LOWNDES CO. – Lowndes County is monitoring and warning residents of the forecasted weather system impact to the area.
Release:
Lowndes County Emergency Management is currently monitoring a weather system that is forecasted to impact our area on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The greatest threats for Lowndes County are damaging to destructive winds, tornadoes and hail are all a possibility.
Wind impacts
Beginning at daybreak on Tuesday, sustained winds of 30-35mph and wind gusts of 45-50mph ahead of the developing squall line. Within squall line, thunderstorm winds of 75mph are possible and could be destructive. With this wind, widespread power outages are likely.
Tornado
There is an elevated risk of tornadoes across the entire area. Tornadoes have the potential to be strong and produce devastating impacts.
Rainfall
One and a half inch of rain is expected between now and Tuesday afternoon. The squall line will move quickly limiting rainfall accumulation. During the squall line, rainfall intensity could be much higher leading to flash flooding.
“With the chance of damaging winds and possible tornadoes, now is a good time to store or secure loose items before the strong winds, said Ashley Tye,” Lowndes County Emergency Management Director. “Make sure your home/business is free of items that could become flying debris during a strong storm. Pay close attention to patio furniture and trampolines. Residents are encouraged to disassemble trampolines to the extent that they cannot become airborne. Trim any trees/limbs that could cause damage to property.
In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. However, please do not call 911 for weather information, traffic updates, road closures, etc. This information will be available through local media outlets, social media, Lowndes County’s website, www.lowndescounty.com, and the City of Valdosta’s website www.valdostacity.com.
We encourage all Lowndes County residents to follow a few links that will provide the most up-to-date information for our area during serve weather:
- 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
Residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRed, Lowndes County’s free emergency notification system, by visiting www.lowndescounty.com and clicking on the CodeRed icon. Lowndes County Emergency Management uses CodeRed to release specific information to citizens during emergencies including weather events. Further, users have the option of receiving weather warnings directly from the National Weather Service as soon as they are issued.
