UPDATED: Hurricane Idalia – Tropical Storm Warning in Effect
Published 8:36 am Monday, August 28, 2023
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Staff Reports
Crisp County Sheriff’s Office
08/30 5:00am
Hurricane Idalia Local Statement Advisory Number 15
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA AL102023
526 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023
This product covers NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA
**IDALIA IS EXPECTED TO BRING IMPACTS TO THE REGION TODAY THROUGH
THURSDAY MORNING**
NEW INFORMATION
—————
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
– The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
Warning for Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Hancock, Jones, Taylor,
and Warren
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
– A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baldwin, Bibb,
Bleckley, Crawford, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Emanuel, Glascock,
Hancock, Houston, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Laurens, Macon,
Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Schley, Sumter, Taylor, Telfair,
Toombs, Treutlen, Twiggs, Warren, Washington, Wheeler, Wilcox,
and Wilkinson
* STORM INFORMATION:
– About 260 miles south of Macon GA or about 240 miles
south-southwest of Vidalia GA
– 29.1N 84.1W
– Storm Intensity 130 mph
– Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 18 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
——————
Hurricane Idalia has become a major hurricane and will continue to
track northward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico with additional
strengthening expected before landfall this morning. Idalia is
forecast to track over portions of central and east Georgia late this
morning and through the afternoon.
Local impacts from Idalia will begin as early as this morning as heavy
rainfall begins to overspread southeast central Georgia from southwest
to northeast. Heavy rainfall will then continue through this afternoon
and tonight across the region with 4 to 9 inches of rainfall forecast,
with locally higher amounts possible. Tropical Storm force winds are
expected to occur across portions of central and east Georgia this
afternoon and evening. Tornadoes will be possible primarily across
southeast Georgia this morning and afternoon, particularly in tropical
rainbands.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
—————–
* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts
across portions of central and east 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 west-central Georgia.
Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across portions of central and east Georgia.
Potential impacts include:
– Major flooding from heavy rainfall 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. Flood control systems and barriers may become
stressed.
– In areas experiencing the most significant flooding, flood waters
may enter structures, with some becoming uninhabitable. Roadways,
including escape routes, may become impassable where significant
flooding occurs. Streets and parking lots may become rivers of
moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions will
become dangerous. Flooding may result in the closures of many
roads and bridges, with some becoming weakened or washed out.
Protect against dangerous flooding having possible limited to
significant impacts in portions of west-central Georgia.
Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is
anticipated.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across southeast Georgia. Potential impacts include:
– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
– Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
– Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across central Georgia.
Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is
anticipated.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
08/29 6:30
Update: Hurricane #Idalia
According to the NWS Idalia continues to strengthen as it moves north-northeast toward the Big Bend area of western Florida. The latest NHC track forecast has shifted about 20-30 miles west since this morning. This has nudged the heavier rain axis and stronger winds back west across a broader portion of central Georgia. Our main concerns are wind, heavy rain, and the potential for tornadoes. WE ARE DEDICATED TO YOU! Crisp County Sheriff’s Office/EMA will continue to keep citizens updated as we receive information.
Current Watches and Advisories for Crisp
…TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT…
A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.
WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind, Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT…
WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
* WHEN…From Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE!
We have included tips below to assist in preparing for these winds.
• Make sure dead branches and trees are removed.
• Bring in or tie down all lawn furniture or loose items on your property. (Patio furniture, Umbrellas, Hammocks, trampolines, Swing sets, unsecured awnings, and garbage cans.)
• Clean out gutters, storm drains, etc. (keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches) so rainwaters can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding.
• Rake leaves to cut down on flying debris and prevent clogged storm drains
• Inspect your roofing making sure shingles are secure.
• Know how to turn off the gas and electric.
• Organize/Position heavy equipment to deal with storm damage.
• Remove/secure equipment that may be impacted by high winds.
