Hurricane Beryl Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Georgia

Atlanta, GA - June 13, 2019

Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic season, made landfall in Georgia early yesterday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region. The storm made landfall near Brunswick, Georgia, around 1:00am EDT, with sustained winds of 75mph and a central pressure of 986mb.

As the storm moved inland, it quickly weakened to a tropical storm, but still brought significant rain and wind to much of central and eastern Georgia. Heavy rain fell across the region, with some areas receiving over 4 inches of rain in just a few hours. The rain caused flooding in several areas, including flooding on several roads and highways.

The heavy rain and strong winds caused significant damage in the region, including downed power lines, flooded homes, and damaged buildings. The National Weather Service reported that over 10,000 households were without power as of last night, with the expectation that some areas may remain without power for days.

“This storm was a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I urge all Georgians to be cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their families.”

The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with flooding reported in several areas. In Savannah, the city’s airport was partially flooded, causing flights to be delayed or cancelled. In Brunswick, the city’s emergency management agency reported that several homes and businesses were flooded, with several residents displaced.

Despite the significant impact of the storm, no fatalities were reported in Georgia.

hurricane-beryl-georgia

Safety Tips

Before:

• Make sure you have a plan in place in case of a storm, including an emergency kit with food, water, and flashlights.
• Stay informed about the storm’s track and any evacuation orders issued.

During:

• Avoid traveling if possible, especially if you are not familiar with the area.
• Stay away from flooded areas and standing water.
• Keep electronics and important documents off of the floor to prevent damage from water.
• Stay indoors and away from windows.

After:

• Check local news and weather reports for updates on the storm’s impact and any evacuation orders.
• Avoid trying to drive through flooded areas.
• Check on neighbors and friends to make sure they are safe.
• Report any damage or issues to your local authorities.

Resources

For updates on the storm’s track and any evacuation orders issued, residents are urged to follow official social media accounts from the National Weather Service, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, and local authorities. Residents are also encouraged to report any damage or issues to their local authorities.

In related news, the American Red Cross has opened shelters in several areas, including Brunswick and Savannah, to provide a safe place for those affected by the storm. Donations to the Red Cross can be made online or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

**Stay Safe, Georgia!