GEORGIA, — Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a statewide State of Emergency in preparation for the severe storm system expected to move into Georgia late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
The executive order, effective at noon on March 15, grants emergency powers to state agencies to mobilize resources, activate emergency operations, and respond to storm damage and power outages. The State of Emergency will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.
“This storm will hit at the worst possible time, as people are heading to or already in bed,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Before they retire for the evening, I’m urging everyone to be prepared ahead of time and to remain weather aware as long as this system is in the state. Given the uncertainty of this storm and the fact it will move through Georgia overnight, individuals and families should prepare now and make plans to stay safe. Just as we’ve made all necessary preparations on the state level ahead of the system’s arrival, Georgians should get ready now and not wait until the storm is already here.”
In addition to mobilizing emergency response teams, the State of Emergency order prohibits price gouging, ensuring that residents have access to essential goods and services without unfair price increases.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant severe weather event across the Southeast, with tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail expected.
- Storm Arrival: Late Saturday night through Sunday morning
- Highest Risk Areas: Northern, western, and central Georgia
- Primary Threats:
- Tornadoes, including long-track tornadoes
- Damaging winds up to 70 mph
- Large hail
- Heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding
While some strong thunderstorms may develop during the day on Saturday, the most intense weather will arrive overnight. Supercells and a broken line of storms will move eastward through the night, clearing Metro Atlanta by sunrise on Sunday. The storm system will continue impacting eastern and southern Georgia throughout Sunday morning.
Because of the late-night arrival of these storms, residents should prepare now and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
State officials urge all residents to take precautions before the storm arrives:
- Have Multiple Ways to Get Alerts: Use NOAA weather radios, emergency phone alerts, and trusted news sources like 11Alive to receive real-time updates.
- Know Your Tornado Safety Plan: Identify a safe place in your home, such as a basement, storm shelter, or interior room away from windows.
- Charge Your Devices: Keep cell phones, flashlights, and backup batteries fully charged in case of power outages.
- Prepare a Ready Kit: Stock up on non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, and extra medications in case of extended power disruptions.
- Check on Family and Neighbors: Make sure elderly relatives, friends, and those with disabilities are prepared and have a plan in place.
For more information on how to prepare for severe weather, visit the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign at gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has activated the State Operations Center (SOC) to monitor storm conditions and coordinate emergency response efforts. Crews are on standby to assist with:
- Downed power lines and outages
- Flooding and debris removal
- Emergency rescues and response to storm damage
Residents are advised to stay off the roads during severe weather unless absolutely necessary. Emergency response teams will be deployed to assist affected areas as soon as conditions allow.
