It’s Hurricane and Storm Season; Time to Prepare

From now until late November the weather can become unpredictable in a matter of minutes. Why? Because we are now in the tornado and hurricane season.
Keeping in mind that these storms can knock out power for several days, take lives and leave you, family or friends homeless, it is time to consider taking precautions and preparing in the event of a natural disaster such as a tornado or hurricane. These type storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and more in a matter of minutes. So, it is best to be prepared.
The National Weather Service is predicting fewer tornadoes and hurricanes this season. Although the peak season for tornadoes in Georgia is generally March through May, Georgia is prone to tornadoes year round. According to the National Weather Service, Georgia has about six days of tornadoes per year and about 37% of the tornadoes are strong, violent and destructive being a EF-2 or higher.
In the history of our state, thank goodness, we have never recorded a EF-5 tornado but a EF-4 did strike Catoosa County in 2011.
Accurate Weather has predicted that Georgia should expect around the historical average number of tornadoes, but with a higher likelihood of repeated severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding for the 2026 severe weather season.
According to the prediction, the atmosphere is expected to favor multiple rounds of storms for Georgia.
Georgia Power has announced its plans to prepare for hurricanes noting that it has been two years since Hurricane Helene caused the most damage in history for Georgia Power.
According to Georgia Power, throughout the storm’s path, damage to the grid’s infrastructure was so severe that crews were rebuilding rather than simply reconnecting. There were nearly 12,000 power poles broken, over 5,800 transformers damaged, 1,500 miles of downed power lines, and over 345 transmission structures rebuilt or repaired.
Advanced smart‑grid technology supported remote restoration, enabling crews to return service to more than one million customers within the first five days despite widespread devastation.
Georgia Power has announced it is continuing to strengthen grid reliability through its Grid Investment Program, investing $1.3 billion in system upgrades over the past three years. In 2025 alone, the company completed more than 100 distribution projects and advanced 25 major transmission improvements, enhancing service reliability for more than 500,000 customers statewide. These upgrades, including smart‑grid technology, stronger infrastructure, and undergrounding, are helping reduce outages and significantly speed restoration, particularly during major storms like Hurricane Helene.
It is important for all of us to build an emergency supply kit to include: food, water, flashlights, at least a three day supply of medications, keep phones charged, have a battery pack and secure any loose items around the home to include patio furniture, garbage cans and yard art that can become a hazard should high winds occur.
It is important to keep freezers and refrigerators closed before the storm hits, unplug any appliances that may overload a circuit.
Before a storm you should stay aware of the storms path and severity, be sure to watch for all emergency alerts and keep up with the weather forecast to know when and where it might hit.
When the storm approaches take shelter in a sturdy building, or a safe area of your home away from windows, always stay clear of windows during a storm and avoid contact with an electric appliances, metal objects and water until the storm passes.
Once the storm is over, do not touch downed power lines, telephone, television wires or any items that is touching a downed power line, stay clear and never enter flooded areas.
While Georgia’s tornado and hurricane season is being predicted to be fewer this year, it is important to prepare for what may come so you and your family will be safe, have food and water and if possible, a generator with extra fuel.
It is important to remembers the S’s. Stay stocked, stay alert and stay safe.