the afternoon and evening. Several tornadoes will be possible, particularly within the outer rainbands of the system. Tornadoes from tropical systems are typically quick to develop and short-lived, but with the forward speed of the system and the unique setup, we can't rule out a stronger (EF2 or EF3), long-track tornado, especially across Central Georgia. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across North and Central Georgia. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having potentially significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across North and Central Georgia. Remain well guarded against life- threatening flood waters having possible extensive impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across North and Central Georgia. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery- powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. During the peak of the storm be ready to move quickly. Keep your shoes on and rain gear handy. Boots and athletic shoes offer the best foot protection if you become unexpectedly exposed to the weather. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on creating an emergency plan see ready.ga.gov - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement issued by the weather service in Peachtree City GA regarding the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.