Hurricane Idalia Latest: Georgia Declares State Of Emergency

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian P. Kemp declared a state of emergency in Georgia on Tuesday in preparation for Hurricane Idalia.

The storm is expected to hit Georgia Wednesday, bringing damaging rainfall and winds throughout the southeast part of the state. The state of emergency is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 8, Kemp said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

"We are taking every precaution ahead of Hurricane Idalia's landfall tomorrow, and I am taking this additional executive action to ensure state assets are ready to respond," Kemp wrote. "Georgians in the expected impact area can and should take necessary steps to ensure their safety and that of their families. We are well positioned to respond to whatever Idalia may bring."

This latest executive action related to Hurricane Idalia follows the activation of the State Operations Center on Monday morning.

Idalia became a hurricane Monday night and is set to rapidly intensify to major hurricane status by Tuesday night, making landfall along the Florida Big Bend Wednesday morning as a Category 3 or 4 hurricane.

Brooks, Lowndes, Lanier, Echols, Clinch, Ware, and Charlton Counties are under a hurricane warning, while Pierce and Brantley Counties are under a hurricane watch as of Tuesday afternoon. Much of the rest of southeast and south-central Georgia are under a tropical storm warning.

Counties under a hurricane warning should expect widespread power outages plus downed trees and power lines, officials said. Counties under a tropical storm warning should expect gusty winds and heavy rainfall throughout the day Wednesday.

Flash flooding and tornadoes are also possible, according to officials.

Those impacted by the storm are encouraged to visit GEMA/HS' website, which includes tips on preparedness before, during, and after a hurricane.