Governors of Georgia and South Carolina are warning residents to be prepared for heavy rain and winds from Tropical Storm Elsa.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency for 92 coastal and south Georgia counties, including the CSRA. The order is effective now and expires at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14 unless it is extended.
Kemp’s order puts the state’s price gouging law into effect in the 92 counties. It also suspends federal rules and regulations limiting the number of hours commercial vehicles can be driven, ensuring crews are available to deliver emergency supplies as needed.
You can read the full order at: https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2021-executive-orders
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center said Elsa has moved across western and northern Florida and is expected to result in heavy rainfall and flooding.
The center of the storm is expected to remain inland of the Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina coastlines but those areas should expect tropical storm conditions. That could mean isolated flash flooding and urban flooding across coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry.
In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster and the Emergency Management Division recommend people who live in mobile homes or flood-prone, low-lying areas may want to consider staying with family or friends during the storm, or in a motel or hotel.
The list of recommendations includes:
– Bring in lawn furniture and other loose objects such as garbage cans that may become hazards in high winds.
-Double-check to make sure you have all emergency supplies listed in the South Carolina Hurricane Guide. Include items like hand sanitizer and face masks to guard against COVID-19.
-Those along the coast may experience isolated power outages and should keep your cell phones and mobile devices fully-charged in case of power outages Wednesday.
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-Have multiple ways to get emergency warnings for your area. Some options include Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone, NOAA Weather Radio, and CodeRED Emergency Notifications.
-Utilize the state’s new hurricane preparedness site, hurricane.sc
-Heed warnings issued by local public safety officials. When you hear an official alert, take safety precautions immediately.
South Carolina will open emergency shelters if it becomes necessary.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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