VALDOSTA — Lowndes County Emergency Management continues to track the path and development of Hurricane Irma, according to a report Wednesday from county officials.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Irma is forecast to impact the southern tip of the Florida Peninsula by this weekend. Depending upon the path, Lowndes County could still experience the effects of Irma by the middle of next week.

“While this morning’s forecast is more positive than yesterday, it is important for citizens to continue to prepare,” according to a statement from the County Clerk’s Office. “Storm paths typically shift several times as events progress. In the event of Irma, it is too early to determine what the exact impact on Lowndes County will be.”

A continued shift to the east will ensure Lowndes County’s location on the west side of the storm. While this does provide some relief from wind, it could bring more rain. Since local soil is already saturated, rain with wind may still result in downed trees and power lines.

The forecast path for Irma does not lend itself to Lowndes County being a favorable location for evacuees to seek shelter which could change if the path of the storm moves out of our area, according to the county.

Currently, people involved in local sheltering activities are preparing in the event it becomes necessary to open shelters. If shelters are opened, Lowndes County Emergency Management will maintain a list of available shelter locations.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available, according to the county statement.