VALDOSTA — Lowndes County could start feeling high winds from Hurricane Irma as soon as Sunday evening, according to the county clerk.

During an afternoon briefing Thursday, the National Weather Service said Lowndes County may begin experiencing the effects of Hurricane Irma during afternoon/evening hours Sunday, with the storm moving on sometime late Monday or early Tuesday, said Paige Dukes, Lowndes County clerk and public information officer.

Current models indicate wind gusts between 40-50 miles per hour, with a possibility of sustained winds as high as 40 mph, she said. Worst-case scenarios indicate wind speeds as high as 50 mph sustained, Dukes said.

At this speed, winds have the potential to lift objects such as patio furniture, topple trees, break tree limbs, and damage roofs. Minor damage to mobile homes can also occur.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, no shelters had been activated in Lowndes County; however, shelter locations have been identified and will be activated as needed, Dukes said.

Since the path and strength of Irma is still somewhat unpredictable, evacuees are not being encouraged to seek shelter in Lowndes County at this time, she said.

People should make plans in advance to avoid travel, Dukes said. If Lowndes County remains on the west side of the storm, the potential for rain will remain. Rain from hurricanes will move through the area intermittently; there will be a period of rain which will end for a time until the next band of rain arrives, she said.

Do not under any circumstances drive across flooded roads, streets, or bridges, Dukes said.

Lowndes County Emergency Management will continue to update media outlets throughout this event. In the event of an emergency, downed power lines, or debris in a roadway, dial 911.

The public should not call 911 for weather updates, traffic information or to ask if the storm has passed, Dukes said. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Lowndes County’s free emergency notification system, CodeRed, by visiting www.lowndescounty.com, and clicking on the storm icon.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.