The National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina has issued a tornado watch for several regions in Georgia and South Carolina, including Statesboro and Bulloch County. This watch is effective until 1:00 PM EST on Sunday afternoon, December 29, 2024.
Counties included in this tornado watch are:
**Georgia:** Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Screven, Tattnall
**South Carolina:** Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper
Major cities affected include Statesboro, Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Charleston, North Charleston, and Summerville, among others.
**Preparedness Tips During a Tornado Watch**
Residents should remain vigilant and stay updated on weather reports from the National Weather Service and local news media. It’s also essential to heed any warnings issued, as a tornado warning indicates the presence of a tornado that could pose an immediate threat to safety.
To ensure safety during potential tornado activity, it’s advisable to have a well-thought-out plan for where to go if a tornado warning is issued. The safest locations are usually basements or interior rooms on the lowest floors of sturdy buildings. Additionally, assembling an emergency kit is crucial; this kit should contain essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
The City of Statesboro and Bulloch County have partnered to use the CodeRED system, a high-speed emergency notification service by OnSolve. This tool has proven instrumental in various public safety efforts across the country, including locating missing children and issuing timely evacuations.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and prepared for the possibility of severe weather. Keeping tuned in to NOAA Weather Radio, Grice Connect, local TV, or news sources for updates from the National Weather Service is highly recommended.
Authorities will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide timely updates, urging everyone to prioritize safety throughout this watch period.
This tornado watch serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community resilience. By staying informed and ready to act, residents can navigate severe weather with greater safety and confidence.