Gov. Kemp declares State of Emergency ahead of Isaias – FOX 5 Atlanta

Gov. Kemp declares State of Emergency ahead of Isaias  FOX 5 Atlanta

Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency across Georgia as Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane before its expected landfall. The storm is expected to begin affecting Georgia overnight Friday with heavy rain bands, flooding, and potential tornadic activity into Saturday. ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency across Georgia as Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane before its expected landfall. Kemp issued an executive order declaring a statewide emergency to allow state agencies to pre-position resources and make necessary preparations ahead of the storm. The order exists alongside a previous emergency declaration that suspended the state gas tax and truck weight limits.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday between the Mississippi coast and the western Florida panhandle. Heavy rain bands, potential flooding and tornadic activity are forecast to begin impacting western Georgia overnight Friday and into Saturday. The storm system carries potential wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph. Emergency managers have authorized calling up to 500 Georgia National Guard troops if conditions worsen. RELATED: Hurricane Isaias strengthens to 85mph | North Georgia impacts ahead "As we always do with weather events, we’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst," Kemp said during a press briefing. Emergency management Director Josh