Forsyth prepares for heavy rain, wind and possible tornadoes from Isaias

Forsyth County officials are preparing for heavy rain, strong wind gusts and possible tornadoes from Hurricane Isaias, with potential local impacts particularly overnight Friday through Sunday morning.

Russell Brown, the county’s communications director, told North Atlanta Star that preparations are based on a National Weather Service briefing county officials attended at 1 p.m. Thursday. The storm’s strength and track remain uncertain, he said.

The National Hurricane Center expects Isaias to approach the northern Gulf Coast Friday night. nhc.noaa.gov

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In Forsyth, officials are preparing for fallen trees, downed power lines, possible flash flooding and tornadoes over a two- to three-day period. Brown identified the Big Creek and Etowah River areas as among the county’s recurring flooding concerns.

Preparations have been underway this week across Emergency Management, 911, the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department and other county departments. Fleet Services, Public Facilities, Parks & Recreation and Senior Services are also involved in planning ahead of a possible Emergency Operations Center activation.

Brown said those meetings help county offices and partners work from the same forecasts and coordinate their response before conditions deteriorate.

Even when a storm appears likely to pass well west of the county, its track can shift, he said, pointing to the county’s experience with Hurricane Helene.

No shelters are planned as of Thursday’s update, Brown said.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Forsyth or check their existing account settings to receive emergency updates by phone and email. County alerts and closure information will also be posted on the Forsyth County website, county Facebook and X accounts, and Emergency Management’s Facebook page.