Hurricane Irma: Gov. Deal Warns Of 'Extremely Dangerous' Storm

ATLANTA, GA -- While Georgia is currently basking in the bliss of fall-like temperatures, Gov. Nathan Deal and other state leaders are warning residents not to be fooled by those sunny skies and cool temperatures, as Hurricane Irma is expected to bear down on much of the state as early as Sunday.

In a Friday press conference, Deal continued his call for residents to prepare for what's considered to be an "extremely dangerous" storm that's threatening South Florida and for those in the mandatory evacuation areas to take the advice of state emergency management officials and get out now.

While the weather in Georgia appears calm now, "do not take that for granted," he told those residing in the Peach State. "This is a rapidly moving hurricane, and the weather and consequences of that hurricane can change dramatically in a relatively short period of time." (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Deal was flanked by several commissioners and leaders whose agencies will play a key role in responding to the storm, which is currently a Category 4 hurricane packing winds that exceed 150 miles per hour. The state of emergency issued Thursday covers 30 counties, and also authorizes 5,000 Georgia National Guard troops to stand by and be ready for deployment when called upon by the state.

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Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Homer Bryson noted the storm's current track shows there could be the potential of flooding as well as storm surges between 4 and 8 feet along Georgia's coast. He also said the agency is hoping to open dozens of shelters that will have more than 7,000 beds available to those who need a place to stay.

Of course, this type of multi-agency planning must have a cooperative transportation network to be successful. To that end, Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry said the Interstate 16 contraflow between Dublin and Savannah will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. Travelers should note there will only be seven locations along the interstate where westbound drivers will be able to exit: Exit 143 at S.R. 30; Exit 116 at S.R. 73; Exit 104 at S.R. 23; Exit 90 at S.R. 4/U.S. 1; Exit 71 at S.R. 15/S.R. 78; Exit 67 at S.R. 29; and Exit 51 at S.R. 31.

McMurry, who was baptized in disaster response with the Interstate 85 bridge collapse in Midtown Atlanta earlier this year, also said the agency will keep the Interstate 75 Express Lanes in Henry County flowing northbound for the time being. This decision, which was implemented Thursday, has been successful, as 50 percent of its users were Floridians taking advantage of the additional lanes, McMurry said. Dozens of state DOT employees will also be deployed along Interstates 16 and 95 to help drivers with any issues, as well as to ensure the contraflow will go as smoothly as possible.

Since this will most likely be a "tree event," McMurry said once the storm blows through. GDOT's first priority would be to go in and clear hurricane evacuation routes to allow for emergency equipment and power crews to respond to the hardest hit areas. As this re-entry happens, they will also inspect bridges to ensure they are safe to utilize.

When it comes to shelter, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams said they will "literally" open all of its doors to assist those seeking shelter. The state will not charge entrance fees for residents or pets, and will have dozens of employees ready to help with search and rescue missions and contraflow efforts.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Col. Mark McDonough added the agency will have state troopers assisting with the I-16 contraflow plan. He also stressed that evacuees should develop a plan on where they will go when they leave and what route they will take to get to their destination. McDonough also stated it was imperative that residents map out an alternate route if their primary trip hits a snag. Of course, do not drive into standing or moving water, McDonough said. The majority of traffic-related fatalities in Texas in the aftermath of its most recent hurricane involved motorists driving into water, he added.

With the news of Irma's path bearing down on Georgia, Gov. Deal also said the state is ready to crack down on those who seek to take advantage of residents in the form of price gouging. Attorney General Chris Carr said his office's Consumer Protection Unit will be monitoring prices of fuels, hotel rooms, water and cleanup recovery efforts for any irregularities. Residents and evacuees who wish to express concerns about possible price gouging can call 800-869-1123, 404-651-8600 or visit consumer.ga.gov.

In closing, Deal also called on residents in the state to show some Southern hospitality by praying for one another and to “demonstrate the same kind of kindness, the same kind of concern that we show everyday.” However, while you are extending your neighbors a helping hand, the governor said it's imperative that residents help the state help themselves by leaving the areas designated for the mandatory evacuation.

“If you are in a mandatory evacuation area, evacuate because we can not risk the lives of those who are trying to help others by sending them into areas that we have already identified that are going to be hazardous to everyone’s health and safety," he added.

Image via National Weather Service