Early Wednesday afternoon Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for the entire state, including Cobb County, as Hurricane Florence nears landfall along the coast of the Carolinas.
Most of Georgia is included in a cone of possible impact from the powerful storm, which has been downgraded to Category 3 but that is expected to cause significant damage as it moves off the Atlantic Ocean.
Those threats include flooding from heavy rains, along with high winds, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C.
The storm, which is estimated to be 40 miles wide, with tropical winds extending for around 350 miles, is projected to strike somewhere the North Carolina-South Carolina border late Friday afternoon.
Florence could stall before that and may even move in a southerly direction before reaching the coast, possibly restrengthening to Category 4.
The threat to Cobb and metro Atlanta, if any, is expected to be minimal and would come by Sunday and Monday.
The emergency declaration enables the state to mobilize resources across Georgia to react where they may be needed.
Here’s what Gov. Deal said in issuing his emergency declaration:
“In light of the storm’s forecasted southward track after making landfall, I encourage Georgians to be prepared for the inland effects of the storm as well as the ensuing storm surge in coastal areas. GEMA/HS continues to lead our preparedness efforts as we coordinate with federal, state and local officials to provide public shelter and accommodate those evacuating from other states. Finally, I ask all Georgians to join me in praying for the safety of our people and all those in the path of Hurricane Florence.”
No evacuations have been ordered along the Georgia coast, but the effects of the storm could be felt there by Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Atlanta, the metro area will have clear skies for the rest of the work week, with a slight chance of thunderstorms on Saturday.
By Sunday night, the chance of rain is forecast to be 40 percent, and up to 50 percent Monday and Tuesday.
The NWS office in Atlanta adds that:
“After landfall, there is great uncertainty as to where Florence will go but there are increased indications that the remnants of Florence could affect at least portions of north and central Georgia late Saturday through Tuesday. The situation continues to be a watch and monitor, so please stay tuned to your local forecast.”
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