ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — On Thursday afternoon, Georgia officials addressed the state’s preparations for the expected impacts of Hurricane Isaias this weekend.

Gov. Brian Kemp said a state of emergency has been issued ahead of the storm.

The executive order is to be able to dedicate resources for the storm. Kemp also said the order is to be able to deploy the National Guard and said “we want to have that option” should something happen.

The state’s emergency operations center will activate on Friday.

Kemp urged all Georgians to “be prepared now.”

Director of GEMA, Josh Lamb, says even if the storm does not appear to be heading your way, things change quickly, and everyone should prepare.

“We encourage all residents to review their family emergency plans, ensure their ready kits are ready, stocked and prepared, secure their homes against potential wind and water damage,” said Lamb.

Georgia Power referred to Hurricane Helene as the most devastating storm in its history. Atlanta News First asked Gov. Kemp what lessons his administration has learned from hurricanes like Michael and Helene, and what will be applied when preparing for Isaias.

“Between what Governor Deal dealt with in his administration and what we’ve dealt with, we have a very experienced team,” Kemp said. “I’m very comfortable with the way everyone is handling things. We’ve learned a lot over the years, and that’s why we’re doing this right now. We want everybody to be as prepared as we are right now.”

Isaias became the first hurricane of the Atlantic season Wednesday night. It’s expected to approach the Alabama/Florida coastline Friday, and make landfall Friday night as a hurricane.

The hurricane will bring dangerous weather conditions to north Georgia starting Saturday.

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Isaias will track west through the weekend, bringing heavy rain, strong wind gusts and the possibility of flooding and tornadoes.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for parts of north Georgia, where tropical storm-force winds are possible within the next 48 hours.

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