VALDOSTA – Lowndes County has been placed under a voluntary evacuation order in preparation for Hurricane Irma, Lowndes County Emergency Management Director Ashley Tye.

“If you are concerned with remaining in Lowndes County, you need to consider evacuating,” Tye said. “The primary concern at this point is that people are accustomed to having storm warnings and having the storm fizzle out before it gets to Lowndes County. This is not expected to be the case for Hurricane Irma. Citizens should prepare for winds higher than we’ve ever seen in Lowndes County before.”

At a press conference held at the Emergency Operations Center Saturday afternoon, Tye, alongside city and county officials, explained what is to be expected in the coming days.

Extremely dangerous conditions are expected, he said. Sustained winds of 80 miles per hour with gusts that could exceed 100 mph are projected.

Tropical storm winds are expected to arrive sometime Sunday evening and are expected to last all day Monday and possibly into Tuesday morning.

Potential impacts are considered to be extensive with the possibility of partial roof and wall collapse. Mobile homes could sustain significant damage or possible destruction. Trees and road signs could be uprooted with many primary and secondary roads becoming impassible.

“Expected winds may prevent public-safety responders from immediately responding in the event of an emergency call,” Tye said. “Please know personnel will respond but there could be a delay based on wind speed. First responder safety is just as important as the safety of our citizens.”

There is a possibility that some locations may be uninhabitable for weeks following the storm. Residents should be prepared for power to be out for a week or more.

Peak rainfall amounts are estimated to be six to 10 inches with more possible where the highest bands are set up, Tye said.

“Hurricane Irma is primarily forecast to be a wind event,” Tye said. “However we cannot rule out flooding and the weather is favorable for tornadoes.”

Residents living in mobile homes are asked to seek more adequate shelter and Tye said no one should remain in a recreational vehicle.

Shelters currently open include CrossPointe Church, 4100 North Valdosta Road, which doesn’t allow pets. Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 100 E. Park Ave., is also open with some available pet space.

More shelters will be opened as needed and as space becomes available, Tye said.

It is asked that no one attempt to travel until all severe weather has passed through the area.

“As the eye of the storm passes near our area, we will get a ‘calm before the storm’ as they say,” Tye said. “I want people to realize that just because the weather calms down briefly, there is more behind that. We don’t want people to get lulled into a false sense of security and go out and get caught in dangerous conditions.”

In the event of an emergency, downed power lines, or debris in a roadway, dial 911. Do not call 911 for weather updates, traffic information, or to ask if the storm has passed.