ATLANTA, Ga. — The City of Atlanta is closely monitoring potential severe weather this weekend as Gov. Brian Kemp declared an updated state of emergency for all 159 Georgia counties ahead of Hurricane Isaias, with major events still on the calendar across the city.
City officials said they are coordinating with the National Weather Service, public safety agencies and event partners as several large gatherings are planned, including the Mayor 5K on the Runway, Atlanta Pride, SpelHouse Homecoming and Parks and Recreation outdoor events. Following an updated National Weather Service briefing, the city said it would decide on City-hosted events by Friday morning, Oct. 9, and communicate those decisions publicly. Independently organized events will be decided by their organizers.
Kemp issued the new executive order Thursday so emergency management teams can position resources before the storm. He directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center beginning early Friday afternoon. GEMA Director Josh Lamb said the center moves to Level 1 full activation at 1 p.m. Friday, with up to 500 National Guard troops authorized if conditions worsen.
Forecasters expect Isaias to make landfall on the Gulf Coast Friday evening, with potential impacts in Georgia continuing through Saturday, including strong wind gusts, heavy rain, spin-off tornadoes, downed trees and power lines, and flooding. Officials have warned of wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph that could knock out power.
Emergency crews and utilities are already moving. The American Red Cross dispatched relief supply trucks from Union City, Georgia Power staged restoration teams, and Verizon deployed emergency telecommunications trucks from Alpharetta. Residents were urged to stock food, batteries, flashlights and water, avoid driving through standing water or around barricades, and shelter in an interior windowless room on the lowest floor if a tornado warning is issued.
Atlanta residents and visitors can sign up for NotifyATL by texting NOTIFYATL to 888777 for emergency and severe weather alerts. Kemp said the state is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst as the busy weekend approaches.
