Atlanta now under a tropical storm warning
The city of Atlanta and surrounding counties are now under a tropical storm warning at Hurricane Irma makes landfall, according to the National Weather Service.
Atlanta is also under a flash flood watch through Tuesday, Sept. 12.
The area should expect 3 inches of rain or more as well as strong winds of 40 to 50 miles per hour with gusts as high as 70 miles per hour along east of the center of the storm track, the National Weather Service says.
Local officials are urging people to secure patio and lawn furniture, as well as prepare to be without power for up to 72 hours. For more details on how to prepare, click here.
Previously the city had been under a tropical storm watch. Local school systems have said they don’t plan to make an announcement about school closures until this evening, but like everything else regarding this storm, that could change.
Here’s the latest from the National Weather Service:
Hurricane Local Statement
Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 45 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-089>098-102>113-101945- Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 45 National Weather Service Peachtree City GA AL112017 732 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 This product covers NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA **A Tropical Storm Warning in Effect for Much of North and Central Georgia** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Baldwin, Barrow, Bibb, Bleckley, Carroll, Chattahoochee, Clarke, Cobb, Crawford, Crisp, DeKalb, Dodge, Dooly, Douglas, Emanuel, Glascock, Gwinnett, Haralson, Harris, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Laurens, Macon, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muscogee, Newton, North Fulton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pulaski, Rockdale, Schley, South Fulton, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Twiggs, Walton, Washington, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkes, and Wilkinson - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Banks, Catoosa, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Hall, Lumpkin, Murray, Towns, Union, Walker, White, and Whitfield - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Bartow, Chattooga, Cherokee, Floyd, Forsyth, Gordon, Pickens, and Polk * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baldwin, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bleckley, Carroll, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Cobb, Crawford, Crisp, DeKalb, Dodge, Dooly, Douglas, Emanuel, Floyd, Forsyth, Glascock, Gordon, Gwinnett, Haralson, Harris, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Laurens, Macon, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muscogee, Newton, North Fulton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Polk, Pulaski, Rockdale, Schley, South Fulton, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Twiggs, Walton, Washington, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkes, and Wilkinson - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Banks, Catoosa, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Hall, Lumpkin, Murray, Towns, Union, Walker, White, and Whitfield * STORM INFORMATION: - About 690 miles south-southeast of Atlanta GA or about 610 miles south-southeast of Columbus GA - 24.1N 81.5W - Storm Intensity 130 mph - Movement Northwest or 325 degrees at 8 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Irma continues as a major hurricane, centered less than 100 miles southeast of Key West, Florida. Official National Hurricane Center track has Irma crossing the Lower Florida Keys early this morning and then tracking up the west coast of Florida this afternoon through Monday Morning. Irma should move inland over the Florida panhandle and southwestern Georgia by Monday afternoon. Irma will remain a powerful hurricane as it approaches the Florida Keys and moves up the west coast of Florida. As Irma moves into Central Georgia, portions of the watch area can expect tropical storm force winds beginning late Sunday night. During the day Monday, the greatest impacts will be felt with winds increasing to 40 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph along and east of the center of the storm track. Because of the wet spring and early summer, the forecasted wind speeds will easily bring trees down across the area which will also lead to widespread power outages. Isolated tornadoes will be possible, especially over portions of east central Georgia. Residents should be prepared in some cases to be without power for several days and stock up on supplies accordingly. Tropical storm force winds are expected to move out of the area late Monday night. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across north and central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across north and central Georgia. * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across north and central Georgia. Potential impacts include: - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible limited to significant impacts across north and central Georgia. * TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across east central Georgia. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to bring to completion all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Outside preparations should be wrapped up as soon as possible before weather conditions completely deteriorate. Keep cell phones well charged and handy. Locate your chargers and keep them with your cell phone. Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. * 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 Noon, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$
Tropical Storm Warning
