Gordon County EMA released the following weather update Friday, October 9, urging residents to complete storm preparations and remain alert for emergency weather warnings throughout the weekend:
Isaias strengthened overnight and is now a Category 3 hurricane set to make landfall near Pensacola this evening. Significant rain and wind impacts are expected in Georgia tonight through tomorrow night. Widespread wind gusts of 40-50 mph are likely across much of the state with potentially higher gusts in western Georgia and northern Georgia to include Gordon County. Several inches of rain will be possible where feeder bands set up tomorrow. A Flood Watch is in effect for most of Georgia between tonight and Sunday morning. Several tornadoes will also be possible.
A High Wind Warning is in effect for most of North Georgia including all of Metro Atlanta. Similar wind impacts are expected across the North Georgia warning area as are anticipated for the areas under a Tropical Storm Warning with wind gusts of 40-50 mph and up to 60 mph possible closer to the core of Isaias and in the higher elevations of North Georgia. Downed trees and power lines will cause power outages and debris issues this weekend. Travel could be difficult tonight and tomorrow as well.
Heavy rain and strong winds will move into Southwest Georgia this evening and continue to spread northward across Georgia overnight. Strong winds will continue in North Georgia through Saturday evening. The potential for heavy rainfall and rotating cells will also continue across the state through Saturday evening. Conditions should drastically improve overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.
Please continue to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center, your local National Weather Service office, and reliable media outlets today and tomorrow. Preparatory actions should be rushed to completion before the system begins impacting Georgia tonight. Make sure you can receive tornado and flash flood warnings overnight tonight and tomorrow.