Hurricane Milton Update: Georgia on alert for strong winds and flooding risks

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — As we are tracking Milton Thursday morning, we’re starting to feel some of the impacts from the storm throughout the Coastal Empire. Georgia’s coast remains under a Tropical Storm Warning following Hurricane Milton’s landfall.

Georgia has already been feeling the indirect impacts of the storm. Milton has begun to exit Florida, and now the South Georgia coast is warned of a storm surge.

While the majority of the state looks set to dodge Hurricane Milton, folks in the southeast corner should brace for strong winds and possible flash flooding. Officials are recommending residents to prepare in case they face power outages.

As of 5 a.m., Thursday, the now-Category 1 storm is finishing its path through Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean. Most of Georgia is expected to avoid the significant impact of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Tampa Bay and Fort Myers late Wednesday night.

However, the National Hurricane Center says the far-southeast part of Georgia, already dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, could experience strong winds and heavy rainfall – raising the risk of flash flooding.

Georgia Power is actively monitoring the storm and is ready to deploy crews to assist affected areas. As of early Thursday morning, more than 100 Georgia power customers are without power in southern Georgia around Lowndes County and Valdosta. In Glynn County, more than 600 customers are without power.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden labeled the hurricane as “the storm of the century,” highlighting its significant impact in Florida.

Gov. Brian Kemp reassured residents that Milton’s effects would be less severe than Helene’s but urged those in the southeast portion of the state to be cautious and prepare in case of power outages or blocked roads.

“With trees leaning, those kinds of winds can continue to take other trees down. So just be mindful of that. Be mindful of the potential of loss of power, and other things. We don’t think this is going to be a hard hit, but we also want to over-prepare and hope this storm for us underdelivers,” said Kemp.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce anticipates an increase in hotel bookings and traffic in the region. This comes after thousands of Floridians have fled to the state of Georgia, seeking refuge from Hurricane Milton. The American Red Cross has opened up evacuation centers throughout the state to help accommodate the large number of those seeking shelter from the storm.

Keep your safety in mind Thursday, WSAV will keep you updated on any developments as Hurricane Milton moves through the region.

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