Atlanta, GA ~ Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued an updated state of emergency for all 159 counties as the state prepared for Hurricane Isaias, according to a news release.

The order allows emergency management teams to make arrangements and position resources ahead of potential impacts. Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to activate the State Operations Center early Friday afternoon.

Forecasters expected Isaias to make landfall on the Gulf Coast Friday evening, with possible effects in Georgia through Saturday. The release said the state could see strong wind gusts and heavy rain, potentially causing tornadoes, downed trees and power lines, flooding and other impacts.

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"We're hoping for the best but preparing for the worst," Kemp said, urging residents to stock up on food, batteries, flashlights, water and other necessities.

GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb said the agency was coordinating with local, state and federal partners and had resources ready to assist communities. "All parts of the state could see impacts from this storm," he said.

The agency advised people not to drive or walk through standing water or around barricades, and to stay away from downed power lines. If a tornado warning is issued, it recommended taking shelter in a storm cellar or basement. If neither is available, people should go to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

More preparedness information is available at gema.georgia.gov/hurricanes and gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia.

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