Tying a 121-year-old record as the latest arriving first hurricane of the Atlantic season, Hurricane Isaias is expected to make U.S. landfall tomorrow, October 9th, 2026.
Both Florida and Alabama have several counties that are currently under a state of Emergency. Keep scrolling to see how the storm is expected to affect Georgia.
Hurricane Isaias effects in Georgia
Update for October 9th:
According to GEMA,
Governor Brian P. Kemp today issued an updated State of Emergency for all 159 counties in preparation for Hurricane Isaias. The new Executive Order enables emergency management teams to make necessary arrangements and position needed resources ahead of the storm’s impact. He has also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) beginning early Friday afternoon.
Currently, the National Weather Service Atlanta predicts potential impacts of:
- long duration of gusty wings (30 – 40 mph+)
- heavy rainfall and localized flash/river flooding
- isolated tornadoes
The timing of impacts on Atlanta are predicted for Friday night – Sunday morning. However, “uncertainty remains regarding the exact timing.”
The National Weather Service recommends keeping up with the weather and staying informed on their website, here.
The National Weather Service states,
Impacts from Hurricane Isaias are expected from Friday evening into early Sunday. Threats include strong, gusty winds, heavy rain causing flash and river flooding, and a few tornadoes are also possible. A high wind watch has been issued for Saturday morning through Sunday morning over areas of northeast, north, and north central Georgia. A tropical storm watch is also in effect for portions of southwest Georgia Friday evening into Saturday. Please continue to monitor the forecast for the most recent information on Hurricane Isaias.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency states,
Hurricane Isaias continues to strengthen as it turns north towards the Gulf Coast. It is currently a Category 1 hurricane and is forecast to make landfall at Category 2 strength on Friday evening near Gulf Shores or Pensacola… Even though the core of the system is forecast to move through Alabama, much of the heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and tornado threat will be on the eastern side of the storm impacting Georgia.
What should I do to stay safe?
While Atlanta is NOT expected to get the worst of it, it’s always good to know the recommendations for staying safe during a hurricane.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency recommends:
- Create a Ready kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you end up needing to evacuate.
- Make a family communications plan.
- Pay attention to weather alerts / have multiple ways to do this. Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are turned on in your phone’s settings.
- Secure your home.
- Cover windows with hurricane shutters to protect them from high winds. Another option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine pre-cut plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down so it doesn’t blow away/into something.
- If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
- Plan ahead for your pets.
- Know your area’s flood risk – if unsure, call your local emergency management agency or planning and zoning department, or visit Flood Smart.
- Stay out of flood waters, if possible.
- 6 inches of standing water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- The water may be contaminated or electrically charged.
- However, should you find yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water get out immediately and seek higher ground.
- Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities issue a tornado warning take shelter underground or in an interior room away from windows. If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue a flood or flash flood warning, seek higher ground.
Stay safe, Atlanta. And we’re sending our thoughts to our neighbors to the west and south who will feel more of the hurricane.