Lowndes County Emergency Management continues to monitor and prepare for Hurricane Ian. According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Ian is still intensifying but the forecast has shifted significantly to the East since Monday. Forecasters with the National Weather Service Tallahassee continue to stress that there could still be slight shifts in either direction before the storm makes landfall.

Based on the current forecast, Lowndes County could see Tropical Storm Force winds beginning Thursday morning. Sustained winds are expected to be on the lower end of Tropical Storm Force at 40-45mph with higher gusts possible. The main concern with the winds is downed trees, powerlines, and power outages. At this speed, winds have the potential to lift objects such as patio furniture, topple trees, break tree limbs, and damage roofs. Minor damage to mobile homes can also occur. Please prepare by securing outdoor items, trimming trees that could damage structures, and consider sheltering with family and friends if housing is not adequate. If you or someone you are responsible for are dependent upon electricity for any life-sustaining measures such as oxygen, medical equipment, etc., and do not have a backup power source available, plan now for an alternative solution.

Lowndes County is still expected to see heavy rainfall. The current forecast indicates approximately four to six inches of rain throughout the storm across most of the County. With the heavy rainfall, stormwater infrastructure may be temporarily overwhelmed, causing localized flooding of roads, streets, and bridges. Water over the road may conceal hazards such as infrastructure damage. Motorists are encouraged to shelter in place during periods of heavy rain. As little as six inches of water can stall a vehicle or cause the driver to lose control. Locations of water over a roadway or bridge should be reported by calling 911.

“We continue to encourage residents to take the steps necessary to protect their homes and businesses from any impacts we might see from Hurricane Ian, said Meghan Barwick, Public Information Officer, Lowndes County Emergency Management. “Have a list of supplies and assemble them now. Residents should have enough food and water for each person in their household for at least three days, said Barwick

City of Valdosta Updates:
To prepare for large storms, homeowners can protect their property by:
Keeping debris out of nearby storm drains and ditches.
Reporting clogged ditches and culverts to the Stormwater Division.
Secure outdoor items/furniture to prevent potential blockages; and
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Contact the Stormwater Division at (229) 259 – 3530 to report blocked storm drains or flooding issues within the city limits.
To report fallen trees or debris or storm-related issues, citizens are asked to download the click and fix app to report hurricane incidents such as fallen trees and blocked streets.

Lowndes County Emergency Management will continue to provide updated information through local media outlets, social media, Lowndes County’s website, www.lowndescounty.com, and the City of Valdosta’s websitewww.valdostacity.com and follow EMA Lowndes on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LowndesEMA. In the event of an emergency, downed power line, or debris in a roadway, dial 911. Please do not call 911 for weather updates, traffic information, or to ask if the storm has passed. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Lowndes County’s free emergency notification system, CodeRed by visiting www.lowndescounty.com and clicking on the storm icon. Every home and business should have a working NOAA weather radio in the event power is lost.

We encourage, all Lowndes County residents to follow a few links that will provide the most up-to-date information for our area during Hurricane Ian:
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
National Weather Service, Tallahassee: www.weather.gov/tae/
Lowndes County Code Red Sign Up: www.lowndescounty.com and click on the CodeRed icon.
EMA Lowndes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowndesEMA

Additional information will be released as it becomes available. For more information, please contact Lowndes County Public Information Officer, Meghan Barwick, 229-671-2400, or [email protected].