Keep the weather radio on and make sure you’ve tied down anything that can fly away, because the winds are picking up and Paulding County is in for stormy weather overnight.
Expect the worst of the storms to begin impacting the area after midnight as the National Weather Service calls for downpours to bring at least a half inch of rain, and bring gusts during heavier localized storms of at least 45 mph.
Warmer weather is fueling storm activity across the southeast tonight as a cold front pushes through to West Georgia during the early morning hours on Thursday.
Thus far, the NWS in Peachtree City has issued no additional forecast updates for alerts, watches or warnings beyond the wind advisory in effect until 9 a.m.
Wet weather is likely to stick around through the early morning hours and impact the commute to work as well, based on the current forecast late this evening.
Those who have not yet secured items that can blow around and become dangerous hazards in high wind conditions should do so now.
Additionally, it is recommended to bring pets indoors overnight.
The Paulding County EMA additionally provided the following information earlier this afternoon for residents:
Paulding County EMA recommends that citizens have at least 2 ways to receive emergency alerts, such as CodeRED which is available in Paulding County, All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio, enabling EAS and WEA alerts on your cellular devices and other trusted weather alerting apps.
=If you would like more information about CodeRED in Paulding County you can watch a brief video by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/100069524726399/videos/1042800389835398
There are a couple of simple options to quickly enroll:
- Click the link below and follow the steps.
https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/5FDB87C96D49
or
- From a cell phone, text MyPauldingGA to 99411 to receive a direct link to the enrollment form on the mobile device.
Also, there will be a number of persons and communities possibly including Paulding County that will NOT receive a Warning notification today, even with the best systems from the alerting authority and end user/receiving devices, there remains the issue of storm development to trigger a warning. This is very important to know.
For a Tornado Warning to be issued it must be observed and reported to the National Weather Service and/or Emergency Management or detected on radar which essentially means where these tornadoes initially form there will be little to no notice.
Once observed and/or detected on radar, warnings are issued by the National Weather Service for locations in the storm path. It is important to know that if a Tornado Watch is active it essentially means that the conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and near the outlined counties. If a Warning is issued action should be taken immediately.
We will be monitoring conditions closely today and have activated our Storm Spotter network and EMA Volunteers to assist with reporting significant weather observations and disaster response in the event of damages.
Please remain weather aware and safe!
Other weather aware tips to keep in mind:
In the event of tornadic activity or tropical storm winds and above (35+ mph,) officials recommend seeking shelter indoors and away from windows and exterior walls whenever possible. Do not stay in your vehicle if you see a tornado moving your way if you are driving on the roadway. Seek shelter immediately.
Make sure to keep candles, batteries, flashlights, and other light sources where you can find them in case of power outages.
You should also have enough water and food to last your family at least three days in case of emergencies during anytime of the year, along with a first aid kit, a weather radio that is battery powered or hand cranked, at least one change of clothes for each member of your family, and any additional supplies that might be useful in the event your home should suffer major damage, or you lose power for more than a few hours.
Check back for additional information as it becomes available throughout the rest of the evening and new severe weather alerts as they become available.
