(ATLANTA) — With another round of severe storms expected to enter Georgia this evening and overnight, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) urges Georgians to continue to stay weather-aware and prepare.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the primary threats for this system include damaging winds, flooding, hail and even an isolated tornado.
Georgians should stay informed about tonight’s round of severe storms by monitoring their local media for the latest forecast. Also, be sure to have several ways to receive weather alerts, including a NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations dedicated to broadcasting continuous weather information directly from a nearby NWS office. It is the best way to hear watches and warnings from NWS, even if they are issued in the middle of the night. They can be purchased at most big-box retailers, electronics stores, even grocery stores. Prices vary from $30 up, depending on the model.
Visit GEMA’s Ready Georgia website <http://www.ready.ga.gov/> to find information needed to create a disaster supply kit, develop a tailored communications plan and stay informed about the potential threats associated with this system. In addition, families can access children <http://www.ready.ga.gov/ReadyKids> ’s games and activities, while households with pets <http://www.ready.ga.gov/Prepare/Georgia-Pets> or elderly <http://www.ready.ga.gov/Prepare/Older-Georgians> or disabled <http://www.ready.ga.gov/Prepare/Georgians-with-Access-Functional-Needs> family members will find specific information on preparing for severe weather.
For preparedness on the go, download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app <http://www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp> , which turns your iPhone or Android smartphone into an invaluable tool by providing mobile access to weather alerts, preparedness information, and even local shelter locations in the wake of a disaster.
To date, this system has produced an EF-2 tornado, which cut a 4-mile path through Troup and Heard counties. In addition, one person died as a result of a single-car accident where weather was a factor.
The state operations center remains open with personnel from various state and volunteer agencies coordinating the state’s response to requests for assistance from local governments on a 24-hour basis.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more information on GEMA, visit www.gema.ga.gov. To learn how to prepare for disaster and create a custom kit and plan, visit www.ready.ga.gov or download the free Ready Georgia app. For specific risks in your community, contact your local emergency management agency.