Lowndes County Emergency Management issued a statement at 7:15 a.m.:

 

Wind speeds continue to increase across Lowndes County. Call volumes are steadily increasing. Public safety personnel are still responding and successfully managing all calls. 

The wind forecast for this afternoon remains at 50-70 miles per hour sustained with 80 mph gusts. Currently, winds are sustained at 43 mph with 60 mph gusts.

Utility personnel are unable to respond at the current wind speed. Further, wind speeds could sustain at level that will require a delay in response from public safety until wind conditions improve. 

There are more than 8,000 utility customers across Lowndes County without power as of 6 a.m. today.

Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off roads. Sunrise was at 7:15 a.m. Daylight hours are not an opportunity for residents to explore the community to survey damage.

Conditions are forecast to continue to decline. Winds sustained at approximately 60 mph can move a vehicle off the road. Further, there are likely numerous downed power lines that may have not been reported. Driving into these lines could result in serious injury or loss of life. 

The National Weather Service has also expressed a concern with regards to flash floods as rainfall is expected to be significant. No one should attempt to cross a flooded road, street, or bridge.

No injuries have been reported. Damage to property is still listed as minor; this could change as wind speed continues to increase.