Savannah Braces for Historic Tropical Storm

Savannah Braces for Historic Tropical StormSavannah Braces for Historic Tropical Storm Savannah, Georgia is preparing for the arrival of a historic tropical storm, Tropical Depression 15, forecasted to make landfall along the coast on Thursday evening. City officials have declared a state of emergency and are urging residents to take necessary precautions. Tropical Depression 15 is expected to intensify into a tropical storm on Wednesday and is projected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. Mayor Van Johnson has ordered mandatory evacuations for low-lying areas, including the islands, Tybee Island, and Skidaway Island. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to seek higher ground. The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for the Savannah area. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 70 miles per hour, and rainfall could exceed 10 inches. Flash flooding and downed trees are likely. Savannah Water and Power (SW&P) crews are on standby and will be working around the clock to restore power if outages occur. Residents are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place, including a supply of food, water, medications, and a battery-powered radio. The Georgia National Guard has been activated and is assisting with evacuations and other emergency response efforts. Several shelters have been opened throughout the city for those who need to evacuate. Schools in the Savannah-Chatham County School District will be closed on Thursday and Friday. All city services and operations will be suspended on Thursday. Savannah’s historic downtown district is expected to be significantly impacted by the storm. Businesses and residents are advised to secure loose items and prepare for possible flooding. City officials are urging residents to stay informed about the storm’s progress and to follow safety guidelines. Up-to-date information can be found on the City of Savannah website and social media channels. As Tropical Depression 15 approaches, Savannah is bracing for a historic weather event. Residents are urged to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their property.