October 9th, 11:19 AM
— October 11th, 8:00 AM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.
* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central,
northeast, northwest, southeast, and west central Georgia,
including the following areas, in central Georgia, Baldwin, Bibb,
Bleckley, Butts, Crawford, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Jasper,
Jones, Laurens, Monroe, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam,
Telfair, Twiggs, Wheeler, Wilcox and Wilkinson. In east central
Georgia, Emanuel, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Jefferson, Johnson,
Taliaferro, Treutlen, Warren, Washington and Wilkes. In north
central Georgia, Barrow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb,
Douglas, Fannin, Fayette, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry,
Lumpkin, Morgan, Newton, North Fulton, Pickens, Rockdale, South
Fulton, Union and Walton. In northeast Georgia, Banks, Clarke,
Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Towns and White. In northwest
Georgia, Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon,
Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker and Whitfield. In
southeast Georgia, Toombs. In west central Georgia, Chattahoochee,
Coweta, Harris, Heard, Lamar, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee,
Pike, Schley, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup,
Upson and Webster.
* WHEN...From late tonight through Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Hurricane Isaias is expected to bring rounds of heavy rainfall to
the area tonight through early Sunday. Widespread totals of 1 to
4 inches are expected with a localized swath of up to 8 inches
where the heaviest bands set up and train. With high rainfall
rates and the potential for repeated rounds of heavy rain in
bands, flash flooding is expected. The locations most at risk are
poor drainage and urban areas, as well as creeks and streams
prone to flash flooding.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
October 9th, 11:02 AM
— October 11th, 8:00 AM
* WHAT...East winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
Stronger gusts are possible in the higher elevations of the north
Georgia mountains.
* WHERE...Portions of north central, northeast, northwest, and west
central Georgia.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM EDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult,
especially for high profile vehicles.
October 9th, 11:29 PM
— 7:30 AM
HLSFFC
This product covers North and Central Georgia
**TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR WEST-CENTRAL GEORGIA**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Chattahoochee,
Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike,
Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson, and
Webster
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 240 miles south-southwest of Atlanta GA or about 140
miles southwest of Columbus GA
- 30.8N 86.5W
- Storm Intensity 90 mph
- Movement North or 5 degrees at 20 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, FL around 9:30 PM EDT.
As of 11 PM EDT, Hurricane Isaias was located over the western
Florida panhandle with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, moving N
at 20 mph. The center of Isaias is forecast to move N to NW through
Alabama overnight and Saturday. Widespread and potentially
significant impacts to North and Central Georgia are anticipated on
the eastern side of Isaias. These include a prolonged period of
strong winds, heavy rainfall with localized flooding, and the
potential for several tornadoes. Impacts will peak in intensity
Saturday into Saturday night as Isaias moves continues into north
Alabama and into the Tennessee Valley.
The wind field associated with Isaias is expected to expand
considerably as the system moves further inland and becomes extra-
tropical. Strong winds will extend well east of the center of the
storm and into west Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in
effect for this area where wind gusts to 60 mph will be possible.
While Isaias will be weakening and becoming post-tropical, there
will be a very strong pressure gradient between the system and
strong high pressure over the Mid-Atlantic to the north and east of
the Tropical Storm Warning. This gradient will support a prolonged
period of strong easterly winds with frequent gusts to 40 to 60 mph
across most of North Georgia this afternoon into tonight. A High
Wind Warning is in effect for this area. Areas to the south and east
of these warnings have been placed in a Wind Advisory where winds
will be weaker, though gusts up to 40 mph will be possible. Across
all areas, the prolonged and strong winds could lead to power
outages from downed limbs and trees, especially when combined with
saturated soils from periods of heavy rain.
Isaias will bring widespread rainfall, with multiple bands of heavy
rain expected tonight through early Sunday. Widespread rainfall
totals of 2 to 4 inches are likely across much of the area. A
localized swath of as much as 8 inches will be possible where the
heaviest banding sets up. This rainfall could lead to flash
flooding, particularly in urban and poor-drainge areas, as well as
flood-prone creeks and streams. The north-south orientation of bands
may enhance river flooding along north south reaches. Training heavy
rain in the mountains may furthermore increase the risk of
landslides. A Flood Watch is in effect issued for the entire area,
as a result.
Additionally, as Isaias tracks northward and inland late tonight
into Saturday, a favorable environment for tornadoes will develop
first across Central Georgia, then advance into north Georgia by the
afternoon and evening. Several tornadoes will be possible,
particularly within the outer rainbands of the system. Tornadoes
from tropical systems are typically quick to develop and short-
lived, but with the forward speed of the system and the unique
setup, we can't rule out a stronger (EF2 or EF3), long-track
tornado, especially across Central Georgia.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
portions of north and central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across north and central Georgia. Potential impacts
include:
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and
ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across north and central Georgia. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes
demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted,
vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous
projectiles can add to the toll.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.
