Columbus in ‘high risk’ zone for tornadoes, severe weather on Sunday night
This story has been updated to reflect the Storm Prediction Center’s 4 p.m. EST update.
Columbus once again faces a high risk of severe weather and tornadoes late Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Columbus is in the “high risk” zone for tornadoes, and the “very high” risk zone for damaging winds late Sunday into the night. The risk of a strong (EF-2), longer-track tornado exists south of I-20, which includes LaGrange, Columbus and Macon, as well as most of south Georgia.
In addition to tornadoes, hail and heavy rain, there is a high to very high risk for widespread damaging winds across much of middle Georgia, throughout the night. Localized gusts of greater than 75 miles per hour are possible in Columbus.
The core threat now appears to be in the overnight hours as cooler air spread over the Chattahoochee Valley Sunday afternoon, WTLZ meteorologist Dana Barker said.
A second round of potentially severe storms is expected late Sunday night and into Monday morning, WRBL meteorologist Nicole Phillips reports.
Residents should start formulating a plan of action now in case severe weather strikes. That includes ensuring they have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts (through a cellphone app, a radio or other form of media) and having adequate shelter.
Those in mobile homes should seek shelter in an alternate location if possible.
If residents need to enter a more secure structure during the storm, they should follow coronavirus precautions like wearing a mask and keeping six feet away from others at all times. The safest place to hide during a storm is on a low level away from windows and doors.
HOW TO PREPARE
Georgia Power is reminding customers to be aware of social distancing guidelines as workers make their way through communities to repair any storm damage. This includes:
- Keeping six feet between you and utility crews at all times
- No treats or special gifts for workers. April is lineworker appreciation month, according to Georgia Power, and customers can show appreciation on social media by using the hashtag “ThankALineman.”
- Don’t touch trucks or equipment
Additionally, Georgia Power reminds residents to check their emergency kits, charge cell phones in case of loss of power and take shelter in a sturdy building away from windows and doors.
After a storm, never touch downed or low-hanging wires and do not pull tree limbs off of power lines.
Customers can find outage alerts and maps by visiting www.georgiapower.com/storm or on the Georgia Power mobile app.
Chattahoochee Valley residents can use the United Way 211 service to find shelters and other storm-related resources.
This story was originally published April 19, 2020 at 3:07 PM.
