The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) has issued a warning to residents in coastal Georgia to prepare for significant rainfall and possible evacuations as Hurricane Debby approaches. GEMA Director Chris Stallings announced that areas such as Chatham County and Tybee Island are expected to experience more than 15 inches of rain, while other coastal regions may see at least 12 inches.

Although the authorities are not mandating evacuations, Stallings strongly urged those in low-lying areas, particularly on islands, to leave before the storm hits. “We are advising residents on islands to evacuate to avoid being stranded, as bridges may require inspections post-storm,” Stallings emphasized during a news conference yesterday.

In preparation for Hurricane Debby’s impact, approximately 100 personnel from 17 state and private agencies convened at GEMA headquarters yesterday in Atlanta to organize disaster response efforts. The state is now at Level 1 activation, signifying a full mobilization of resources, and Governor Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency across all 159 counties.

Hurricane Debby made landfall early this morning in Florida and has since moved into the southern portion of Georgia brining torrential downpour with her. The potential for flooding is a primary concern as the storm progresses. Debby could stall along the Georgia coast on Wednesday, potentially leading to an unprecedented rainfall event with estimates suggesting up to 20 inches in Savannah and surrounding areas.

“This could result in a multimillion-dollar disaster for Georgia. If predictions hold, we could be facing a flood event comparable to a 500-year or 1,000-year storm,” Stallings stated. He urged residents in southern and southeastern Georgia to prioritize their safety by evacuating. “Protect your family by evacuating early. While homes and valuables are important, they are replaceable; you are not,” he added.

As Hurricane Debby progresses, GEMA will continue to update their website which can be found here.