Although experts at the National Weather Service are still tracking Hurricane Irma, the storm has currently changed course again a little further west.

For North Georgia, this could mean the Irma stays stronger longer, affecting our counties even more. In preparation, FYN has received confirmation from Judge Brenda Weaver that Superior and Juvenile Courts have been cancelled for Gilmer, Pickens, and Fannin counties.

This comes in addition to school closure in Gilmer County for tomorrow, September 11. People are flocking to social media requesting and offering shelter to those in need including both people and animals. One post even offered an acre of land for anyone needing a spot for horses.

Further effects on the county have already been seen as restaurants are overfull and hotels are overbooked. However, Gilmer could see its own problems as Public Safety Director Tony Pritchett tells FYN that we are not just preparing for flash floods, but increasing wind speeds and high gusts bring threats of downed trees, road blockages, and power loss throughout the county.

Pritchett suggested previously with FYN that citizens prepare themselves to be without power for 48 to 72 hours in case such a situation arises.

The National Weather Service is also warning citizens that the hurricane could spawn further problems with small tornadoes touching down for small periods in certain locations.

FYN’s understanding suggests that counties in northern Georgia could see up to seven inches of rain in the next few days. Stay with FYN as Emergency Services wait to see if shelters need to be opened and further closures are announced and check out more information on the Gilmer’s preparations for the storms with “Gilmer Prepares for Irma Fallout.”