HLSFFC This product covers North and Central Georgia **TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR WEST-CENTRAL GEORGIA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Chattahoochee, Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson, and Webster * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Chattahoochee, Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson, and Webster * STORM INFORMATION: - About 450 miles south-southwest of Atlanta GA or about 360 miles south-southwest of Columbus GA - 27.7N 87.3W - Storm Intensity 120 mph - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 16 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ As of 11 AM ET, Hurricane Isaias was located in the northern Gulf with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, moving NNE at 16 mph. Isaias is forecast to accelerate towards the northern Gulf Coast this evening into early Saturday, and begin bringing widespread and potentially significant impacts to North and Central Georgia. These include a prolonged period of strong winds, heavy rainfall with localized flooding, and the potential for several tornadoes. Impacts will peak in intensity Saturday into Saturday night as Isaias moves northward across Mississippi/Alabama and into the Tennessee Valley. The wind field associated with Isaias is expected to expand considerably as the system moves inland and becomes extra-tropical. Strong winds will extend well east of the center of the storm and into West-Central Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for this area where wind gusts to 50 mph will be possible. Further north and east, while Isaias will be weakening and becoming 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 from tonight through early Sunday. A High Wind Warning has been issued for this area. Areas to the south and east of these warnings have been placed in a Wind Advisory where winds will be weaker, but still have gusts to 40 mph. 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 bring widespread rainfall, with multiple bands of heavy rain expected tonight through early Sunday. Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches are likely across much of the area, with a localized swath of up to 8 inches where the heaviest banding sets up. This rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor-drainge areas, as well as flood-prone creeks and streams. A Flood Watch has been issued for the entire area. Additionally, as Isaias tracks northward and inland late tonight into Saturday, a favorable environment for tornadoes will develop across North and Central Georgia, and continue through Saturday night. 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: Protect against hazardous winds having possible significant impacts across Notrh and Central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area 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. - Numerous power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across North and Central Georgia. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. * TORNADOES: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across North and Central Georgia. Potential 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 complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay attention for instructions from local authorities. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * 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 ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City GA around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.