Inclement Weather

State of Georgia Hurricane Isaias Update (October 9, 2026)

Overview & State of Emergency

State of Emergency & SOC Activation: Governor Brian P. Kemp issued an updated State of Emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia in preparation for Hurricane Isaias. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) activated the State Operations Center (SOC) beginning early Friday afternoon.

Expected Storm Conditions & Timeline

Landfall & Timing: Hurricane Isaias is forecast to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on Friday evening near Gulf Shores or Pensacola. Main storm impacts across Georgia are expected Friday night through early Sunday morning.
Wind Hazards: Sustained winds of 20–30 mph with gusts of 40–50+ mph are expected across Watch and Warning areas, with higher peak gusts in Southwest Georgia and North Georgia mountains. Downed trees and power lines may cause prolonged power outages and difficult travel.
Severe Weather & Flooding: High wind shear promotes a threat of tornadoes overnight Friday through Saturday. Heavy rainfall in Southwest Georgia may cause isolated flash flooding.

GCA Attendance & Academic Policy

Safety First: The safety of our students and families is our top priority.
No Penalty: Students missing live classes due to power/internet outages or evacuations will not be penalized and will receive time to complete missed coursework.
Reporting: Please notify your Attendance Specialist or Family Engagement Liaison (FEL) regarding any storm-related impacts when safe to do so.

Hurricane Preparedness

Ready Kit: Create a Ready kit and prepare a portable kit in case you have to evacuate.
Family Communications Plan: Make a family communications plan.
Weather Alerts: Keep multiple methods to receive weather alerts and turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) in phone settings.
Secure Your Home:
- Cover windows with hurricane shutters or 5/8" exterior grade/marine pre-cut plywood (tape does not prevent glass breaking).
- Bring inside outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and unanchored objects.
- Keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed to make them more wind resistant.
Vehicle Prep: Fill gas tanks in case evacuation is needed.
Pet Care: Plan ahead for pets; public shelters cannot accept pets due to health regulations, so make arrangements in advance with pet-friendly hotels or family/friends.
Flood & Tornado Safety:
- Do not drive or walk through standing water or around barricades. Stay away from downed power lines. Exit vehicles immediately if trapped in rising water.
- Take shelter underground or in an interior room during tornado warnings. Move to higher ground if flood/flash flood warnings are issued.

Helpful Links

Inclement Weather COnditions During the school Year

Throughout the school year, there may be times when you experience extreme weather conditions where you live in the state of Georgia. In the event you experience inclement weather conditions, if your internet service fails, if you lose power, or if you need to evacuate for safety; we want to reassure you that we understand. When these events occur, we monitor weather conditions, power outages, and internet provider connection failures throughout the state.

Students will not be held responsible for the live class sessions that they miss due to circumstances beyond their control and will be given an opportunity to catch up on any missed assignments.

Please follow these steps:

If your student is unable to attend their live class sessions due to power outages, internet failure, or the need to evacuate for safety, please contact your Attendance Specialist to report the situation at your earliest opportunity. We completely understand that you may be unable to contact us immediately. Remember that your and your family’s safety comes first. If you are unsure who your Attendance Specialist is, please contact your FEL.
Print out or write down your Family Engagement Liaison’s (FEL) name and phone number. If electronic devices fail, then you will have your FEL’s number on hand.
Family Engagement Liaison Directory
Attendance Specialist Directory
All Faculty Directory