Governor Kemp Issues Statewide State of Emergency for Storm Damage

At Least 19 Dead As Severe Storms Spawn Tornadoes In Southern U.S.-1209796527.jpg
Photo credit (Photo Credit: Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

By Amanda Cooper

Many Georgians across the state are accessing the damage left behind by harrowing storms. Meteorologist says the storms produced tornadoes in Chattooga, Putnam, and Upson counties. As well as South Fulton and up through the metro Atlanta late last night. Along with fallen trees and downed powerlines, the storms also left behind extreme damage to personal property and homes throughout North Georgia. Sadly at least six dead in Murray County with several others injured. 

Today, Governor Kemp accessed the devastation and declared a statewide state of emergency.

In a statement, Kemp said that state and federal agencies are working with private sector partners to rebuild and recover from the storms. 

"We are praying for those who lost loved ones overnight and the families dealing with severe storm damage. In coordination with private-sector partners, multiple state agencies - including the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Georgia Forestry Commission - are working hard to restore power, clear debris, and provide necessary assistance to families across the state. This morning, I also spoke with FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, and I greatly appreciate his offer of federal assistance as we work to rebuild and recover from these storms."

Read the full order. 

According to PowerOutage.us more than 1.2 million homes and businesses were without power in eight states as of Monday at 10:30 am. In Georgia, hundreds of thousands were without power across north Georgia as the storms intensified. The National Weather Service is still identifying storm tracks and confirming reports.