08/29 3:40pm
Update: Hurricane #Idalia
Landfall will occur early Wednesday morning somewhere within the Hurricane Warning area. The National Weather Service states Idalia will be a large and destructive hurricane. There is still some uncertainty on the exact track, however impacts will be felt outside of the forecast cone. Small shifts will have large implications on local impacts. The lastest forecast has shifted slightly westward. Our main concerns are wind, heavy rain, and tornadoes. WE ARE DEDICATED TO YOU! Crisp County Sheriff’s Office/EMA will continue to keep citizens updated as we receive information.
Crisp County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning & Flood Watch.
Crisp County Schools and Crisp Academy have both announced closures for Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
We would like to remind citizens to complete your preparations for Tropical Storm Force Winds. We have included tips below to assist in preparing for these winds.
• Make sure dead branches and trees are removed.
• Bring in or tie down all lawn furniture or loose items on your property. (Patio furniture, Umbrellas, Hammocks, trampolines, Swing sets, unsecured awnings, and garbage cans.)
• Clean out gutters, storm drains, etc. (keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches) so rainwaters can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding.
• Rake leaves to cut down on flying debris and prevent clogged storm drains
• Inspect your roofing making sure shingles are secure.
• Know how to turn off the gas and electric.
• Organize/Position heavy equipment to deal with storm damage.
• Remove/secure equipment that may be impacted by high winds.
08/29 1:30pm
Idalia is strengthening and rapid intensification is still forecast to occur today and into landfall sometime Wednesday morning. A slight west shift in the track did occur but users are reminded to not focus on the center, impacts will occur over a large area. Heavy rainfall and the potential for tornadoes are forecast as well. The threats for these hazards will be greatest generally along and east of where Idalia will travel. Rain begins to move in tonight and the tornado threat will increase early Wednesday morning.
Current Watches and Advisories for Crisp
…TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT…
A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.
WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind, Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT…
WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
* WHEN…From Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
We advise citizens to remain weather aware by staying updated on weather forecasts and media reports. We also encourage citizens to make necessary preparations, NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE! Additionally, impacts will be felt well beyond the storm’s center; don’t get tunnel vision on the center of the cone in the supplied graphics. Any change in path could change the potential impacts in our area significantly. #BeReady #StayInformedStaySafe #CCEMA
• Establish a family communications plan and prepare an Emergency Kit.
• Have multiple ways to receive warnings and weather alerts. Crisp County Emergency Management uses sirens, CodeRED, local news media, and social media to alert residents of any significant weather events.
• Secure loose items around your home that could potentially become airborne.
08/29 11:30am
TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT…
A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
– Cordele
* WIND
– LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
– Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph
– The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
– PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
– PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
– ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous.
Update: Hurricane #Idalia
According to the NWS Tallahassee, a general northward motion at an increasing forward speed is expected. There has been a slight westward nudge in the track. Idalia is expected to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane today and strengthen through landfall early Wednesday morning. This morning’s briefing included several upgrades in weather advisories. Flood Watches are now in effect from Gulf County, FL, to Lee County, GA, and all points eastward. Any change in path or continued North West direction could change the potential impacts in our area significantly. We encourage citizens to make necessary preparations, NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE!#BeReadyAlways #StayInformedStaySafe #CCEMA
Matthew Crumley with CBS 44
5am 8/28 #Idalia now forecast to become a Major Hurricane before landfall on FL Nature Coast late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. Serious Storm Surge threat for FL Gulf Coast especially if landfall occurs at high tide & Full Blue Supermoon.
Tropical Storm conditions increasingly likely for southeastern half of #SWGA. Next update 11am.
5am 8/29: Hurricane #Idalia expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday. Tropical Storm & Hurricane Warnings remain in effect for eastern half of #SWGA counties.
Tropical Storm Watch for Telfair County in GA.
Tropical Storm Warning for Tift, Ben Hill, Irwin, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Berrien, Atkinson, Grady, Thomas and Clinch County in GA.
Hurricane Warning for Brooks, Lowndes, Lanier and Echols County in GA