Hurricane Irma: Deal Expands State Of Emergency To All Counties

ATLANTA, GA -- All of Georgia's 159 counties are now under a state of emergency issued early Sunday afternoon by Gov. Nathan Deal, a directive issued hours after the National Weather Service placed the metro Atlanta area under a tropical storm warning ahead of Hurricane Irma's arrival into the Peach State.

Deal's expansion to include an additional 65 counties was acted upon a recommendation from the state's Emergency Operations Command and ahead of strong winds, heavy rains and potential flooding expected to accompany Irma as she barrels into the Peach State. State government will be closed Monday and Tuesday for all employees except those identified as essential to operations.

Hurricane Irma is sending strong winds and rain across southern Florida and expected to hit Georgia as a tropical storm Sunday night, but its westward jog has lifted some of the pressure off the Savannah area, where some mandatory evacuations were eased.

Watch: Hurricane Irma Officially Arrives In Florida

Hurricane Irma continues as a major hurricane, centered less than 100 miles southeast of Key West, Florida. Official National Hurricane Center track has Irma crossing the Lower Florida Keys early this morning and then tracking up the west coast of Florida this afternoon through Monday morning. Irma should move inland over the Florida panhandle and southwestern Georgia by Monday afternoon.

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• Hurricane Irma Live Updates: Millions Flee Florida, Pets Left To Die, Landfall On Sunday

Irma will remain a powerful hurricane as it approaches the Florida Keys and moves up the west coast of Florida. As Irma moves into Central Georgia, portions of the watch area can expect tropical storm force winds beginning late Sunday night. During the day Monday, the greatest impacts will be felt with winds increasing to 40 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph along and east of the center of the storm track.

Because of the wet spring and early summer, the projected wind speeds will easily bring trees down across the area which will also lead to widespread power outages. Isolated tornadoes will be possible, especially over portions of east central Georgia. Residents should be prepared in some cases to be without power for several days and stock up on supplies accordingly. Tropical storm force winds are expected to move out of the area late Monday night.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency website here to get details on hurricane preparedness.

Image via National Weather Service