4/12/20
(Cleveland)- Widespread severe weather is still expected later today through tonight for north Georgia. National Weather Service Forecasters say several rounds of strong to severe storms expected through tonight, along with breezy conditions outside of thunderstorms and the potential for flash flooding.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy advises that county agencies have made preparations for this evening and overnight storm potential. He said we have additional staffing in 911 Center, County Fire Stations manning increased, and Law Enforcement personnel on alert for calling and/or have introduced enhanced patrols for the timing of this event.
According to Murphy we have a high risk for damaging winds for later this evening and into the overnight hours. We are in an enhanced risk for flooding. Our risk for tornadoes ranges from low for 2/3 of the county, while the southern portion or 1/3 is in a moderate risk.
The risk for tornadoes in our are will be determined by the warming of our atmosphere, and how much instability occurs over the afternoon. The rise in temperatures to upper 60’s to lower 70’s will increase the risk, which will be brought in by either break in cloud cover with sunshine and/or the timing of the warm front reaching our area. Murphy says, while the risk is low for tornado development over White County, we should still remain vigilant for the possibility.
The risk for flooding and wind damage remains high and confident with these storms, so be alert for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Murphy noted that they have had several calls for pre-sheltering for those persons living in mobile homes. There have had persons stop at fire stations and ask the same question. According to Murphy White County does not have pre-sheltering for storms. We have no tornado shelters in White County. Persons are encouraged to shelter with family, neighbors or friends, or find a hotel open to staying overnight.
He said we also must continue to encourage those persons to social distance as much as possible due to the COVID-19 threat.