If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on creating an emergency plan see ready.ga.gov
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Peachtree City GA around 5 AM, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
October 9th, 11:38 AM
— 8:00 AM
HLSFFC
This product covers North and Central Georgia
**TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR WEST-CENTRAL GEORGIA**
NEW INFORMATION
---------------
* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
Warning for Chattahoochee, Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion,
Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot,
Taylor, Troup, Upson, and Webster
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Chattahoochee,
Harris, Heard, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike,
Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson, and
Webster
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 450 miles south-southwest of Atlanta GA or about 360
miles south-southwest of Columbus GA
- 27.7N 87.3W
- Storm Intensity 120 mph
- Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 16 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------
As of 11 AM ET, Hurricane Isaias was located in the northern Gulf with
maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, moving NNE at 16 mph. Isaias is
forecast to accelerate towards the northern Gulf Coast this evening
into early Saturday, and begin bringing widespread and potentially
significant impacts to North and Central Georgia. These include a
prolonged period of strong winds, heavy rainfall with localized
flooding, and the potential for several tornadoes. Impacts will peak
in intensity Saturday into Saturday night as Isaias moves northward
across Mississippi/Alabama and into the Tennessee Valley.
The wind field associated with Isaias is expected to expand
considerably as the system moves inland and becomes extra-tropical.
Strong winds will extend well east of the center of the storm and into
West-Central Georgia. A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for
this area where wind gusts to 50 mph will be possible. Further north
and east, while Isaias will be weakening and becoming post- tropical,
there will be a very strong pressure gradient between the system and
strong high pressure over the Mid-Atlantic. This gradient will support
a prolonged period of strong easterly winds with frequent gusts to
40 to 50 mph across most of North Georgia from tonight through early
Sunday. A High Wind Warning has been issued for this area. Areas to
the south and east of these warnings have been placed in a Wind
Advisory where winds will be weaker, but still have gusts to 40 mph.
Across all areas, the prolonged and strong winds could lead to power
outages from downed limbs and trees, especially when combined with
saturated soils from periods of heavy rain.
Isaias will bring widespread rainfall, with multiple bands of heavy
rain expected tonight through early Sunday. Widespread rainfall totals
of 1 to 4 inches are likely across much of the area, with a localized
swath of up to 8 inches where the heaviest banding sets up. This
rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding, particularly in urban
and poor-drainge areas, as well as flood-prone creeks and streams. A
Flood Watch has been issued for the entire area.
Additionally, as Isaias tracks northward and inland late tonight into
Saturday, a favorable environment for tornadoes will develop across
North and Central Georgia, and continue through Saturday night.
Several tornadoes will be possible, particularly within the outer
rainbands of the system. Tornadoes from tropical systems are typically
quick to develop and short-lived, but with the forward speed of the
system and the unique setup, we can't rule out a stronger (EF2 or
EF3), long-track tornado, especially across Central Georgia.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------
* WIND:
Protect against hazardous winds having possible significant impacts
across Notrh and Central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area
include:
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Numerous power and communications outages.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across North and Central Georgia. Potential
impacts include:
- Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter
currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially
in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals,
arroyos, and ditches overflow.
- Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.
Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid
inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as
storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions
become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across North and Central Georgia. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on creating an emergency plan see ready.ga.gov
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
-----------
The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Peachtree City GA around 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Forest Service Road 816/Tooni Gap Rd, will be closed to all vehicle traffic Monday, September 28th for road maintenance. This closure will not affect hiking on the Benton MacKaye Trail from GA State Route 60 to the Toccoa Swinging Bridge.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Due to an aging public water system, a water main break has occurred in the Lake Conasauga campground. This break causes a public health and safety concern due to the inability to provide flushable toilets and safe drinking water in accordance with State and Federal guidelines. Out of an…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Timber operations are in progress on FSR 252/Ruff Creek Road that will cause intermittent closures. Please drive cautiously and be prepared to stop.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Forest Service Road 76 (Piney Ridge) will remain closed temporarily due to a timber sale occurring on the road. An update will be provided for when the road will open.Forest Service Road 76 is seasonally closed from Jan. 14 through Aug. 29.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Oconee Ranger District will conduct a prescribed fire at Redlands Dove Fields today. Please use caution along Highway 15 in Greene County, Ga.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Phase one road construction on Peavine Sheeds Creek Road/FS 221, on the Cherokee National Forest north of the Jacks River bridge into Tennessee will be closed heading west from July 20 – Sept 14. Phase two construction beginning September 15-January 4 will close Peavine Sheeds Creek Road/FS…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Emery Creek Trailhead – Intermittent Closures Beginning August 5The Emery Creek Trailhead will experience intermittent closures from August 5 through the end of December while crews work to expand and improve the parking area. Visitors should be prepared for temporary access restrictions during…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Rough Ridge Trail (#12) in the Cohutta Wilderness (Conasauga Ranger District) is temporarily closed for public safety. Hurricane Helene’s high winds and heavy rainfall have compounded ongoing changes to the Wilderness resulting from the 2016 drought and wildfires. These combined impacts have…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Road paving crews will be working through November to pave the section of roadway that runs directly alongside Holly Creek. This project will help reduce ongoing erosion and protect water quality in one of the state’s most important aquatic habitats.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Oconee Ranger District has temporarily closed the Swords Recreation Area parking lot to allow repainting of parking space lines.Visitors are asked to avoid closed areas until July 3, 2026.For more information, contact the Oconee Ranger District.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Recent heavy rains have saturated the ground and raised water levels in rivers and streams. Flash flooding can occur with little or no warning, especially in low-lying areas, stream channels, and valleys. Conditions may remain hazardous even after rainfall ends.Avoid riverbanks and streambeds. Stay…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Visitors to the Chattooga River Ranger District should be aware of several campground updates as the Forest Service completes facility improvements and transitions aging infrastructure. Low Gap Campground has reopened, following replacement of the restroom facilities.Drinking water is unavailable…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Camping or maintaining a campsite on National Forest System lands within any area of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest exceeding an aggregate of 14 days in any 30-day period is prohibited. Once a combination of any 14 days has been reached, individuals must remove their property and leave…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has reopened Duncan Ridge Road (FSR 39) following completion of culvert replacement work at Mulky Creek on the Blue Ridge Ranger District. The project replaced an aging culvert at the creek crossing to improve long-term road reliability, protect water…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Blue Ridge Ranger District will temporarily close Forest Service Road 816 / Tooni Gap Road to the swinging bridge over the Toccoa River on Monday morning, May 18th, to allow district staff to implement the next phase of the parking lot project.Experienced crews from the Forest Service and…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Campfire restrictions on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest have been lifted effective May 4, 2026. Recent weather conditions have improved enough to reduce wildfire risk across the Forest. Visitors may resume campfires in designated areas and should always use established fire rings where…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The purpose and need of this Fire Restriction Closure Order is to prohibit activities relating to building, maintaining, or attending a fire (including charcoal fires) within unauthorized areas on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests comprising the Blue Ridge Ranger District, Chattooga River…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Recent winter weather events affected portions of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. While crews have made significant progress clearing hazards and restoring access, visitors may still encounter downed trees, debris, or minor damage on some forest roads, trails, and recreation…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has begun prescribed fire operations, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through May as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
UPDATED: April 16, 2026Due to land slides, the following National Forest System roads are temporarily closed for public safety and will remain closed until further notice. At this time, there is no estimated reopening date. We understand these closures may disrupt travel plans and access to the…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Wildfire activity has picked up across north and central Georgia over the past couple of weeks, and conditions remain dry. As you enjoy your time on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, a few small choices can make a big difference in preventing human-caused fires. • Keep campfires small,…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Please visit this page for Forest Supervisor's Orders about official Recreation Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines for Forest Visitors. Rules for Visitors to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia All visitors and users of the National Forests are subject to Federal Regulations. The…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Forest Service Road 55, Grassy Gap - Horseshoe Ridge Road, located on the Blue Ridge Ranger District, is closed temporarily to protect the resource and for public safety.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Camping season is bear-aware season. It's crucial to store food and scented items properly and know what to do if you encounter a bear. Bears are curious, hungry, and have a keen sense of smell, so they are attracted to food, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. To reduce the odds of having a bear…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Oconee Ranger District is now offering forest visitors the option of paying for their day-use recreation site fees with the free, easy-to-use Recreation.gov mobile app and choosing the “scan and pay” option.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Motorized trails close when conditions are wet to prevent trail damage and erosion into streams. Check the status of your favorite trail or Call Before You Haul.1. Keep It Safe - Wear proper safety gear. - Maintain a safe speed. - Stay alert.2. Keep It Legal - Know where…
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Contact(s): Chatsworth 706-695-6736 Blairsville 706-745-6928 Lakemont 706-754-6221 Eatonton 706-485-7110Before riding your UTV, Educate Yourself! Obtain a map (motor vehicle use map) of your destination and determine which areas are open to UTVs. Respected Access is Open Access! By practicing…