Update: Columbia County under a tropical storm warning until 1 a.m. Friday

ajc.com

An updated tropical storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 5:09 p.m. in effect until Friday at 1:15 a.m.

The following information is provided by the NWS:

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED

- Evans

* WIND

- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind

- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 65 mph

- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: until Friday afternoon

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph

- The wind threat has increased from the previous assessment.

- PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force.

- PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect life and property should now be complete. The area remains subject to significant wind damage.

- ACT: Now is the time to shelter from dangerous wind.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding

- Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding.

* FLOODING RAIN

- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect

- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain

- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely.

- PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.

- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive

- 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.

* TORNADO

- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect

- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes

- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.

- PLAN: Emergency plans should continue to include the potential for several tornadoes.

- PREPARE: Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the latest tornado situation.

- ACT: Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

- 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.

Source: The National Weather Service