Severe Weather Alert: Deal Declares State of Emergency

In preparation for severe storms that have caused extensive damage in states to the west, Governor Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency, which will free up all state resources needed for preparation and response in the counties targeted by the storm.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch for a large swath of north Georgia and metro Atlanta until 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 28.

The watch area includes all of northwest Georgia and metro Atlanta, including Bartow, Cherokee, Clarke, Cobb, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Oconee, Paulding, and Gwinnett counties. A flood watch is in effect for many north Georgia counties until early Thursday morning.

Overnight, the storms appeared to be weakening as they approached the state with the threat of tornadoes diminishing. Forecasters predicted Tuesday morning’s rain should stop or diminish by late morning, with another round of heavy rain expected to hit the north Georgia and metro Atlanta area by late afternoon.

More rain is in the forecast Wednesday as rainfalls of up to 5 inches are possible through Wednesday.

“At this juncture, we’ve declared the emergency for the entire state because it’s impossible to pinpoint where the weather will hit,” Deal said in a news release around 11 p.m. Monday. “Georgia is threatened at least through tomorrow and perhaps into Wednesday. We’re prepared now and we’ll be ready for recovery should we, God forbid, experience tornado damage or flooding.

“The state is sending the latest weather information we have available to affected schools districts, so that they can make informed decisions as they plan for tomorrow. I recommend that Georgians download the Ready Georgia app, follow GEMA on Twitter and tune in to media reports as the weather develops.”

The state of emergency will extend until the threat subsides.