Dade County EMA Opens Community Storm Shelter Ahead of Severe Weather

The Dade County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has opened the community storm shelter this afternoon as severe weather is expected to move through the area later tonight.

EMA officials say the shelter are  open and will remain available to the public throughout the night until Thursday morning.

The move comes as forecasters warn of a line of storms that could impact the county during the evening and overnight hours.

Storm Timing

Preliminary forecasts indicate the storms could move through Dade County between 6:00 PM and midnight tonight.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of northwest Georgia under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather.

Storms moving through the region may be capable of producing:

• Damaging wind gusts

• Brief spin-up tornadoes embedded within the line of storms, mainly in western Georgia

• Hail

Shelter Information

Residents who plan to use the shelter are reminded to bring necessary supplies, including:

• Food

• Water

• Medications

• Any items needed if they must remain for several hours

Officials say the shelter is monitored by cameras for safety.

Stay Weather Aware

Because storms are expected to move through during the evening and overnight hours, officials encourage residents to remain alert.

Residents should:

• Charge their phones

• Have a flashlight ready

• Monitor local weather stations

• Follow updates from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City

Anyone with questions about the storm shelter can contact the Dade County non-emergency number at 706-657-4111.

Officials stress that residents should not let nighttime severe weather catch them off guard and should have a safety plan in place.