Gov. Brian Kemp urged Georgians to take caution as Hurricane Ian gains intensity off the western coast of Florida, threatening to bring torrential rain, dangerous storm surges and sweeping winds to the state this week.
The hurricane, now a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring winds exceeding 130 mph when it makes landfall in Florida. Kemp said the state is preparing for an influx of evacuees from Florida, though he said there hasn’t been a significant traffic boost yet.
”We are prepared. We are ready. We are continuing to watch,” said Kemp. “There’s no need to panic in the state of Georgia right now.”
WATCH: Hurricane Ian - Georgia Governor Brian Kemp visits GEMA as State monitors Hurricane Ian as it bears down on Florida - https://t.co/BmrYeTMJ3V #Atlanta pic.twitter.com/ZupGWRFkie
— John Spink (@johnjspink) September 28, 2022
The governor said state officials have opened northbound express lanes on I-75 and readied welcome centers. Emergency staffers are also prepared to mobilize state facilities as temporary shelters if needed.Kemp said there are no immediate plans to call for evacuations on Georgia’s coast.
”We haven’t gone there yet. I think we’re in great shape right now,” said Kemp. “We’ll do that very quickly and let people know” if conditions change.
WATCH: UPDATE - #FEMA #Atlanta in full swing as Hurricane #Ian makes landfall in Cuba - https://t.co/EFspR0WkO8 pic.twitter.com/Z49hHxQrDB
— John Spink (@johnjspink) September 27, 2022
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is also urging readiness, issuing an emergency order but no evacuation mandates.
“Be ready,” he said via social media.
#Savannah is under a Tropical Storm & Storm Surge Warning. Heavy rain & wind expected Thurs night through Sat morning.
— Mayor Van Johnson (@MayorJohnsonSAV) September 28, 2022
I have issued an Emergency Order, eff. 8 am. No evacuations but pray for our friends in Florida who are facing Cat 4 #HurricaneIan
More info to come. #BeReady
“All you will notice from Ian today is some high clouds, especially across the Southside,” Monahan said. “North and west of Atlanta, it should be a mostly sunny day and a partly cloudy night tonight.”
- Reporter Chelsea Prince contributed to this article