Making Preparations for Idalia’s Arrival in the CSRA
The CSRA is preparing for the effects of Idalia, which became a hurricane this morning. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to begin in the Augusta area today. Expect heavy rainfall at times. The brunt of the storm, however, is expected Wednesday starting around noon. Some areas of the CSRA are expected to get anywhere from two to four inches of rain with localized flooding. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are predicted with the potential for tornadoes as well.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday he has ordered the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) to monitor and prepare for any impact caused by Idalia.
Details On Hurricane Idalia
Idalia is currently expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane along the Florida Big Bend early Wednesday morning. It’s expected to weaken to a Category 1 hurricane as it moves into the southeastern part of Georgia later in the day. Georgia residents should expect tropical storm force winds to begin moving into the southern portion of the state by mid-morning.
“Georgia will be prepared for whatever Idalia will bring, ” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Rest assured, though the system will likely weaken before crossing our border, we’re not taking anything for granted.”
In South Carolina, the greatest threats that Idalia poses to the Midlands will be be heavy rain, strong winds and localized flooding as well. The North Augusta and Aiken areas are expected to get as much as four inches of rain. And Columbia is bracing for about six inches. In addition, areas to the east of Columbia, including Orangeburg, are expected to see the heaviest rainfall amounts with localized flooding.
Georgia and South Carolina residents should expect damage to trees and branches, which in turn could create the possibility of downed power lines and outages. Make sure you and your family have multiple ways to receive emergency weather alerts. Make sure your cell phones are charges, get a NOAA weather radio if possible and sign up for CodeRED alerts.
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