Hurricane Ian: Storm Surge Likely For Georgia Coast

ATLANTA, GA — Gov. Brian Kemp said Friday Georgia is "ready to roll" should neighboring states need assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Storm surge was Georgia's most significant concern Friday with Ian forecast to make a second U.S. landfall along the South Carolina coast in the afternoon.

Ian left millions in Florida without power, and USA Today reported one of 21 deaths in Florida was confirmed to be a result of the hurricane.

>>>See full coverage of Hurricane Ian.

Will Lanxton, the state meteorologist with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security, said the tropical storm warnings and watches along the Georgia coast are set to expire Friday. A wind advisory for parts of northeast and east central Georgia will expire at 8 p.m. Friday.

Georgia National Guard Major General Tom Carden said at the moment 500 guardsmen are prepared to respond to the storm and assist, as needed.

The Georgia Department of Transportation reopened Friday the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Glynn County after closing it Thursday morning in anticipation of Ian.

Lane closure restrictions on interstates 75, 16 and 95 will end Friday, and construction crews are set to return to work Saturday, GDOT officials said.

Rest areas and welcoming centers will return to their normal operating hours. State officials moved to operate them 24 hours a day earlier in the week in preparation for Ian.

The South Metro Express Lanes will also return to normal operating hours.

Georgia's state of emergency is set to expire at 11:59 p.m., Oct. 28.