In anticipation of Hurricane Matthew hitting the East Coast in the coming days, Gov. Nathan Deal has expanded a state of emergency issued Tuesday to included 17 additional counties, bringing the total number of counties under the declaration to 30.
The emergency declaration is effective starting October 5th and runs for 7 days.
In making the declaration, which includes a warning against price-gouging related to necessary preparation materials, Deal also named 6 counties that are recommended for a voluntary evacuation.
“The National Hurricane Center predicts Hurricane Matthew will include excessive rainfall, strong winds and potential flooding,” said Deal in a news release Tuesday afternoon.
"Because of this, I’m encouraging a voluntary evacuation for residents in Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden Counties," he continued. "Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA) Director Jim Butterworth is coordinating with appropriate state and local officials to ensure the safety of residents in these 6 counties as well as those in the other affected areas."
"I urge Georgians in the affected areas to remain calm, be prepared and make informed, responsible decisions as we continue to monitor Hurricane Matthew’s path.”
The counties in the original executive order are: Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Charlton, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne.
Deal's expanded declaration includes the following counties: Screven, Jenkins, Emanuel, Treutlen, Candler, Toombs, Tattnall, Jeff Davis, Appling, Coffee, Bacon, Pierce, Ware, Atkinson, Clinch, Burke and Echols.
Matthew is expected to come close to the southeastern coast of Georgia.
Tuesday
April 23rd, 2024
2:39AM
