ATLANTA – House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) is urging citizens in South Georgia to remain vigilant and informed as Hurricane Idalia approaches.
“As Hurricane Idalia approaches, I hope all Georgians will remain vigilant and make emergency preparations so we are prepared should this storm impact our state,” said Whip Burchett. “Expect the possibility of heavy rainfall and strong winds in our area in the coming days. With the governor’s recent activation of the State Operations Center and Emergency Declaration, I know that as we track the storm’s path and potential impacts to our region, our state will be prepared to come to the aid of affected Georgians. My number one priority is the safety and well-being of my Georgia community, and my prayers are with all those in the storm’s path.”
On Monday, August 28, Governor Brian Kemp directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) to monitor and prepare for any impact caused by Hurricane Idalia. The SOC is a multi-agency coordination center used by state, federal, local and volunteer agencies, as well as private sector organizations, to respond to disasters or emergencies that require a coordinated state response. It also includes the state’s 24-hour warning system.
Earlier today, the governor issued a State of Emergency order for the entire state. Currently Brooks, Lowndes, Lanier, Echols, Clinch, Ware and Charlton counties are under a Hurricane Warning. Pierce and Brantley counties are under a Hurricane Watch. Much of the rest of Southeast and South-Central Georgia are under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Hurricane Idalia is currently forecast to make landfall in Georgia on Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds, hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall are expected in parts of South Georgia.
For information on hurricane preparedness from GEMA/HS, please click here.
Representative James Burchett represents the citizens of District 176, which includes Atkinson and Lanier counties and portions of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and currently serves as the House Majority Whip. He also serves on the Ethics, Judiciary, Judiciary Non-Civil and Transportation committees and as an Ex-Officio member of the Rules Committee.
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