Kemp issues statewide emergency for severe weather damage

Announcements, Press Release
severe

Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency following severe storm damage across Georgia over the last twenty-four hours.

“We are praying for those who lost loved ones overnight and the families dealing with severe storm damage. In coordination with private-sector partners, multiple state agencies – including the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Georgia Forestry Commission – are working hard to restore power, clear debris, and provide necessary assistance to families across the state,” said Governor Kemp. “This morning, I also spoke with FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, and I greatly appreciate his offer of federal assistance as we work to rebuild and recover from these storms.”

As of early this morning, 177,000 Georgians were without power. Overnight, there were forty tornado warnings issued across the state.

Rabun EMA asks public to use caution around downed power lines

Community, Weather
power

RABUN COUNTY, Ga – Widespread north Georgia storms resulted in several trees down and leaves around 1,500 without power.

Rabun County EMA instructs the public to not assume the power is off to a line and to stay away from any downed lines.

The Mathis Dame gate is open and some other areas are flooded. Crews will be working throughout the day to restore power and remove the damage.

EMA also asks the public to check on neighbors while social distancing and take care of each other.

From Habersham EMC:

“Approximately 4,183 meters currently out throughout service area. Habersham remains largest affected county with approximately 3,141 meters out. Lee Electric and McAllister crews are working to assist HEMC personnel.

Please avoid downed lines and treat all as if energized.

Continue to report outages and hazards by phone:
(706) 754-2114
(706) 865-4362
(800) 640-6812.”

Rabun was under a tornado watch until 8 a.m. The storm was mainly to the west and reported winds of up to 60 mph. A tornado did touch down in Murray County with five confirmed dead and 23 injured.

Fetch Your News will update as more information becomes available.

Feature image from Habersham EMC.

 

 

Severe Weather Preparedness Week Starts Feb. 3

Community
Flash flood watch

(ATLANTA) – Governor Brian Kemp, in coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management
and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the National Weather Service (NWS), issued a
proclamation calling on Georgians to educate themselves and understand the threats of severe
weather during Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which will take place from Feb. 3 to Feb.
7.

Spring is traditionally a period where the threat of high winds, hail and lightning from tornados
and severe thunderstorms greatly increases. Severe Weather Preparedness Week serves as a
reminder to review emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.

 Monday, Feb. 3 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day: Purchase a life-
saving NOAA Weather Radio and choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in” contact
to call if your family gets separated.

 Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Thunderstorm Safety: Learn the difference between a thunderstorm
watch and a thunderstorm warning.

 Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Tornado Safety (and PrepareAthon! drill for tornado safety at 9
a.m.): Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.

 Thursday, Feb. 6 – Lightning Safety: Learn the 30/30 rule. If after seeing lightning, you
cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after
hearing the last clap of thunder.

 Friday, Feb. 7 – Flood Safety: Copy important documents, seal them in a watertight
container and add them to your Ready kit.

Severe weather preparedness week isn’t just for individuals and their families. GEMA/HS highly
encourages schools, businesses and other organizations to use this as an opportunity to
evaluate their preparedness for a severe weather event.
For more resources on how you can prepare your home, school or business for severe weather
emergencies and other disasters, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia and
follow @GeorgiaEMA on Twitter for preparedness tips and emergency information.

 

As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal
governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life
and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees
are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’s
“Ready Georgia” campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters. Visit www.gema.ga.gov for
more information.

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