Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency on October 8, 2026, in preparation for Hurricane Isaias and its anticipated impacts across Georgia. The State of Emergency will remain in effect through October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The State of Emergency Executive Order authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) and mobilize any needed resources to address potential impacts.

Conditions in the southern region of the state could be impacted as early as Friday afternoon. 

Out of an abundance of caution, agency heads have been informed to use discretion regarding closing offices Friday afternoon and allowing employees to telework, as appropriate, with offices in areas expected to be impacted. Agencies with offices scheduled to be open Saturday should monitor weather conditions and local emergency management guidance carefully when determining whether to remain open or close.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, potential tornadoes, flash flooding, and power outages to portions of the state beginning Friday, October 9, with impacts potentially continuing through Sunday morning.

Please take a minute to review the State Telework Policy, recent advisory on absences due to emergency closures, and the Inclement Weather Policy, including where to find out about state office closures and access the Emergency Closure Frequently Asked Questions document. 

Governor Kemp urges all Georgians to remain weather alert and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. GEMA/HS will continue to provide ongoing updates regarding Hurricane Isaiasvia its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts. Georgians are encouraged to monitor local National Weather Service updates and news stations.

– Satellite image courtesy of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service