Irma Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 45 National Weather Service Peachtree City GA AL112017 609 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 GAZ033-101815- /O.NEW.KFFC.TR.W.1011.170910T1009Z-000000T0000Z/ /O.UPG.KFFC.TR.A.1011.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/ North Fulton- 609 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT... A Tropical Storm Warning means Tropical storm wind conditions are expected somewhere within this area and within the next 36 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Atlanta * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 55 mph - CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Elevated - The wind threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for tropical storm force wind of 39 to 57 mph. - To be safe, prepare for the potential of limited wind impacts. Remaining efforts to secure properties should now be brought to completion. - Hazardous wind is possible. Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury. Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - 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. - Scattered power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: 3-5 inches, with locally higher amounts - CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: Elevated - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - Emergency plans should include a reasonable threat for minor flooding where peak rainfall totals are near amounts conducive for localized flash flooding and rapid inundation. - To be safe, prepare for the potential of limited flooding rain impacts. - Localized flooding is possible. If flood related watches and warnings are issued, heed recommended actions. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes - CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: None - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - Emergency plans need not include a threat for tornadoes. Showers and thunderstorms with strong gusty winds may still occur. - Little to no preparations needed to guard against tropical tornadoes. - Ensure readiness for the next tropical tornado event. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - Family emergency plans: Federal Emergency Management Agency - http://ready.gov/hurricanes - Local weather conditions and forecasts: - http://weather.gov/atlanta $$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 530 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086- 089>098-102>113-110000- Baldwin-Banks-Barrow-Bartow-Bibb-Bleckley-Butts-Carroll-Catoosa- Chattahoochee-Chattooga-Cherokee-Clarke-Clayton-Cobb-Coweta- Crawford-Crisp-Dade-Dawson-DeKalb-Dodge-Dooly-Douglas-Emanuel- Fannin-Fayette-Floyd-Forsyth-Gilmer-Glascock-Gordon-Greene- Gwinnett-Hall-Hancock-Haralson-Harris-Heard-Henry-Houston-Jackson- Jasper-Jefferson-Johnson-Jones-Lamar-Laurens-Lumpkin-Macon- Madison-Marion-Meriwether-Monroe-Montgomery-Morgan-Murray- Muscogee-Newton-North Fulton-Oconee-Oglethorpe-Paulding-Peach- Pickens-Pike-Polk-Pulaski-Putnam-Rockdale-Schley-South Fulton- Spalding-Stewart-Sumter-Talbot-Taliaferro-Taylor-Telfair-Toombs- Towns-Treutlen-Troup-Twiggs-Union-Upson-Walker-Walton-Warren- Washington-Webster-Wheeler-White-Whitfield-Wilcox-Wilkes- Wilkinson- 530 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North and Central Georgia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight... Tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect for north and central Georgia. Continue to refer to the latest official tracks and advisories issued by the National Hurricane Center and or Hurricane Local Statements for updates on Hurricane Irma. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday... Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings will be in effect for portions of north and central Georgia along with a flash flood watch, through Monday. Continue to refer to the latest official tracks and advisories issued by the National Hurricane Center and or Hurricane Local Statements for updates on Hurricane Irma. Otherwise, there will be a slight chance or a chance of thunderstorms over portions of north and central Georgia Thursday through Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight. $$
Flash Flood Watch
Flood Watch National Weather Service Peachtree City GA 521 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086- 089>098-102>113-102100- /O.CON.KFFC.FF.A.0010.170911T1200Z-170912T1200Z/ /00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/ Dade-Walker-Catoosa-Whitfield-Murray-Fannin-Gilmer-Union-Towns- Chattooga-Gordon-Pickens-Dawson-Lumpkin-White-Floyd-Bartow- Cherokee-Forsyth-Hall-Banks-Jackson-Madison-Polk-Paulding-Cobb- North Fulton-Gwinnett-Barrow-Clarke-Oconee-Oglethorpe-Wilkes- Haralson-Carroll-Douglas-South Fulton-DeKalb-Rockdale-Walton- Newton-Morgan-Greene-Taliaferro-Heard-Coweta-Fayette-Clayton- Spalding-Henry-Butts-Jasper-Putnam-Hancock-Warren-Troup- Meriwether-Pike-Upson-Lamar-Monroe-Jones-Baldwin-Washington- Glascock-Jefferson-Harris-Talbot-Taylor-Crawford-Bibb-Twiggs- Wilkinson-Johnson-Emanuel-Muscogee-Chattahoochee-Marion-Schley- Macon-Peach-Houston-Bleckley-Laurens-Treutlen-Stewart-Webster- Sumter-Dooly-Crisp-Pulaski-Wilcox-Dodge-Telfair-Wheeler- Montgomery-Toombs- Including the cities of Calhoun, Dahlonega, Cleveland, Rome, Cartersville, Gainesville, Marietta, Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Athens, Carrollton, Douglasville, East Point, Decatur, Conyers, Covington, Newnan, Peachtree City, Griffin, Milledgeville, Macon, Swainsboro, Columbus, Warner Robins, Dublin, Lumpkin, Americus, Cordele, and Vidalia 521 AM EDT Sun Sep 10 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * North and Central Georgia. * From Monday morning into Tuesday morning * Heavy rains from Irma will spread over north and central Georgia beginning later Sunday night and Monday morning and continuing through Monday night. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 7 inches are possible with isolated higher amounts, especially in the higher terrain of the mountains. These rainfall amounts will likely lead to flash flooding. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
